What does the Bible say about worry and stress?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that believers need not be ruled by worry and stress, because the sovereign and loving God cares for them, provides for their needs, and gives peace through Christ. Philippians 4:6-7 calls us to bring every anxious concern to God in prayer with thanksgiving, trusting him to guard our hearts and minds. Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:25-34 that the Father knows what we need and calls us to seek his kingdom rather than fear tomorrow. We may cast our cares on him because he cares for us (1 Peter 5:7), rest in Christ's gentle invitation (Matthew 11:28-30), and rely on God's presence and strength (Isaiah 41:10).
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Philippians 4:6-7 8 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.
- 1 Peter 5:7 6 votes
casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you.
- Matthew 6:25-34 5 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.
- John 14:27 5 votes
Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, I give to you. Don’t let your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful.
- 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.
- Proverbs 3:5-6 4 votes
Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
- 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.
- Matthew 11:28-30 3 votes
“Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
- Philippians 4:19 3 votes
My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
- Isaiah 41:10 3 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.
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