What does the Bible say about anxiety?

[Angee Licaa]

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 care are used in their 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 the 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."

Source: Got question

[kwikphilly]

Blessings Anger

At the root of mostly all our " emotions" is a common denominator which is the spirit of pride, we are reminded that our mind is a target for the enemy by the very Word of God, the Lord Says " I have not given you a spirit of fear " for example... Fear is a spirit

The enemy only needs to put one little seed of doubt in the carnal minded man, one all too often already bound by a spirit of pride. You may say" what's that got to do with anxiety"? I'll tell you my friends, everything!"

It goes something like this " What will happen to me"," How can I face this", I'm not strong enough, brave enough, smart enough" and so on.... All consumed with self and carrying all the weight of whatever issue, situation or circumstance that arises

It is the same with every trespass or the spirit of pride brings along.... Remember the room swept clean, the spirit brings 7 more when he returns? We are Gods Property, trespassors are not allowed..... So what do you do with a trespassor? They are arrested & go to jail!

When the " feeling" of anxiety comes into your mind you have the Authority in Christ to" resist the devil & he will flee" First, with every thought not " of God " you take it captive ( under arrest) instead of letting it take you captive! Then like any prisoner, off to jail to face the Judge( subject to the obedience of Christ)

 Jesus Christ Abides in the Believer, we have access to His Heart, His Mind, His Authority and by the Power of Holy Spirit to walk in Spirit and in Truth.... Eternal mindedness---- take your eyes off me,I and my and fix them on Jesus.....yes indeed, Seek ye FIRST the Kingdom of God and all things will be added!

Most of all let go and let God, Humble thySELF before the Mighty Hand of God and cast all your cares on Him- He Will Care for you( in your place)

With love in Christ, Kwik

[SIC]

Matthew 6

25 “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? 26 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? 27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, 29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 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? 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

[SIC]

John 11:25-26

Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?

 

Sorry posted here by accident. Was meant for another thread. Now I am unable to delete it.

Edited June 7, 2022 by SIC