Looking for what the Bible says about anxiety and worry? You're in the right place. This page brings together key Scripture and principles on anxiety and worry from across many different books of the Bible, along with practical commentary and everyday applications that can transform your life. Because this commentary is excerpted from Study and Obey's verse-by-verse book studies, every verse here has already been interpreted in its full context. As you study God's Word on anxiety and worry, we encourage you to reflect on how to apply what God is teaching you. Enjoy!

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Do Not Be Anxious About Anything

Philippians 4:6-7 — "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Do not worry. Wow, that is a difficult one! Since God commands us not to worry, it means that worrying is a sin.

At its heart, worrying demonstrates a lack of faith. It could be a lack of faith in God's ability to take care of your needs, or it could be a lack of faith in His goodness, believing that He wants what is best for you.

Worrying accomplishes nothing. It can cause you to lose sleep, become depressed, perform poorly, grow ulcers, and cause other health and mental problems.

Think about that thought for a minute. The Creator of the universe, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords cares deeply about you as an individual. He showed it through Christ's death on the cross. God is not an impersonal force. He is not a distant observer. He is watching you closely. He has a plan for you. He wants the very best for you, just like a loving parent wants the best for the kid.

The Bible is filled with commands not to do something, and many of those are followed by commands of what to do instead. Instead of worrying, we are to proactively take our concerns to God and ask for His help. Paul says that we are to pray to God "in everything." The attitude reflected here is a lifestyle of prayer. Nothing is too big or too small to pray about.

Application — How can you develop a lifestyle of prayer? What is one way you can practice the principle of praying to God about "everything?" This week, intentionally pray more, not just at meal-times or before sleep or after church. Pray throughout each day. Talk to God about how you are feeling and what you are struggling with.

This peace cannot be understood by those who don't understand God. They only know what they can see and feel, but this peace flows from our faith in God and the knowledge that He is sovereign and a good God who watches over us. This peace protects us. It protects us from rash actions, from complaining, from fear, from anxiety, and from a lack of joy.

Reflect — When is one time you have experienced this profound peace from God?

— From our Bible study on Philippians 4:10-23

Consider the Lilies of the Field

Matthew 6:33 — "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

Again, we are commanded not to worry. At its root, worry is displays a lack of faith in God and a lack of trust in His promises.

God takes care of sparrows (and other animals), and we are more valuable, so of course He will take care of us. Of course, sparrows also do "work" for their food. They don't just sit in their nests and wait for it to fall from the sky. At the same time, they do not worry about the future.

Who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? The answer is no one. Worry is not productive. It zaps joy. It ruins our sleep. It causes us to be cranky. It takes away our focus from the Lord. It is a lack of faith. It can cause physical sickness.

Flowers do not worry about the future. They are not even conscious of it. But yet they are beautiful. They are not forgotten by God. People are more valuable than flowers. God created clothes for Adam and Eve. He will make sure that you have what you need as well. Instead of worrying, let's spend more time thanking God.

There is a condition to God's promise to take care of our needs. He promises to provide for our needs if we serve God first. If we are seeking God's kingdom first, then we will also not be worrying about earthly things. Our mind and heart will be set on the things of God. On our bed at night, we will be meditating on the Lord rather than stressing about our difficulties.

Throughout my lifetime, I have seen that this promise is true. Again and again, God has provided for my family, many times in unexpected ways.

Reflect —How can you avoid falling into the trap of worrying about money? How can you be sure that your heart is in the right place?

Take things one step at a time. Do what you can and should do each day. But don't worry or stress about what is outside of your control. Do not add future potential problems to your list of problems to deal with. Those things may never materialize, so don't worry about them.

— From our Bible study on Matthew 6:24-34

Casting All Your Anxieties on Him

1 Peter 5:7 — "Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you."

Here we are actually commanded to cast our anxiety on Him. The reason given is that He cares for us. Think about that thought for a minute. The Creator of universe, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords cares deeply about us as individuals. He showed it through Christ's death on the cross. God is not an impersonal force. He is not a distant observer. He is watching us closely. He has plans for us. He wants the very best for us, just like a loving parent wants the best for their children. But even the best earthly parents may not always know what is best for their children. Even if they do, they may not have the power to bring it about. But God knows what is best for us and He can make it happen. What a friend we have in Jesus!

We know this truth, but the challenge comes in doing as Scripture commands. Do you obey this admonition every time? Unfortunately, I don't either. Some people worry more than others, but we all worry from time to time. Is this sin?

