What does the Bible say about anxiety?

Not a sin to feel

When Jesus says "Take therefore no thought for the morrow" (Matthew 6:34, KJV) — "do not worry" in modern translations — he is offering an invitation, not issuing a rebuke. The same Gospels show him "sorrowful and very heavy" in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:37). The Psalms are full of people who cannot sleep, whose hearts pound, who ask "how long?". Feeling anxious is part of being human; Scripture's concern is where you take it.

What Scripture offers the anxious

• An invitation to hand it over: "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you" (1 Peter 5:7, KJV).
• A practice: prayer with thanksgiving, with the promise of a peace that "passeth all understanding" (Philippians 4:6–7).
• Perspective: the birds and lilies — God's attention to small things (Matthew 6:26–30).
• Presence: "Fear thou not; for I am with thee" (Isaiah 41:10, KJV) — the promise is company, not the absence of trouble.
• Today-sized living: "sufficient unto the day" — dealing with today's portion rather than carrying every tomorrow at once.

Faith and getting help

Anxiety disorders are common medical conditions, not evidence of weak faith. Christians across traditions see doctors, counsellors and medication as among the ordinary means through which God cares for people, in the same way they would treat a broken bone. If anxiety is affecting your sleep, work or relationships, speaking to a doctor or a qualified counsellor is a wise and faithful step. If you are in crisis or thinking of harming yourself, contact your local emergency number or a crisis line now.

This page is information, not care. A pastor, priest or trusted friend can also walk with you — you were not meant to carry this alone.

A short practice for an anxious moment

1. Breathe slowly. Name to God, plainly, what you are afraid of.
2. Read one verse — Psalm 46:1 or 1 Peter 5:7 — slowly, twice.
3. Name one thing you are thankful for right now.
4. Ask for help with the next small step only.

In Scripture

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.1 Peter 5:7 · KJV

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.Isaiah 41:10 · KJV

Context