Theology & Life

Everyone struggles with anxiety to some extent, some more than others. But this truth remains: it’s a universal experience. No one is immune from anxiety, as it’s a natural reaction to life’s events. However, from the outset it’s important to differentiate between regular anxiety and clinical anxiety.

Clinical anxiety is something that happens to us, and is something we don’t necessarily control, that is, it’s not inherently sinful. Regular anxiety is what’s spoken of in passages like Matthew 6:27 and elsewhere like Philippians 4:6-7. I made the argument in a previous post that this anxiety is, in most cases, sinful.

Regular anxiety—which I’ll simply call ‘anxiety’ from now on—is the subject here. We all wake up and are surrounded by things, events, people etc. that will induce anxiety in our hearts. Whether we’re anxious about weather, sickness, persecution, difficult conversations, etc., anxiety is a response that can, many times, reveal sin in our hearts. And, to be precise, it’s not necessarily the emotion itself that is sinful, but what it reveals—a lack of trust in God and His plan. Let’s look at five passages that can ease our anxiety when it flares up.

For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:38-39

The biblical reality that nothing—even ourselves—can separate us from God’s love should be a constant antidote to our anxiety. When our minds run amok with anxiety and we can’t seem to calm our hearts, we look to the immutable love of God for us in Christ. The power and of His love quenches the power of our anxiety.

Therefore I tell you: Don’t worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food and the body more than clothing? … Can any of you add one moment to his life span by worrying?”

Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭25‬, 27

As I’ve gotten older my anxiety has increased. Sometimes I find myself dwelling on situations in the near future to the point where I’m analyzing every possible situation. It doesn’t necessarily make me a nervous wreck, but I become obsessive. The Lord tells me, however, to not worry or be anxious about what tomorrow brings. I should listen to Him, as we all should. The God of our today is the the God of our tomorrow—and He is still sovereign over all. Give your worries and anxieties to the Lord and know He’s governing all your days.

I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.

John 16:33

Our moments of anxiety, our times of worry should dramatically decrease when we ponder our Savior who has conquered the world. How can we be anxious messes when we remember the One who has us in the palm of His hands is reigning over all things?

Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:5-7

This is one of the most popular passages in the Bible—and for good reason! In a world full of people that are busting at the seams with anxiety, worry, and stress, this passage is a balm to our hearts. But have we ever considered why we’re not to “worry about anything”? It’s because “the Lord is at hand” (v. 5).

Don’t worry, God is near.

Stop being anxious, the Lord is imminent.

Give your cares to Jesus, for He is with you.

When we dwell on the reality of God being present and near to us, anxiety melts away as we’re comforted by the “peace which surpasses all understanding.”

“When I am filled with cares, your comfort brings me joy.”

Psalm 94:19

When anxiety fills our heart, when the storm of stress comes, when the waves of worry crush our souls, we can rest in the comfort of God’s loving hold on us. What’s the most comfortable thing in this world? Laying your head on a cool pillow after a long day? Wrapping yourself in a warm blanket on a cold, winter night? Sitting in front of a campfire?

No. The most comfortable thing we can experience is to know the loving embrace of the Father through Jesus Christ. Christian, I promise you can navigate your anxiety because you’re in the loving arms of your Savior. The Lord commands you—all of us—not to be anxious. It’s very easy for us to sin and reveal our lack of trust. But it’s also an invitation. He’s got your back, so stop fretting.