Application — What are some areas that tempt you to worry? What should you do when you begin to worry about them? What are some things we can do to stop worrying in situations like this?

— From our Bible study on 1 Peter 5:6-13

Supernatural Peace

John 14:27 — "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."

Here is another great promise of comfort from Jesus. Though He was leaving they didn't need to fear or be troubled. They could have peace. What is the difference between the peace that Jesus gives and the peace that the world gives?

He doesn't necessarily take away all conflict, but He gives us peace in the midst of conflict. The believer will face some troubles and problems, but unlike those in the world we can face them with peace in our hearts knowing that God is in control and has good plans for us. This is the peace that lets believers about to be martyred by being torched or eaten by lions sing songs of praise to God and pray for their murderers.

Though Jesus left, He comforts us with many promises, including a promise to give us peace. Let us claim these promises for our own and experience them in our own lives.

— From our Bible study on John 14:8-31

When I Am Afraid, I Put My Trust in You

Habakkuk 3:16 — "I hear, and my body trembles; my lips quiver at the sound; rottenness enters into my bones; my legs tremble beneath me. Yet I will quietly wait for the day of trouble to come upon people who invade us."

Habakkuk has heard some very frightening news from the Lord. His country and people are going to face terrible trials. Verse 16 shows us a glimpse of his emotions. The things he heard were scary. Lots of pain and judgment were on the way. Things would get much worse before they got better. It is only natural to feel overwhelmed and even frightened.

However, Psalm 56:3 says, "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you." Having emotions, even fear, is a normal reaction. But then what will you do with those emotions? Will you allow the emotions to overcome you? Will you be swept away by them?

Habakkuk made a decision to wait patiently for what God was going to do. In Habakkuk, we can see an important relationship between emotion and action. He felt one way, distraught. But he took those emotions to God and he decided on a different action. The way forward was not going to be filled with worry and sleepless nights and ulcers. Habakkuk simply rests in and trusts in God. Rather than fret, he would calmly and patiently wait for whatever God had in store.

Application — We should not fret or worry about things we cannot control. All of us face many things which could cause worry and fear if we allow them to overwhelm us. When those emotions first surface in your mind, how will you deal with them? From Habakkuk we learn that we should take them to God and then patiently wait for Him. Allow God to be God. Allow God to carry out His plans and deal with all of the things that are too big and difficult for us. Instead, make up your mind not to worry about those things which you can't control.

— From our Bible study on Habakkuk 3:16-19

Where Do You Place Your Trust?

Psalm 16:1 — "Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge."

David was a fugitive for many years. And he also fought in many wars. He was a battle hardened military tactician. As such, David surely had a sharp eye for identifying natural fortifications and hiding places. In one case, he hid from Saul in a cave. In another, he made his way through and around mountains. But he realizes that none of these things could ultimately provide him protection and security. It wasn't his sword, his wit, his military capabilities, or any earthly refuge which could preserve his life. It was only God.

In today's world, people trust in many other things. Bank accounts, IRAs, brokerage accounts, and insurance are where most people turn to for security. These things give them peace of mind so that they can live a carefree life. But they only can give peace of mind until they don't. Money saved over a life time can go up in smoke in a moment. The 2008 financial crisis and the 2000 dot com bubble are both examples of this. Tens of millions of people across the world who were flying high, suddenly lost everything (or at least a big chunk). No longer could they enjoy the retirement they hoped for. Some had to go back to work again. Worry and stress hit sky high levels.

Believers were not immune to losing money. But those who trusted in the Lord were still able to sleep at night. If a person trusts in money, he will spend his time and energy working to get money, thinking about money, and talking about money. The one who trusts in God will spend his time and energy building his relationship to God, thinking about God, and talking about God.

Application — Where do you place your trust? Does your sense of security come from something in this world? How can you "take refuge" in God?

— From our Bible study on Psalm 16

Anxious and Alarmed

Daniel 7:15-16 — "As for me, Daniel, my spirit within me was anxious, and the visions of my head alarmed me. I approached one of those who stood there and asked him the truth concerning all this."

Daniel was a person like you and me. He was not immune to worry or fear. The vision alarmed him. It was terrifying. It is not every day that you see a vision of the end of the world!

Notice what Daniel does with his worry. He immediately goes to seek help. Desiring to find out as much as he could about this vision, he asked someone in the know (apparently an angel) for an explanation. When we don't understand why difficult things are happening around us, we should seek help from the Lord.

Application — There will be many times we are confused or anxious. When you have those feelings, go to the source of all wisdom. There is only One who can solve all of your problems.

