What is “Christian anxiety?” Is that really a thing? Well–yes. It has been said that the most-often repeated instruction in the Bible is some variation of: don’t be afraid, don’t fear, don’t be anxious, don’t worry. Why else would this assurance be repeated so many times if Christians did not struggle with anxiety?
However, since it’s actually a directive not to be anxious, the Lord has also given us the answer to our follow-up question: What should we do instead? Here are some suggestions for addressing anxiety and Christianity that can be helpful.
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What the Bible Says About Christian Anxiety: The Commands
Scripture gives Christians with anxiety direct suggestions on how to deal with this condition, such as:
Matthew 6:25-34 is worth reading in its entirety. We won’t quote the entire passage here, but here are some of the highlights. “…do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on…”
Philippians 4:6a: “…do not be anxious about anything…”
Here, Jesus and Paul command us not to worry. So what should we do instead of worrying?
What the Bible Says About Christian Anxiety: The Bigger Picture
When it comes to Christians and anxiety, Biblical commands alone can feel heavy, but the Bible provides the bigger picture of how to obey:
- Matthew 6:26–34: Jesus illustrates how God feeds the birds and clothes the lilies. If God cares for creation, how much more will He care for His children, who are made in His image and whom He promises not to ever let go? He concludes in verse 34: “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
- Philippians 4:4–8: Paul offers a roadmap: “Rejoice in the Lord always… do not be anxious about anything; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God… And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds through Christ Jesus.”
Together, these passages show us that the solution to anxiety is not denial, but redirection. Jesus points us to God’s provision, while Paul reminds us to turn worry into prayer and giving thanks. While we remember all the gracious and merciful things God has done in our lives, it is impossible to worry. The result is supernatural peace: “The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding.”
Casting Your Cares on God
Peter adds another dimension to help assuage anxiety in Christians:
- 1 Peter 5:5–7: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”
Peter connects humility with releasing anxiety. To cast your cares on God means to admit you cannot control everything and to hand over your burdens to Him.
The principle is reinforced in Proverbs:
- Proverbs 3:34: “Toward the scorners he is scornful, but to the humble he gives favor.”
God’s grace flows to the humble heart, the heart willing to lay down pride and trust His plan.
How Christians Can Cope with Anxiety in Daily Life
As long as we are still in our fallen human bodies, we will struggle with anxiety and worry. However, the Bible does provide believers with tools to cope. Here are some ways Christians can approach anxiety with both wisdom and trust in God:
- Prayer and Scripture meditation: Replace fearful thoughts with prayer and focus on God’s promises. Soak your life in God’s Word, letting “the word of Christ richly dwell within you.” Pray continually. Prayerfully ask God to show you in what areas you are not truly trusting Him.
- Community support: Lean on your church, small group, and Christian friends for prayer and encouragement.
- Professional care: Seeking Bible-based therapy or counseling does not show weakness—it can be a way God brings healing.
- Healthy lifestyle: Sleep, exercise, and nutrition can improve mental health and reduce anxiety triggers. Breathing exercises, such as combat breathing, can be beneficial in managing panic attacks.
- Always give thanks to God: Continual thanksgiving, as Paul suggested in Philippians 4, helps reframe your outlook. “I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.” – Psalm 9:1-2
Conclusion: Overcoming Christian Anxiety Through Faith in Christ
Christian anxiety is a real struggle of the flesh, but the Bible assures us that God cares for every detail of our lives. Jesus tells us not to worry about tomorrow. Paul exhorts us to replace anxiety with prayer, thanksgiving, and focus on what is good. Peter reminds us to humble ourselves and cast our burdens on God.
The message is twofold: anxiety is in direct conflict with God’s commands, and God’s peace is greater than fear. When it comes to Christians and anxiety disorders, faithful and prayerful obedience to His Word can be a tremendous source of comfort, and Christian mental health treatment is a way to strengthen faith while obtaining the life-affirming therapies in a Bible-based environment.
Get Help Today
Help and healing are possible through our Christian rehab programs.
If you are ready to take the next step and learn more about how a Christian rehab center can aid in your recovery, feel free to reach out to us at any time.
FAQs About Christians and Anxiety
Does feeling anxious mean I don’t have enough faith?
Christian anxiety is part of living in a fallen world and does not necessarily mean you lack faith. Even strong believers in the Bible (like David and Elijah) struggled with fear. However, God commands us to bring our worries, anxieties, and fears to Him; when we feel anxious, we need to direct our focus on Him.
Is anxiety the same thing as sin?
When believers are tempted to feel anxious, we can respond by trusting in God, or we can respond by sinfully giving in to anxiety, worry, and fear. The believer’s desire is to live their lives in submission and obedience to their heavenly Father, and to this end, many believers who wrestle with panic attacks have sought godly counseling to help them overcome these struggles. We take extreme comfort in 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
How can I tell the difference between normal stress and an anxiety disorder?
Normal stress is part of everyday life. All kinds of things can be stressful, including our jobs, traffic, freeway construction, rush hour at the grocery store, maintenance emergencies at home, and sick loved ones, among many other things. Anxiety is when we do not cast our burdens on the Lord, but instead let these things run our lives.
Can anxiety ever be used for good?
In a way, yes. Anxiety can show us the areas in which we are not truly trusting God. We may not have even been aware of it. Panic attacks have also been influential as an instrument for salvation for many believers, as you will occasionally hear in someone’s testimony.
All Scripture passages quoted are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV), Copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved.