Daily, we experience the stressors of living in this world — from financial instability and concerns about our health to rebellious children and concerns regarding threats to our children’s safety — that sometimes it can almost feel that it’s alright to be worried about such things. 

Below, we will dig into some scriptures to see what God says about anxiety. 

Anxiety Adds Nothing But Weight to Our Lives

“For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways” (Psalm 91:11 ESV). 

While God intends for you as a parent to protect your children, He hasn’t sent you out into this world to do this alone. There is an army of angels watching out for your children at all times — your worry won’t affect the situation, but it will determine whether you live in joy or peace, and will impact the testimony of your profession of faith on others who are watching your life to see if you really do trust God.

In fact, the Bible says anxiety only causes more anxiety. 

“Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad” (Proverbs 12:25 ESV). 

Further, God says that anxiety gains us nothing — not even the ability to add another hour to our life.

“And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest?” (Luke 12:25-26 ESV). 

God Says We Are Free of Our Anxiety as His Children

As children of God who are filled with His Spirit, we can take comfort in knowing that the Spirit that dwells within us is not of fear. 

“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7 ESV). 

In Christ, we don’t need to worry about anything because He has given us rest. God says the following about anxiety:

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30 ESV).

Jesus calls us to learn from Him Whose ‘burden is light’. What makes His burden light? Because Jesus knows that our works can’t and won’t save us: only faith in Him and what He has done for us saves us. So we don’t have to ever worry about whether we are ‘good enough’ to earn His love or approval. We can rest from fear of whether we have ‘done enough’ for ourselves or our children. He is able to make our burdens light if we choose to put our trust in Him and the grace and mercy He extends to us. 

God calls us to cast our burdens on Him — all our worries, anxieties, stressors — we do not need to carry them. Think of what you would say to your children if they told you they were worried about  paying the mortgage or taxes on your home or that they were worried about where their next meal will come from; wouldn’t you tell them they have no need to worry at all because you will take care of all that concerns them? How much more we never have to worry for our Heavenly Father will take care of all our needs!

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

“Casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7 ESV).

God Calls Us to Peace

“Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.” (2 Thessalonians 3:16 ESV) 

When we trust that God is able to provide for us–even in the midst of the inevitable trials and tribulations we will face in this world–we can still be at peace knowing that He is God, He is with us, and we will never face anything alone. The God Who has overcome the world is always by our side, and nothing is impossible for Him. 

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 ESV). 

Therefore, in whatever trying times you may be living in right now, I pray that you may be able to give your burdens to Christ and, in turn, take hold of the peace of God He offers. He will either deliver you from your trials or walk with you triumphantly through them.

What More Does God Say About Anxiety and Fear?

Read more about why we fear, and learn how we can overcome our fears and anxieties to lead a life of peace.