Bible Verses For Those Feeling Anxious
Anxiety can be crippling, but we can replace it with thankful prayers and thoughts, and look to Christ for peace.
A hundredload of worry will not pay an ounce of debt. George Herbert
Proverbs 12:25 Anxiety in a mans heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.
1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
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.
Its Ok To Talk To Other Believers About Your Stress And Worry
Although we should seek God before we talk to others about the stress in our lives, its awesome to have community. Dont be afraid to be vulnerable before others and share the things that are going on in your life. Sometimes God is going to help you through others. Godly believers love each other, pray for each other, give advice to each other, etc.
1 Corinthians 12:26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
Proverbs 11:14 Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.
Acts 4:32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.
What Can We Learn About Anxiety From The Bible
Anxiety is typically an emotion that arises because we are thinking about the future. Of course, we may be anxious about something in the past, but it is likely because we’re thinking about how the situation or decision is going to turn out in the future. Verse 34 tells us that we don’t need to be anxious about the future because today has enough going on. We also shouldn’t bring the anxiety of tomorrow into today. Tomorrow will take care of itself because He is taking care of us. What a gift it is to know that He is our provider. The next time you’re feeling anxious, remember what Jesus said. He cares so much for you, and He will provide.
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What Does The Bible Say About Stress
Stress is something we’ve all experienced, whether it is school, work, social pressure, family expectations, etc. The list goes on and looks a little different for each us. The pile of suggested solutions or coping mechanisms available can be even more confusing. Lavender oil is supposed to be relaxing, but what if it gives me a headache? Should go running, but what if I twist my knee every time I hit the pavement? I should pray for help, but how do I even do that? What should I expect? And when will I start feeling better?
Some people grow up in more stressful environments than others which can lead to difficulty handling stress as they get older. For others, they react to stress by emotionally shutting down and/or dissociating from their surrounding environment. Some may get physically sick from stress, and for others still, they may turn to destructive behaviorslike substance abuse, self-harm, or other addictionsas a way to cope. There are just as many ways to react to stress as there are “stressors” themselves.
Be Vulnerable And Dependent On The Lord In Stressful Situations
We try to do so many things in the flesh. Our first reaction should not be what we can do for ourselves. Our first reaction should be falling upon the Lord. Its a beautiful thing to know that God is sovereign. I have to remind myself that even if I cant see what is on the other side of the storm, Im in good hands. I dont want to do it on my own. I know that if God doesnt make away there will be no way. Part of growing in a love relationship with the Lord is being vulnerable and humbling yourself before the Lord. Talk to Him about your stress. Talk to Him about your struggles with trusting Him. Talk to Him about whats going on in your life. I would rather trust in an omnipotent God than to trust in myself. Its so easy for me to demand that you trust in God more, but how is that done? Get to know Him.
When you begin to know the nature of God, His love for you, and His character, trusting in Him becomes easier. Sometimes we forget that we serve the God of the Scriptures. We serve the same God who was with Noah, Abraham, Paul, Job, etc. How often are you getting alone with the Lord to understand who He is? We should never be too busy to spend time with Him. As you spend time with Him you grow. You begin to be at peace because you know something of His character and His goodness. Your faith becomes stronger and even though fear might come, your faith never wavers. Are you being vulnerable and growing in your reliance upon God? Are you absolutely sure of His love for you?
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What Does The Bible Say About Coping With Stress
The Bible is God’s instruction manual for life. It provides the answers and gives us comfort, peace and hope for a brighter tomorrow. Can the Bible really show us how to deal with our stress, regardless of our situation?
Let’s look at some specific biblical principles that can help us cope with stress.
Does God show us how to reduce stress?
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthymeditate on these things.
When negative experiences and situations are coming at you, and when it seems overwhelming, then stop, take a deep breath and simply take time to focus on something lovely and good. Overcoming stress starts with the ability to control our thoughts. We need to focus on the positive, uplifting things of God.
Can God help if my problems seem overwhelming?
Even if we can’t change something, God can. Do we believe that? Have you ever thought about asking God to help you change a situation that is causing you stress?
How can I find comfort in dealing with the trouble and stress in my life?
Can I expect my life to be more peaceful if I ask God for help?
Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body and be thankful.
What is the ultimate purpose of my stressful trials?
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.
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What The Bible Says
Concern about past misdeeds: Before becoming Christians, some people in the first century were drunkards, extortioners, sexually immoral, and thieves. Rather than dwell on their past, they changed their ways and trusted in Gods great mercy, which he extends willingly. With you 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, said Jesus Christ, for the next day will have its own anxieties. His point? Address todays concerns. Do not compound them by bringing tomorrows forward, which can cloud judgment and lead to rash decisions. Also keep in mind that many anxieties may later prove to be unwarranted.
