What does the Bible say about worry and anxiety?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that believers need not be ruled by worry, because God is their faithful Father who cares for them, provides for their needs, and gives peace through Christ. Jesus calls His disciples to seek first God’s kingdom rather than anxiously forecasting tomorrow in Matthew 6:25-34. Philippians 4:6-7 directs us to bring every concern to God with thankful prayer, trusting Him to guard our hearts and minds with peace beyond understanding. We may cast our anxieties on Him because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7), and rest in the Shepherd’s provision and presence (Psalms 23:1-6). This peace is grounded not in easy circumstances, but in God’s sovereign care and Christ’s sufficient strength.
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- 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.
- 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 5:7 4 votes
casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you.
- 2 Timothy 1:7 4 votes
For God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.
- Matthew 6:34 4 votes
Therefore don’t be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Each day’s own evil is sufficient.
- Philippians 4:6 3 votes
In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.
- Philippians 4:13 3 votes
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
- Isaiah 26:3 2 votes
You will keep whoever’s mind is steadfast in perfect peace, because he trusts in you.
- Philippians 4:19 2 votes
My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
- Psalms 23:1-6 2 votes
Yahweh is my shepherd; I shall lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He guides me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil. My cup runs over. Surely goodness and loving kindness shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in Yahweh’s house forever.
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