— From our Bible study on Daniel 7

Fear Not, Stand Firm

Exodus 14:13-14 — "And Moses said to the people, 'Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.'"

As soon as the Israelites realized the Egyptians were pursuing them, their boldness turned into terror. Their fear shows that their faith was very weak. This kind of attitude is pretty typical and is an example of the highs and lows of our faith. Typically, believers will feel high and confident right after a victory. But when the next trial comes along, many will lose faith or begin to worry again.

If they expected big things of God, they wouldn't be worried about the Egyptian army or the warriors in the Promised Land or a shortage of water or a shortage of meat. They would know God's character. They would believe He would supply all of their needs as God inded promises in Philippians 4:19. One practical way to face worry is to consider all of God's answered prayers and work in your life in the past. When you stop to consider how many times God has come through for you, it can give you renewed confidence about the future.

— From our Bible study on Exodus 14

Be Strong and Courageous

Joshua 1:9 — "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

He commanded Joshua "do not fear or be dismayed." The knowledge that God was with them should give them a supernatural boldness. God does not want us to be afraid either. Is there anything that you are sometimes afraid of?

Application — Fear is a normal human response. Maybe you are afraid of the future. Maybe you are afraid of losing your job. Maybe you are afraid of not getting married. Or some people are afraid of getting married. Maybe you are afraid of having children and the responsibility that comes with it. It is normal to feel afraid.

And yet God does not want us to. He wants us to be bold. He wants us to put our faith in Him. We should realize that He controls the future. A neighbor asked me if I felt pressure having four children. I told her that I did not feel pressure because I believed that God would take care of us in the future so I do not need to be worried about it. And this is true. I am not worried about taking care of my family, because I know that God is with me and will provide. Remember the command in 1 Peter 5:7 to cast your worries on Him because He cares for you.

— From our Bible study on Joshua 8

Cast Your Cares on the Lord

Psalm 55:22 — "Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken."

If we have any affliction or trial, we are to take it to God to receive His comfort, wisdom, and help. In short, pray. This doesn't guarantee that the source of the affliction will go away, just as Paul's thorn in the flesh did not go away. So, do not let it weaken your faith if you pray for a difficulty to go away and it doesn't. God doesn't promise to take all afflictions away from us, but He does promise to give us His joy and peace. Nothing in the world (chocolate, entertainment, psychologists, or friends) can fully comfort you.

— From our Bible study on James 5:13-20

Letting Go of Control

Do you like control? I do. I like to have a plan. But brothers and sisters, we are not in control.

Proverbs 16:9 — "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps."

How will you react when those plans are shattered? You must learn to let go. In fact you never had control. Thinking that we have control is an illusion. But you must let go of the illusion that you are in control.

And then you must turn to God and acknowledge that He is in control, that He has a plan, and that it is a good plan. Trusting in God's power and goodness will enable you to stand upon Him, the solid rock in the middle of the storm. He is our refuge. He is our fortress. He is our strength.

I would invite you to come before God in prayer now. In your prayer acknowledge before Him, "I am not in control. I trust in you. Be my refuge." Cast your worries on Him because He cares for you.

— From our Bible study on Exodus 2, A Sermon

Worried About Your Health

Take this as an example. You are counseling a Christian young man who is fit and healthy. Yet he is constantly worried about his health. This worry causes him to buy more and more health-related items, exercise equipment, nutrition drinks, etc. What would you counsel him? I would probably share verses about trusting in God and remind him that his life is not in his hands. God cares for him and has a plan for him. He needs to have faith. He needs to rest in God.

— From our Bible study on Faith Without Works Is Dead

We hope you enjoyed this Bible study on anxiety and worry. May God use His Word to speak into your life and give you strength to follow it. Please take some time to reflect on the questions below and consider leaving a comment with your key takeaway or insight.

Reflection Questions

• How can you develop a lifestyle of prayer? What is one way you can practice the principle of praying to God about "everything"?
• How can you avoid falling into the trap of worrying about money? How can you be sure that your heart is in the right place?
• What are some areas that tempt you to worry? What should you do when you begin to worry about them?
• When is one time you have experienced this profound peace from God?
• We should not fret or worry about things we cannot control. When those emotions first surface in your mind, how will you deal with them?
• Fear is a normal human response. Maybe you are afraid of the future. Maybe you are afraid of losing your job.
• Where do you place your trust? Does your sense of security come from something in this world?
• What would you counsel a person who is constantly worried about their health?
• Come before God in prayer now. In your prayer acknowledge before Him, "I am not in control. I trust in you. Be my refuge."

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