Anxiety is a feeling that comes over us all from time to time. Where does it come from? Why do we experience it? The Bible has some clear, truthful insight on this. Let us dive into scripture.
We are Commanded to not be Anxious
“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing.” (Luke 12:22-23)
A real, genuine faith requires us to actually believe that God will provide for us. When we take the focus off of us and what we can do, it makes trusting in God and what He can do much easier. Anxiety is all about you and nothing about God. That is why we are commanded to stop being anxious. God has a plan for every step of your life. Anxiety is only a stumbling block and a hindrance to walking the path that God has set for you.
Anxiety is a tool of the Devil
Anxiety and worry are tools that the Devil has used throughout history to hinder God’s people from moving. Here are two examples from the Bible.
Moses
When God appeared to Moses in the burning bush, He asked Moses to go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt. (Exodus 3:10) First of all, this was God physically speaking to Moses. You think that would have been enough for Moses to obey. Moses’ response is, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” (Exodus 3:11) Moses was worried that he was not going to be able to accomplish this task because he was a “nobody”. Further on in Exodus 3:14-21, God tells His game-plan to Moses about how Moses will come out victorious. Still Moses was doubtful and anxious about it all. Moses says, “But behold, they will not believe me or listen to my voice.” (Exodus 4:1) Then God gives Moses 2 signs to show that He is Almighty God and nothing can stop His will. He makes Moses’ staff turn into a serpent and then turn back into a staff again. (Exodus 4:3-4) Then God makes Moses’ hand leprous and then restores his hand to normal. (Exodus 4:6-7) After these two signs and more explanation from God, Moses says, “Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue.” (Exodus 4:10) God then reassures Moses that he will be OK because God will teach him what to speak. (Exodus 4:12) Moses then speaks his most anxious reply to God, “Oh, my Lord, please send someone else.” (Exodus 4:13) Moses was focused on himself, instead of focusing on God. That is why he was so anxious and worried. Had he enough faith to believe God and move, this whole ordeal would not have happened. Of course God still accomplished His will and Moses did deliver the Israelites out of the hands of Pharaoh.
Martha
While Jesus was visiting Mary and Martha in their home, Mary sat at Jesus’ feet and listened to Him teach. (Luke 10:39) While Martha was focusing on herself and what she was doing she says to Jesus, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” (Luke 10:40) She was worried about making sure everyone was being taken care of. All the while she was missing an encounter with Jesus. Jesus replies to Martha with, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42) There are two important elements in what Jesus said. He said “one thing is necessary” which is implying that worry and anxiety are not necessary. The second thing is that choosing Jesus is necessary because He is the “good portion”. Had Martha chosen to spend time with Jesus, she would have made the best choice.
In both cases of Moses and Martha, Satan used fear, anxiety and worry to get the best of them. This is why so many Christians today aren’t moving where God wants them to go. Don’t worry about anything if you are feeling God telling you to move. If God wants you to take a step in any direction, He already has your path set before you. All you have to do is walk on the path He has set. He will take care of you. Give God your worries in prayer and let Him lead you.
Anxiety is not Productive
Anxiety is only a stumbling block and a hindrance to walking the path that God has set for you.
“And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?” (Matthew 6:27; Luke 12:25) Anxiety does not add anything to your life, including longer life. Actually, anxiety and stress have many negative effects on the body from high blood pressure and heart attacks to migraines and sleeplessness.
“Stress that continues without relief can lead to a condition called distress — a negative stress reaction. Distress can lead to physical symptoms including headaches, upset stomach, elevated blood pressure, chest pain, and problems sleeping. Research suggests that stress also can bring on or worsen certain symptoms or diseases.” (webmd.com)
Conclusion
Anxiety is nothing but trouble. Try to avoid it whenever possible. We are commanded to not be anxious, anxiety is a tool of Satan, and your health is in danger when you stay anxious for extended periods of time. Whatever problems arise, remember that if God brings you to it, He will bring you through it. God bless you as you live a life worthy of the calling!
Need some Bible verses about anxiety? Take a look at these:
Resource – The Holy Bible, English Standard Version “Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”
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