What Does the Bible Say About Anxiety? - Anxiety

Anxiety has two faces. One is a liability; the other, an asset.  The Bible helps us to recognize both kinds.

THE REALITY

Anxiety involves feelings of uneasiness, nervousness, or worry. Because we live in an uncertain world, bouts of anxiety can overtake us.

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS 

King David wrote: "How long will I have anxious concern, with grief in my heart each day?" (Psalm 13:2)  What helped David to cope?  He poured out his heart to God in prayer, trusting in God's loyal love. (Psalm 13:5; 63:8) In fact,  God invites us to unburden ourselves to him.  "Throw out all your anxiety on [God], because he cares for you," says 1 Peter 5:7. 

Often, though, we can can allay anxieties by addressing them in a practical way. For example, when the Bible writer Paul felt "anxiety for all the congregations," he worked hard  to comfort and encourage those for whom he was concerned.  (2 Corinthians 11:28) In that respect, his anxiety proved to be an asset, for it moved  him to extend needed help.  The same can be true of us. The opposite attitude -apathy or indifference-would indicate a lack of loving concern. Proverbs 17:17.

How Can You Deal With Undue Anxiety?

THE REALITY

People may be anxious about past misdeeds, the future, or finances.

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS

Concern about past misdeeds: Before becoming Christians, some people in the first century were drunkards, extortioners, sexually immoral, and thieves.  ( 1 Corinthians 6:9-11) Rather than dwell on their past, they changed their ways and trusted in God's great mercy, which he extends willingly.  "With you [God] there is true forgiveness, so that you may be held in awe," says Psalm 130:4.

Uncertainty about tomorrow:  "Never be anxious about the next day," says Jesus Christ,  "for the next day will have its own anxieties." (Matthew 6:25, 34)  His point? Address today's concerns.  Do not compound them by bringing tomorrow's forward, which can cloud judgment and lead to rash decisions. Also keep in mind that man anxieties may later prove to be unwarranted.  

Money worries:   A wise man once prayed:  "Give me neither poverty nor riches." (Proverbs 30:8) Instead, he sought contentment-a feeling that merits God's approval.  At Hebrews 13:5, we read:  "Let your way of life be free of the love of money, while you are content with the present things.   For  [God] has said:  'I will never leave you, and I will never abandon you.'" Unlike money, which can-and does-fail, God never fails those who trust in him and lead a simple life. 

Next time: What Does the Bible Say About Anxiety? 

From the Awake! magazine