Worry in the Bible: Finding Help for Anxiety in Scripture

Many of us suffer from the inability to be fully present in a given moment. We might be at dinner with a loved one but find ourselves constantly checking our phones. You could be lying awake in bed thinking about a meeting or event tomorrow instead of getting some much-needed rest. Our minds and hearts buzz with details about what was or what could be, but they struggle to focus on the here and now.

We all worry though it might be over different things and in varying degrees of intensity. Worrying can be defined as a form of thinking about uncertain, possibly negative, future events in a way that leaves a person feeling anxious or apprehensive. That future could be anywhere from a few minutes to years away, and the possibilities running through one’s head could range from the possible to the highly unlikely.

The problem with worry goes deeper than simply taking us away from the present. Worry can present some serious spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical health challenges. There are many benefits to getting our worry under control. Scripture speaks to the human condition, and so it has much to say about why we worry, the futility of worry, and what we can do to move beyond worry and into peace and wholeness.

Why We Worry

We all worry to some extent, but some people tend to worry more than others. Worry can function as a coping mechanism, as one way to prepare for a possibly negative outcome. The idea is that if you fret about it and consider all the possible negative outcomes, it won’t be so shocking if you get an unwelcome result. We worry because we perceive a threat, real or not, and it can be useful as a tool for problem-solving.

Another reason we worry is that worrying and ruminating over a problem can feel like a form of problem-solving, even when it isn’t. Worrying doesn’t necessarily result in a resolution of the problem, or in coming up with workable solutions. Sometimes, even when a problem is solved, worrying about it beforehand will often lead to worrying afterward because you may have already worked yourself up and made yourself anxious over it.

From a Christian perspective, worry is often contrasted with trust in the Lord. The world we live in isn’t always safe, and there is risk involved in every kind of venture we get involved in. The question for us is whether God can be trusted, and if leaving things in His hands is a good idea. The whole story of Scripture is about whether we will yield ourselves – our judgments, hopes, dreams, fears – to God, or if we’ll take things into our own hands.

Worry is one of the ways we try to exert control over a world we cannot fully comprehend, let alone control. The future is unknown to us, and that makes us fearful because our dreams and plans might be dashed. We might be judged by others. We want to guard ourselves from our fears, and worry can be a way for us to keep our emotional guard up in case the worst happens.

How Worry Affects Us

When we worry, it can have several effects on us and our well-being. By triggering your stress response, worrying can affect your sleep, relationships, and appetite. It can result in digestive disorders, heart disease, and suppression of your immune system making it easier for you to get sick. Worry, especially if it is excessive, can lead to suicidal thoughts and depression. Your performance at work or in school can also suffer as a result of excessive worrying.

Worry also has effects on your spiritual life. Worry can take your focus away from others around you. It can lead you to relate to others out of fear and not love. Worrying focuses on the resources you possess, and not the strength that the Lord provides (Isaiah 40:31). Worry reveals trust in human intellect more than God’s ways (Proverbs 3:5-6; Isaiah 55:8-13).

Worry can gnaw away at your faith and trust in the Lord, His word, and His goodness. It can strip you of your sense of peace by making you lose sight of God and who He is. He is the good Father who only gives good gifts (James 1:17; Luke 11:1-13), but worry can make you doubt that reality. Worry can also create a false sense of urgency which can compel you to make poor decisions that might violate your principles.

Steps Toward Worrying Less

Worrying can leave you feeling exhausted, and it can damage your emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Some people worry more than others due to their personality or the role models that played a formative role in their lives. Whether you’re prone to worry by nature or it’s learned behavior, it’s possible to learn new ways to cope with and manage your worrying.

Some ways to manage, as well as cope, with worrying include:

Recognizing and acknowledging your worries

When you are worrying about something, recognize that that’s what you’re doing. Acknowledge what’s happening and account for where your worries come from. Sometimes we worry and think too much in an attempt to resolve problems. You may have certain patterns of worry in your life that become familiar and repeated.

Through journaling, for example, you may be able to recognize these patterns. Journaling can help you process your feelings of worry, along with what typically prompts them. Sometimes, writing your thoughts can help you get a better handle on what you’re experiencing.

Challenge and reframe your thoughts

Your worried thoughts should not go unchallenged. Ask if certain thoughts are helpful, true, or likely. In Paul’s words, ask if your thoughts are “true… noble… right… pure… lovely… admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things” (Philippians 4:8, NIV). Focus on the here and now, putting your energy and focus toward being fully present.

As part of reframing your thoughts, consider these words from Jesus to His followers.

Then Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap; they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?’” – Luke 12:22-26, NIV

Jesus asks His followers to ponder and understand how birds live, inviting them to consider God’s care for animals. He wants them to think about the implications for God’s people, who are more valuable to God than birds. Jesus also invites His followers to discern the futility of worry.

Take self-care seriously

Worrying can take up a lot of energy and focus from activities such as caring for yourself. It may be more productive to channel your energy into activities such as regular exercise. Exercise helps you to manage stress well and it also elevates your mood. Whether you are power walking, riding a bike, dancing, or playing pickleball, exercise can do a lot of good for you.

Self-care can also include practices such as mindfulness or meditation on Scripture. Use ten to fifteen minutes a day to meditate on Scripture, pray, and present your worries before the Lord (Philippians 4:6). You can also make use of deep breathing which can help you relax and ease your anxiety.

Nurture a support network

Worry can isolate you, and you should share your struggles, thoughts, and feelings with trusted loved ones who can help you process what you’re experiencing and help you feel supported. You can also reach out and speak with a mental health professional like a counselor, as you might benefit from individual or group counseling to get your worry and anxiety under control.

Help is available

If worry controls you and you are ready to get help, reach out to our offices today. We have several therapists available to journey with you toward a healthier you. Contact us today and set up an appointment.