What does the Bible say about worry? Let’s talk about this common question. Read Matthew 6:25-27 to hear the words of Jesus.
Therefore I (Jesus) say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?
Matthew 6:25-27
6 Things the Bible Teaches Us about Worrying
1. Worry Paralyzes
Worry’s a negative force. It doesn’t energize us; it paralyzes us. Jesus spoke the advice above to God’s people. If we belong to Him by faith, we shouldn’t worry. Our heavenly Father watches out for us.
“Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).”
2. Give it to Jesus
The Apostle Peter gives believers an alternative to worry, telling us to cast our care upon Jesus. Whatever it is that’s stressing you, bring it to Jesus. Even when—especially when—we can’t see any answer to our problem. Then, after our problem is solved, we can look back and see how God worked to meet our needs. It builds our faith when we see His hand in the solution.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God (Philippians 4:6).”
3. Anticipate God’s Salvation
He has resources beyond what we can envision. So, we never know how he’ll meet our concerns. The backstory of how God worked on our behalf gives us courage for the future.
During the Jew’s exodus from Egypt, they were trapped between the Egyptian army and the Red Sea. Moses told them, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord (Exodus 14:13).” God opened a path through the middle of the sea. And they walked safely on dry land as He closed the sea over the advancing army.
And which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature (Luke 12:25)?
4. Share Your Worries and Concerns
What does the Bible say about worry? Even those who aren’t God’s people can’t help their situation by worrying. The best a non-Christian can do is share their concern with someone who loves them.
“Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad (Proverbs 12:25).”
5. Anticipate the Positive
Anxiety and depression top the list of presenting problems, and worrying aggravates both conditions. Often worry is about potential adverse outcomes, and they’re often unlikely outcomes that won’t come to pass. It helps to balance our troubling thoughts by anticipating more positive results. Read more here.
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble (Matthew 6:34).”
What does the Bible say about worry?
It’s crucial to stop worrying about the future. We don’t know it, and conditions constantly change. So, what we anticipate changes or becomes less likely as time passes.
6. Hope Defeats Worry
“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away (Revelation 21:4).”
The believer can look forward to eternity and God’s promise above. There’ll be no more tears, death, sorrow, crying, or pain. They’ll all pass away. Knowing that sure hope makes our current circumstances more tolerable. And hope is the antidote to worry.
We invite you to accept God’s gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Watch the Great News for You video on this page for more information about what that means.
If you are worried about your family dynamic, find help here.
For great content for kids, click here.
If you are looking for character building education to help teach your kids not to worry, click here.
If you need help with the struggles of worrying, click here and one of our professional care coaches will contact you for free help with your life.
