Search for Truth

*This topic was originally written for my Instagram page under the name “Anxiety and God”. It was my first ever biblical analysis. As such, it is going to be modified substantially from how it originally was written.*

Anxiety is so incredibly common to everyday life that it has become innate to the modern man that being anxious is simply natural. As a matter of fact, many people consider it crucial to proper society. There are justifications and explanations provided whenever the question of anxiety arises, yet they never seem to provide a concrete answer on whether it is a positive or negative attribute.

As Christians, however, we know that our hearts (Jeremiah 17:9) primarily seek whatever will put us on a path to sin. What is natural to us is unnatural to God (Luke 16:15, Proverbs 14:12) because we stand in stark contrast to him as creatures who chose sin (Romans 5:12). Therefore, the only light which is present within us comes from God and the gifts he bestowed (John 15:5, Jeremiah 13:23, Psalm 16:2, Isaiah 64:6). We are so innately evil that we would’ve been permanently cut off from God (Isaiah 59:2, Ephesians 2:12, Colossians 1:21), were it not for his grace and the redeeming blood of Jesus Christ (Romans 5:10-11, Ephesians 2:13-16, 2 Corinthians 5:18-19, Hebrews 9:12-14, Hebrews 10:19-20).

Therefore, as Christians, how should we feel about anxiety? Well, at its core, anxiety embodies worry, fear, stress and overthinking. It is, as mentioned prior, incredibly common. We all have those moments in our lives when taking a test or facing a trial that we stress out and become anxious. In fact, feeling anxiety is not directly sinful. The issue arises when, like any emotion, it becomes abundant or controlling. It is a path to sin rather than a sin itself.

For example, anxiety disorders are a very real and very common thing. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), these affected 359 million people worldwide in 2021. Anxiety disorders often build up in a person constant unease, restlessness, fatigue, fear, paranoia, etc. These qualities embody all that Satan wants you to feel, and by using it, he seeks to make you feel alone and isolated. Like other mental health issues, anxiety is a tool used to spiral you into sin and hopelessness. But God, knowing the plans of the devil, has warned us through his scripture directly.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6

“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?” – Matthew 6:25

God directly tells us not to be anxious about anything whatsoever, and instead to replace that feeling with prayer and worship. By seeking God when we’re feeling down, he will uplift us.

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:6-7

“Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.” – Psalm 55:22

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10

Even while everything seems to be going wrong, God urges us that he will provide the necessities so long as we seek his righteousness first and foremost. Our physical wants are always secondary to our spiritual needs.

“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.” – Matthew 6:30-33

Let not anxiety take hold that you find yourself in constant dread over a specific day or hour. God urges us that feeling anxious about future events only serves to harm our spirit.

“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” – Matthew 6:34

As you can see, scripture has a whole lot to say about anxiety, with a very constant theme: Do not let it take hold. We, as Christians, should always seek to avoid the feeling by turning to God and his promises. It is a spiritual attack to dissuade and isolate you, and Satan will use it to tempt you to feel inadequate or incapable. Do not give in to his temptation, brothers and sisters, for he will always be seeking to tear us away from our faith.

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.” – 1 Peter 5:8-9

I urge you, if you suffer from constant anxiety, to seek refuge in God and your loved ones. Seeking God is always primary, as the source of all good things, and he promises (through his verses which you have read today) that he will guide and assist you. Likewise, however, we should be willing to share our thoughts and feelings with those who care about us. God uses fellow believers as his hands and feet, and it is important to our walk with God that we walk, not only with him, but also alongside others.

Bless you, and always remember how abundant the love of God truly is. You are not alone.