“This post is part of my 3-part series: What Does the Bible Say About Anxiety, Fear, and Depression? Read Part 1 on Anxiety, Part 2 on Fear, and Part 3 on Depression.”
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT ANXIETY?
In today’s culture, it’s easy to become fearful and find ourselves in an anxious mind-set. Whether it’s a news report, or a family matter, or any number of things- as a human, we have thoughts and feelings that can run away from us if we don’t guard our hearts.
Our minds can go from 0-60 with imagined outcomes and a long list of “what if’s”. When this happens it’s important for us to handle our thoughts and emotions from a Biblical perspective.
To be clear, I’m talking about anxious thoughts and our tendency to spiral downward emotionally and mentally.
I’m not discussing anxiety that comes from the effects of abuse, or a chemical imbalance, or anything that requires professional attention. If this is you, I encourage you to seek help.
The point I want to make is that the Bible talks about anxiety and what we can do to guard against it as well as to overcome it.
OUR THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS ARE REAL, BUT NOT ALWAYS THE TRUTH
Has anyone ever told you any form of the following statements?
- Just try not to worry
- You shouldn’t feel that way
- Just let it go
Personally, when I’m trying to work out my thoughts and emotions those answers are not helpful at all.
Anxiety is an emotional response to worry and fear. The symptoms of anxiety can be one or more of the following*:
- Feeling nervous
- Ruminating over negative thoughts
- Self-doubt
- Increased heart rate, sweating
- Difficult concentrating
- Isolating from loved ones or events
Anxiety can be the result of unchecked worry. By allowing our minds to review and repeat negative or fearful worst case scenarios.
Fear and worry are feelings that can lead to anxiousness. These are real emotional and physical responses.
However, they may not be telling us the truth.
THE HEART & MIND CONNECTION
Here’s the good news: There is help and hope when our minds and emotions feel overwhelmed by fear, depression, and anxiety.
They key to the heart/mind connection is learning how to abide in the Word of God.
The Bible often refers to the heart as the seat of emotions and intertwined with the mind. Our emotions can affect our thoughts. Also, our thoughts can affect our emotions.
7 SCRIPTURES FOR CLAMING AN ANXIOUS HEART**
Philippians 4:6-7
Be anxious for nothing, 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 comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
1 Peter 5:7 1
casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.
Psalm 94:19
When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.
Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Psalm 23:4
Even though I walk through the darkest valley,I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort
Psalm 46:1-2
God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea;
💙You might also like What Does it Mean to Abide in Christ?
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS TO CONSIDER:
In Mark 6:45-56, the disciples were straining the oars of their boat against the wind that was driving against them. Jesus had told them to go to the other side of the Sea of Galilee and He would meet therm there.
When Jesus comes out to meet them, walking on the water, their superstitious fears rose up mightier than the wind and waves.
Their fear was about to overtake them when Jesus called out to them “It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
Notice what He didn’t say to then regarding their fears?
- Just try not to worry
- You shouldn’t feel anxious
- Just let it go
He knew they were afraid, but His announcement was that He was with them in their moment of fear.
Before He got intot the boat and the sea calmed down, Peter, an outspoken disciple, challenged this “spirit”. If it was Jesus, he would know the difference.
Jesus called to Peter and Peter got out of the boat and took a steps on the water.
Peter sank when he took his eyes off of Jesus and began to look around at his circumstances. But Jesus was right there to lift Peter up from his fear and doubt.
Jesus got into the boat with them after Peter audaciously walked on water with Jesus for a few steps.
When Jesus got into the boat with them, He calmed the wind and waves with three words, “peace, be still.”
Just like that- there was calm on the sea and the the disciples were left in awe of His presence and power.
FEAR MAY CAUSE YOU TO FALL, BUT JESUS IS NEAR
My friend, we all face fear, worry, and times when our negative thoughts will want to run wild. When this happens, it can be easy to doubt our salvation and trust in the Lord.
💙 You might also like Rooted and Established: Three Steps to Spiritual Growth.
But the good news is this: when we come against lif’s moments that lead us to anxiousness, we can LOOK UP!
Put into practice- make these steps a habit now, so that when-not if- your storm of worry comes, you will know God’s peace.
- Rejoice
- Remember the Lord is near
- Pray about everything that concerns you- don’t hold back
- Thank God for His peace and presence and the answer to your need.
- Think about things that are excellent and praiseworthy- renew your mind!
God’s peace is unlike any other. Why? Because He is the God of all Peace.
The presence and power of Jesus is yous to believe and claim today. No matter your circumstance, no matter what is causing you to feel fearful or worried or anxious.
He is with you. Let Him be your peace in the middle of it.
If anxiety often brings fear with it, you’ll want to read Part 2 of this series next: What Does the Bible Say About Fear? How to Stand Firm in God’s Promises.
Let’s keep learning how faith overcomes fear.
PS: YOUR COMMENTS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME!
*For more information on anxiety, it’s symptoms and causes, visit TheMayoClinic.org
** Scripture taken from the NASB. See BibleStudyTools.com
