S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

The Bible has a lot to say about anxiety, but the word itself may not be found all that often. In the English Standard Version, it is used 8 times. In the New International Version, it is found 7 times. The King James Version does not use the word at all. Synonyms like trouble, heaviness, distress, and cares are used in its place.

 The specific causes of anxiety are probably more than can be enumerated, but a few examples from the Bible point to some general causes. In Genesis 32, Jacob is returning home after many years away. One of the reasons he had left home was to escape the anger of his brother, Esau, from whom Jacob had stolen the birthright and blessing from their father. Now, as Jacob nears his homeland, he hears that Esau is coming to meet him with 400 men. Jacob is immediately anxious, expecting a horrible battle with his brother. In this case, the anxiety is caused by a broken relationship and a guilty conscience.

 In 1 Samuel 1, Hannah is distressed because she was unable to conceive children and she was being taunted by Peninnah, her husband's other wife. Her distress is caused by unfulfilled desires and the harassment of a rival.

 In Esther 4, the Jewish people are anxious because of a royal decree allowing them to be massacred. Queen Esther is anxious because she was planning to risk her life on behalf of her people. Fear of death and the unknown is a key element of anxiety.

 Not all anxiety is sinful. In 1 Corinthians 7:32, Paul states that an unmarried man is "anxious" about pleasing the Lord, while a married man is "anxious" about pleasing his wife (ESV). In this case, the anxiety isn't a sinful fear but a deep, proper concern.

 Probably the best-known passage on anxiety comes from the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 6. Our Lord warns us against being anxious about the various cares of this life. For the child of God, even necessities like food and clothing are nothing to worry about. Using examples from God's creation, Jesus teaches that our Heavenly Father knows our needs and cares about them. If God takes care of simple things like grass, flowers, and birds, won't He also care for people who are created in His image? Rather than worry over things we cannot control, we should 'seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things [the necessities of life] will be added to you' (verse 33). Putting God first is a cure for anxiety.

 Many times, anxiety or concern is a result of sin, and the cure is to deal with the sin. Psalm 32:1-5 says that the person whose sin is forgiven is blessed, and the heavy weight of guilt is taken away when sins are confessed. Is a broken relationship creating anxiety? Try to make peace (2 Corinthians 13:11). Is fear of the unknown leading to anxiety? Turn the situation over to the God who knows everything and is in control of it all (Psalm 68:20). Are overwhelming circumstances causing anxiety? Have faith in God. When the disciples became distressed in a storm, Jesus first rebuked their lack of faith, then rebuked the wind and the waves (Matthew 8:23-27). As long as we are with Jesus, there is nothing to fear.

 We can count on the Lord to provide for our needs, protect us from evil, guide us, and keep our souls secure for eternity. We may not be able to prevent anxious thoughts from entering our minds, but we can practice the right response. Philippians 4:6, 7 instructs us to 'not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.'



See http://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-anxiety.html

June 18 2013 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

Michael Tinsley Retired Army veteran. Love my Bible (Jesus) and fishing.

Robert Garcia,

When you come to understand that our entire life is in Jesus and He in us, Galatians 2:20, and we can do nothing apart from Him, John 15:5, '"I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing."', then you are able to turn control of your life completely over to Him and let Him live His life through you with His Holy Spirit continuing to teach you about God's more than abundant grace and leading you into all truth, 'John 16:13, '"But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.'''

When you are no longer responsible for 'running' your life on your own you can turn all your troubles, concerns, hopes, and wishes over to Him and ask Him to give you His joy and peace, ''Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. ", and with that peace and joy you will have a Christ-like perspective on life because you know that Jesus' loving arms are holding you every second of every day and there is absolutely nothing to worry about because He had your life planned before you were even born, Ephesians 2:10, ''For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

When you learn to relax and just 'be' in Him, He will teach you of His mercy, grace,and love through His Holy Spirit, guide you in studying your Bible and in prayer, and get you prepared for the 'doing' in Ephesians 2:10, and you will see how much He truly loves you which teaches you how to love others the way He does.

December 16 2016 • 4 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Chris Eleam Chris Eleam

Having the joy of Jehovah, we possess God-given freedom from overwhelming anxiety. “Do not be anxious over anything,” said Paul, “but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving let your petitions be made known to God; and the peace of God that excels all thought will guard your hearts and your mental powers by means of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6, 7) The peace of God is an incomparable calmness even in the most trying circumstances. With it our hearts remain calm—something good for us spiritually, emotionally, and physically. (Proverbs 14:30) It also helps us to maintain mental balance, for we know that nothing God allows can do us lasting harm. (Matthew 10:28) This peace resulting from a close relationship with God through Christ is ours because we are dedicated to Jehovah and submit to the guidance of his spirit, which produces such fruits as joy and peace.

June 18 2013 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

Elaine Merrill

For me, anxious thoughts is me trying to do what only God would and could do better,  it means I am not letting go and trusting in God.  I have at times reacted in a "tantrum" display and then get stopped in that episode by a small voice " I, God, am here for you, you are not alone."  Which immediately humbles me and I then am at a broken place to listen to instruction, usually from a person that knows exactly what I am going through, and God is not afraid to use anyone, family or friends and even complete strangers!!!  If I still don't get it, and I am still anxious, writing down that moment, as is, putting this in place, I leave it alone.  This seems to take the need to react away from me, and gives me a chance to act better towards others.  With a sponsor, an accountability partner, I read over what I have written and I ask this person to help me see where I need to improve myself and where I can learn if I am seeing things clearly, if I am honest this goes well.  If I try to hold back nothing will work, and I get into a longer bad attitude and it infects my work, my family and every aspect of my life.  Praying alleviates the anxiety, walking and or doing a project exerting physical energy goes in a positive direction instead of hiding in my covers and having depressing thoughts cloud over me.   God brings me to a place of knowing where I am, I cannot hide from Him, knowing what I need, I stop controlling what I think I need, and showing me grace and forgiveness, compassion for people in my life and allowing His peace to penetrate my heart and accept His love.  God will make a way where there seems to be no way.
Thank God for God.  From Laney Elko, Nv.

July 03 2013 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report