Stop Trying To Impress Everyone
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lords feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, Lord, dont you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!
Martha, Martha, the Lord answered, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are neededor indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.Luke 10:38-42 NIV
Trying to make everyone happy with you is an empty pursuit. Its a great source of anxiety for a lot of people because no matter how great a job you do at any given task, there will most likely be someone whos unhappy with your performance .
The best way to drop this bad habit is by actively trying to win Gods approval. And since we know that we all fall short all the time , we can be confident in the fact that despite our imperfections, we can still have peace before God regardless of how guilty we feel .
The Bible Says Nothing About Depression And Anxiety
In one sense, scripture says nothing about mental illness. At this point, some of you are punching your fist in the air and saying, Yes, I knew it! All those therapeutic namby-pambies are believing a lie!
Not so fast.
The Bible doesnt say anything about mental illness in the same way it doesnt say anything about the Trinity. In other words, youre not going to find the words depression, anxiety, bipolar, or anything else.
But just because those specific terms arent in scripture doesnt mean that scripture is silent on the issue.
In fact, mental illness is everywhere in the Bible.
Stop Pretending Youre Happy When Youre Not
Quartz writer Susanna Cornelius, in her article Being told to feel happy is making us miserable details the destructive effects of trying to abide by the social pressures that make us feel like we need to feel happy, all the time:
Depression rates are higher in countries that place a premium on happiness, says social psychologist Brock Bastian. Rather than being the by-product of a life well-lived, feeling happy has become a goal in itself.
Smiling faces beam at us from social media and happiness gurus flog their latest emotional quick fixes, reinforcing the message that we should aim to maximize our positive emotions and avoid our negative ones.
Susanna Cornelius, Quartz
Happiness as a goal is a fallacy, and is at odds with how the Bible describes the path to calmness and joy. Instead of forcing ourselves to smile, God wants us to be honest with everything going on inside of us the good, bad and the ugly.
Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! 2Yes, what joy for those whose record the LORD has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty!
Psalm 32:1-2
It may feel counterintuitive to us who live in this culture of consumption, but taking the time to identify our sins so we can experience mercy from God is the only true way to lasting happiness. Guilt is an incredible amplifier of anxiety clearing it up will pave the way to joy and de-stressing.
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Why Does Jesus Tell Us Not To Worry
Jesus tells us not to worry. There are 365 times in the Bible where we are told to fear not. Fear of the unknown can cause stress and anxiety. Knowing what is happening or what will happen can cause stress and anxiety, too. Do you wonder where fear comes from? Fear is not from the Lord. Yes, there are times when caution is needed. During those times, we can look to the Father for guidance.
Jesus knows the love His Father has for His children. God loves us so much that He gave His only Son for us .
Scripture is filled with words of wisdom and reminders to not worry. Peace is found in Him. Jesus knew His Father had a plan. When we worry, we are not placing our trust in the Lord. We are relying on ourselves. Yes, there are times when I forget to go to God first. In those stressful times, I dont find peace. When I am worried, stressed, and filled with anxiety, if I go to the Father in prayer and ask for His help, I feel the peace only He can provide.
Scripture tells us not to worry about life, what we will eat or drink, or what we will wear .
Jesus knew how the people lived. Some believed and others did not. Jesus preached the Gospel. He gave many opportunities for people to have a relationship with God.
Jesus followed the will of His Father. Even as Jesus was tortured, hung on the cross, and left to die, He knew the love of God.
When we give our worries to Him, we can have peace.
Being Anxious Is Easy
The first part of this verse is easy. It tells us to be anxious. And for me, being anxious is really easy. I dont have to try to be anxious, I can do it naturally. Being anxious is almost like second nature to me. You might have more homework than you have time to do, or you can see all the bad things going on in the world and it can become so easy to be anxious. You might even feel like you have a really good reason to be anxious.
Even if we feel like were justified in being anxious, this Bible verse tells us to be anxious for nothing. How is that even possible? With all the stress in our lives, with all the craziness going on in the world, how can we live our lives not being anxious?
Also Check: How To Manage Stress During Pregnancy
Bible Verses On Anxiety & Stress
Instead of one motivational mantra today to get you geared up for the week ahead, I figured something even better was in order: a whole slue of em.
And better yet? A slue of em from the best book around: 19 Verses on Anxiety and Stress.
Its been trial-and-error in my own journey to overcome anxiety with what works and whatsnot so effective. The one thing that remains actually *helpful* time and time again is turning to God and surrendering my worries, fears, and stresses to Him. Seriously, it works. So I wanted to share a whole lot of scripture that I would get tattooed all over my body if I could still sustain a job.
Psalm 34:17 // When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears, and rescues them from all their troubles.
John 16:33 // I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
Psalm 46:10 // Be still and know that I am God.
Psalm 32:8 // The Lord says, I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.
Isaiah 58:11 // The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring.
Matthew 6:27 // And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?
Psalm 56:3 // When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
Psalm 46:1 // God is our refuge and strength, and ever-present help in trouble.
Bible Verses To Calm Anxiety
Whether youre worried, stressed, or have been diagnosed with anxiety, God provided words of comfort within the pages of the Bible. His words are like a warm blanket on a cold winter day. It provides peace and healing. Here are six of my favorite scriptures. Otherwise, you can visit iBelieve for 20 Psalms to Calm Anxiety.
Jeremiah 29:11: For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
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 27:1: The Lord is my light and my salvationwhom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my lifeof whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 55:22: Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you he will never let the righteous fall.
Deuteronomy 31:6: Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you he will never leave you nor forsake you.
Isaiah 41:13-14: ‘For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear I will help you. Do not be afraid, for I myself will help you, declares the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.
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How Do I Give My Anxiety To God
Through prayer. Talk to Him as you would a friend. Ask Him to help you, to give you strength, to calm your fears. For more on prayer read: How to Pray
Seek Him. If you want to hear from God, reading the Bible is how He talks to us. When you open his word your eyes will also be opened to the reality of his presence beside you. And if you search for him with all you heart and soul, you will find him. . Here is one girls journey to giving her anxiety to God: How to Cling to God in the Midst of Anxiety and Worrying. If you are wondering how to start reading the Bible this could help: How to Read the Bible
Trust and Believe. You must believe in His promises. If you dont believe in God, how can you expect to feel His peace. BUT if you believe then you trust that God is who He says He is and will do what He says He will do, and that will provide tremendous peace. This peace will come from knowing that you can rest in the hands of a good and loving God. Where is God in the Midst of Tragedy and Suffering
Help For Christian Burnout
Feelings of worry and stress are common for everyone. However, it can be tough for Christians if we think it is unspiritual or it may ruin our witness. Christians have a tendency to ignore our anxiety instead of facing it with Gods help.
Pastor burnout statistics show that 90% of pastors are frequently fatigued or worn out on a weekly or even a daily basis and 71% constantly fight depression . Pastor depression and burnout is indicative of a greater Christian problem, because if our spiritual leaders dont know how to find peace, what hope do we have?
I have created a book and online course to help caregivers maintain their motivation in giving to others. This material will be an excellent help for pastors and other Christians, who are often giving of themselves for the sake of others. The study will look into the lives of Abraham, David, Paul, Elijah, and many of Bible stories to find help to overcome anxiety and stress. The study is called, The Academy of Powerful Caregivers.
Also Check: What Illnesses Does Stress Cause
Find Community To Encourage You
The verses above encourage prayer, taking all your worries and cares to God. Quite honestly, sometimes when youre anxious, you may find it hard to quiet your mind enough to pray. It is good always to go to God first, but if that is hard, find loving, encouraging people willing to listen people who will see a bigger, better picture than you in your state of anxiety.
Let them help you with their hope, suggestions, kindness, and their prayers. That human support can definitely ease anxiety.
What Does The Bible Say About Anxiety
He teaches us to look and learn from them, for how much more will He care for us when He cares so much for the lilies of the field? Its a reassurance that He cares about our anxieties, that they are not greater than He.
- Carol Stratton
- 201912 Dec
Murder, anger, gossip, lies, stealing, adultery, are all sins. Most believers would agree these are obvious on the list of bad things we shouldnt practice. But what about the subtle habits of the mind, such as anxiety? Is it a sin? Its a great question since many have and deal with anxiety. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America estimates that 40 million adults or 18.1% of the population have an anxiety disorder.
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Where Is Anxiety Mentioned In The Bible
However, the words anxiety and anxious are mentioned a total of 31 times in the Bible. It appears five times in the sixth chapter of Matthew in the span of nine verses. Let’s look at this passage and see what comfort we can gain from it when we are feeling anxious. Jesus speaking to his followers:
“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Overcoming Worry & Stress: What The Bible Says About Stress
In todays world it is virtually impossible to avoid stress. Almost everyone is carrying some amount of it, in varying degrees. Many find it increasingly difficult to simply survive in the world we live in. In desperation, people are seeking relief for their problems through any remedy they can find. Our culture is inundated with self-help books, therapists, time-management workshops, massage parlors, and recovery programs . Everyone talks about returning to a simpler way of life, but no one seems to even know exactly what that means, or how to attain it. Many of us cry out like Job: The churning inside me never stops days of suffering confront me. .
Most of us are so used to carrying the burden of stress, we can scarcely imagine our lives without it. We think it is simply an unavoidable part of living in the world. We carry it like a hiker trudging out of the Grand Canyon with a huge pack on his back. The pack seems to be a part of his own weight, and he cant even remember what it was ever like to not be carrying it. It seems that his legs have always been that heavy and his back has always ached under all that weight. Only when he stops to rest for a moment and takes off his pack does he realize just how heavy it really is, and how light and free he is without it.
Come To Me
Fear or Faith?
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27
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Promises From The Lord
All of these Bible verses for anxiety and worry can be weapons to fight off these enemies when you are tempted. Stand fast on these promises from the Lord and no situation will be able to cause you to come out of rest, no matter how much you are tempted. Even if it takes a long time for the situation to be sorted out. Even if the end result is not what you had hoped for.
