Don’t worry, be happy! Ok, it’s not quite as black and white as the popular Bobby McFerrin song says it is (included below for your listening pleasure), but it is a much deeper phrase than you might think.
Whether it’s a nagging worry in the back of your mind or a full-blown panic attack, anxiety can be all-consuming and exhausting. Are there any Bible verses about anxiety that you can lean on in tough times? Turns out there are actually quite a few!
Bible Verses About Anxiety
First and foremost, the Bible clearly tells us not to be anxious. In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus says,
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”
This passage reminds us that worrying doesn’t accomplish anything. In fact, it can be detrimental to our health and well-being. Instead of worrying, we should trust in God’s provision and care for us. Yes, that can certainly be easier said than done.
One of the most well-known Bible verses about anxiety comes from Philippians 4:6-7, which says,
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
When we pray, we’re turning our worries over to God and acknowledging that we can’t handle them on our own. That’s ok! The promise of peace that comes from prayer is one of the most comforting and reassuring things we can experience.
Psalm 119:114 is one of the most straightforward Bible verses about anxiety, which conveys the importance of meditating on God’s word. Psalm 119:114 says:
“You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.”
When we read the Bible, we’re reminded of God’s faithfulness and his promises to us. We’re also reminded that we’re not alone in our struggles. Many of the heroes of the Bible faced overwhelming obstacles and challenges, and yet they persevered through faith in God.
One of my favorite Bible verses about anxiety is 1 Peter 5:7, which says:
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
This verse is a powerful reminder that God cares deeply for us and wants us to come to him with our worries and fears. We don’t have to carry the weight of our anxiety on our own – we can give it to God and trust that he’ll take care of us. We should take comfort in that fact.
Ultimately, the Bible tells us that our anxiety is not the end of the story. Revelation 21:4 is one of the most powerful Bible verses about anxiety, which promises peace and freedom from pain:
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
This promise of a future without anxiety or pain is a source of hope and comfort for Christians. We know that this life is not all there is and that God has something far better in store for us.
So if you’re struggling with anxiety, take heart. You’re not alone, and there is hope. Turn to God in prayer and meditation on his word, and trust that he will carry you through.
One final Bible verse about anxiety comes from Psalm 34:
“I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.”
May this be a comfort and a source of strength to you as you navigate life’s ups and downs.
Remember, don’t worry, be happy!
Download your free copy of the GAD-7 Anxiety self-assessment (no contact info required)
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