What Does the Bible Say About Our Top Worries?

Historians will probably call our era “the age of anxiety” as most people live their lives “crucified between two thieves — the regrets of yesterday and the anxieties of tomorrow.”

Chronic worrying (often referred to as anxiety) can affect your daily life so much that it interferes with your work, appetite, relationships, sleep and reduces your overall quality of life.

But chronic worrying and anxiety are mental habits that can be broken.  Many have sought counsel from the word of God when faced with worry and anxiety, and for good reason. The Bible contains a great number of stories and quotes that remind and encourage us to trust in the love and power of God in order to find peace.  

Here’s what the Bible has to say about our top worries and how to overcome them:

1. Regarding Finances

Deuteronomy 8:17-18 says, “You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth.”

How to sustain our needs and that of our family is a valid concern but this should not turn to worry. Scriptures here remind us to stay reliant on God, to hope in Him, and to acknowledge that provision comes from God and that He will continue to supply our need. There may be delays but trusting in the proven goodness of God assures me that He will come through for me.

2. Regarding the Future

Matthew 6:25-34 discusses our worries about the future: food, life, clothing, and the like. In the passage, Jesus reminds us that our Father values us. He knows our needs. He provides. Jesus reminds us that worrying never improves nor changes anything.

Ensuring a good future is a valid concern but this should not turn to worry. Scriptures here remind us to have confidence in our God, to have faith in His love and capability to take care of us. Furthermore, Scriptures here discourages us about over worrying. In verse 34, Jesus says, “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” He means that we should not overburden ourselves with concerns way before their due time.

3. Regarding Life and Health

Acts 17:26-28 says, “From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. ‘For in him we live and move and have our being..”

Psalm 139:15-16 says, “My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”

Our health and wellbeing are valid concerns but these should not turn to worry. God has appointed us to a certain lifespan here on earth and for a good reason. When our purpose is accomplished, we will leave this world for a better place. We will trade the companionship of loved ones we must temporarily leave behind for the presence and companionship of our Father God. Should sickness be part of God’s plan, we must thru pain and suffering keep trusting that He has a purpose for everything. And, like Paul, may we desire to point everything to the glory and honor of God, even in the midst of great difficulties.

4. Safety

Psalm 32:7 says, “You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.”

Deuteronomy 23:14 says, “For the Lord your God moves about in your camp to protect you and to deliver your enemies to you.”

Joshua 24:17 says, “He protected us on our entire journey and among all the nations through which we traveled.”

Psalm 4:8 says, “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.”

Safety is a valid concern but this should not turn to worry. God is our protector and deliverer. He keeps us from harm and evil. He actively safeguards the lives of His children. We should enjoy a peaceful sleep knowing that God stands awake keeping our homes safe. Even when perils come, may we keep the faith as Paul, Abraham, and other believers who have lived before we did. They trusted in a proven God. He is good. He has a purpose. He will work all things for our good. Even when death comes, we know it is part of God’s plan. Our exit from this world is our entrance into heaven, and God counts that moment precious because we will finally be with Him. (Psalm 116:15)

Did You Know?

• Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults in the United States age 18 and older, or 18.1% of the population every year.
• Anxiety disorders are highly treatable, yet only 36.9% of those suffering receive treatment.
• People with an anxiety disorder are three to five times more likely to go to the doctor and six times more likely to be hospitalized for psychiatric disorders than those who do not suffer from anxiety disorders.
• Anxiety disorders develop from a complex set of risk factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, personality, and life events.

Recommended Resource:  Are You Ready For Jesus To Come?  They Were “Spiritual”…But Not Christlike

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