Biblical Answer

The Biblical Response to Anxiety

Biblical figures dealt with anxiety in a variety of ways, but ultimately, they found comfort and peace in trusting in God's sovereignty and provision. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught his disciples to not worry about their physical needs, saying, "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?" (Matthew 6:25, NIV). Jesus' focus was on the mental attitude rather than the physical activity, encouraging his followers to trust in God's provision.

In the Old Testament, the Israelites were often anxious about their physical needs, particularly when food was scarce. However, God provided for them in remarkable ways, demonstrating his trustworthiness and provision. For example, when the Israelites were in the desert, God provided manna for them to eat, saying, "I have heard the groans of the Israelites. I will send them bread from heaven to eat." (Exodus 16:12, NIV). This provision was not just physical, but also spiritual, as it was meant to teach the Israelites to trust in God's sovereignty.

Biblical figures also recognized that anxiety can be a sign of little faith. Jesus taught that anxiety about one's physical needs indicates a lack of trust in God's provision. In Matthew 6:34, Jesus says, "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." This verse encourages believers to focus on the present moment, trusting in God's sovereignty and provision for each day. Ultimately, the biblical response to anxiety is to trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, recognizing that he is always working for our good.