What does the Bible say about fear and anxiety?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that believers need not be ruled by fear or anxiety because God is present, faithful, sovereign, and lovingly cares for his people. Isaiah 41:10 and Joshua 1:9 call God's people to courage on the ground of his abiding presence, while Deuteronomy 31:6 assures them that he will not leave or forsake them. Philippians 4:6-7 directs anxious hearts to prayer, thanksgiving, and God's guarding peace. Jesus, in Matthew 6:25-34, teaches trust in the Father's provision and calls us to seek his kingdom first. We may cast every care on God because he cares for us, as 1 Peter 5:6-7 says. Perfect love in Christ drives out fearful dread.
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Isaiah 41:10 8 votes
Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.
- Philippians 4:6-7 7 votes
In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.
- Psalms 56:3 5 votes
When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.
- 2 Timothy 1:7 5 votes
For God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.
- Deuteronomy 31:6 4 votes
Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid or scared of them, for Yahweh your God himself is who goes with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you.”
- Psalms 34:4 4 votes
I sought Yahweh, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears.
- Matthew 6:25-34 4 votes
Therefore I tell you, don’t be anxious for your life: what you will eat, or what you will drink; nor yet for your body, what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food, and the body more than clothing? See the birds of the sky, that they don’t sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns. Your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you of much more value than they? “Which of you by being anxious, can add one moment to his lifespan? Why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow. They don’t toil, neither do they spin, yet I tell you that even Solomon in all his glory was not dressed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today exists and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, won’t he much more clothe you, you of little faith? “Therefore don’t be anxious, saying, ‘What will we eat?’, ‘What will we drink?’ or, ‘With what will we be clothed?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore don’t be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Each day’s own evil is sufficient.
- 1 Peter 5:6-7 3 votes
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time, casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you.
- Joshua 1:9 3 votes
Haven’t I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be dismayed, for Yahweh your God is with you wherever you go.”
- 1 John 4:18 3 votes
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear has punishment. He who fears is not made perfect in love.
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