Questions and Answers | What Does the Bible Say About Anxiety?
I struggle with anxiety. Does that mean I do not trust God? What does the Bible say about anxiety?
Anxiety is a common condition as our bodies respond to stresses in the world around us. God created our bodies to respond to different situations in different ways. Psalm 139 reminds us that God created us and formed each part of us. He knit us together in our mother’s womb. God gave us the ability to feel, think, and move. But there are times when we experience emotions that we do not understand.
Anxiety is apprehension about a future threat. Fear is a response to an immediate threat. Your body reacts physically to what your mind is experiencing. Since God created our wonderful bodies and all our emotions, feeling anxiety does not mean that you do not trust God.
The Bible does advise us to not be anxious, but does not call it a sin. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Phil. 4:6). This verse gives us a roadmap for dealing with anxiety. When we feel anxious, we turn our anxious thoughts to God in prayer. We give all our worries to Him. Isaiah 40:31 reminds us that “those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.” Our hope is not in our situation or in our fears, but in God!
When you are struggling with anxiety, be sure you are getting enough rest. When we get over tired, our anxiety tends to increase (Ps. 4:8). Be sure that you are setting aside regular time for prayer, relaxation, and exercise. If your anxiety becomes unmanageable, you should seek professional help.
BY Dr. Valencia Wiggins, PhD, L.P.C.
Valencia Wiggins grew up in Ohio and graduated from Wheaton College. She earned a Masters in Clinical Psychology at Wheaton Graduate School, and PhD in Clinical Psychology at Walden University. She has taught at Moody Seminary for four years. In addition, Dr. Wiggins works in private practice as a clinical psychologist. Her clinical work includes sexual abuse, trauma, grief and loss, eating disorders, family issues, depression, adolescents, and women’s issues.