Money worries: A wise man once prayed: Give me neither poverty nor riches. Instead, he sought contentmenta feeling that merits Gods 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 has said: I will never leave you, and I will never abandon you. Unlike money, which canand doesfail, God never fails those who trust in him and lead a simple life.
I have not seen anyone righteous abandoned, nor his children looking for bread.
Second Method Deals With Understanding
In the first method, I relied heavily on the work of Brene Brown. In the second, we are traveling further east, well sorta because he is still a Westerner: Jack Kornfield.
In his book Seeking The Heart Of Wisdom, he elaborates upon The Eight-Fold Path of Buddhism. Right Understanding is the first of the fold.
Its odd how prone human beings are to look for external causes to internal difficulties. As if human problems can be alleviated with a change in government, legislation, or monetary policy. Undoubtedly, these things could help substantially. Howeverproblems such as war and starvation never appear to be solved by politics and economics. Why?
Per Kornfield, What the world needs most is people who are less bound by prejudice. It needs more love, more generosity, more mercy, more openness. The root of human problems is not a lack of resources but comes from the misunderstanding, fear, and separateness that can be found in the hearts of people.
Therefore, perhaps the answer is as Bill Wilson brilliantly noted, We should not seek to change our conditions to meet us, but change ourselves to meet our conditions. At least as a starting point, its the only way to wield any influence over ones externals.
Theres a story of the Sufi figure Mullah Nasruddin, who is both a fool and a wise man. He was out one day in his garden sprinkling bread crumbs around the flowerbeds. A neighbor came by and asked, Mullah, why are you doing that?
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What God Says About The Causes Of Anxiety
The bible does not state what causes anxiety, because God considers anxiety to be a crisis of faith. The belief here is that anxiety shows that the person has not yet been able to put full trust in God, because fear itself is something that is meant to be relinquished as every person is meant to be part of God’s plan. As it is said in Matthew 6:27:
“And which of you by being anxious can add a single cubit to his life’s span?
In other words, what does being anxious do that helps you? This is a question not just of religion, but also about anxiety itself. There are those that struggle with anxiety and panic attacks every day, worrying that they may be suffering from a dangerous disease or at risk for many dangers. But what does worrying about the disease do to cure it? What does thinking that you may be at risk for danger do to improve your life?
The answer is that worrying about anxiety does nothing to improve one’s lifespan, both in longevity and in quality. It’s simply the result of uncertainty, and the bible teaches the idea that uncertainty is, essentially, distrust with the plan of God. It’s not that anxiety is a sin, but that anxiety is the act of experiencing fears and worries that one wouldn’t experience if they truly follow and show commitment to God.
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.
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How To Use The Reading Plan And Customize It For You
Below Ive listed the calming bible verses for worry, stress and anxiety. Ive also included a free printable version of these verses. Heres how you can keep these verses front and center in your day-to-day life:
- Print the verses out and put them where you can see them every day. Especially when you first wake up and before you go to bed, to sort of bookend your day with Gods truth. Perhaps, tape them to your bathroom mirror, set them on your nightstand, or put them on the fridge.
- Another way to use the reading plan below and customize it for you, is to grab some cue cards, or cut up paper, and write the verses down, one at a time.
- Also, read them out loud when you see them each day.
- And finally, memorize the verses you love most.
By reading them, writing them, speaking them and memorizing them, they will become more ingrained in your brain and will sink deep for easy recall when you again feel pressure or worry.
Does Prayer Reduce Anxiety
Prayer can reduce levels of depression and anxiety in patients, according to research. Researchers gathered data from 26 studies that identified the active involvement of patients in private or personal prayer. The studies did not cover the effect of being prayed for or by the usefulness of attending religious meetings
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Prayer For Anxiety Worry And Fear
Since stressful situations and spiritual burnout is real, this prayer for worry and stress can lead you back to the peace of Christ. When you are anxious, saying this prayer can bring your mind back into a Biblical perspective and remind you of Gods provisions and protection. Try saying this prayer daily or as needed during your times of worry and stress.
Bible Verses About Replacing Worry With Gods Peace
Worry doesnt have to be a constant struggle if we allow the peace of Christ in our hearts.
Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow. It empties today of its strength.- Corrie Ten Boom
Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.
2 Thessalonians 3:16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.
Psalm 55:22 Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you he will never permit the righteous to be moved
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What Does The Bible Say About Work
Commit your works to the Lord and your plans will be established.
It can be such a challenge to head to work on Monday. After a refreshing weekend, we walk back into the office or log onto yet another Zoom call and helplessly watch as our frustration and weariness return.
How often do we spend Sundays worshiping God, just to turn around and start our Mondays like atheists? The joy, energy, and purpose we claim in Christ are nowhere to be found.
Tension with our coworkers, along with stress and fatigue, can be so draining. And many believers wrestle with purposelessness, feeling like their career path isnt making a difference for Gods kingdom.
But surely it doesnt have to be this way! Youd think there would be something better about the work life of a Christian.
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