Anxiety is as common today as a loaf of bread on the table. Whether it’s about funds, work, relationships, or the uncertainty of life itself, anxiety is something all of us encounter – sometimes intermittently, sometimes each day. At its worst, it could actually feel overwhelming and even crippling. While the world offers its own remedies, what does the Bible prescribe for anxiety?
Anxiety amongst great biblical figures
In my early years as a Christian, I mistakenly believed that anxiety was unusual amongst believers. But as I grew in faith and understanding, I realised that even the Bible’s biggest figures experienced moments of intense anxiety.
Take Moses, for instance. When God called him to guide the Israelites out of Egypt, he was consumed with self-doubt. He anxious about speaking in public, facing Pharaoh, and living as much as the monumental task before him (Exodus 4:10-12). Then there’s the Apostle Peter, who denied Jesus thrice out of fear of persecution (Matthew 26:69-75). Thus, anxiety isn’t a contemporary phenomenon – it is a universal human experience, even for those near God.
Recognising the foundation of tension
In my very own life, anxiety often stems from the fear of failure. This fear could be so paralysing that it stops me from trying altogether. I think Moses and Peter felt an identical reluctance. Moses feared fumbling his words and appearing inadequate. Peter’s anxiety led him to disclaim the very Saviour he loved, afraid of the results of being related to Him.
But their stories don’t end there. Both Moses and Peter overcame their anxiety and stepped into the roles God called them to fulfil. How? By trusting God.
Relinquish your anxiety to Jesus
The Bible reminds us that “we live by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). Trusting God means we should always release our fears and uncertainties to Him, knowing He is on top of things. Jesus reassures us in Matthew 6: 26, when he stated, “Look on the birds of the air; they don’t sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not way more invaluable than they?”
He even invites us Himself to put down our burdens at His feet as He said, “Come to me, all you who’re weary and burdened, and I offers you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
We can relinquish our anxieties to Him through prayer as Philippians 4: 6 encourages us to “not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Embrace failure as a part of God’s perfect plan
Trusting God also means embracing His perfect plan for us, acknowledging that failure is typically an element of that plan. Remembering that God’s plans for us are all the time for our good, as stated in Jeremiah 29:11, “‘For I do know the plans I even have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and never to harm you, plans to provide you hope and a future,'” will transform the way in which we face uncertainty and challenges, helping us view failure as a stepping stone relatively than a stumbling block.
Sometimes, failure is mandatory to grow us into who God wants us to be. Being broken down can prepare us to be rebuilt as higher versions of ourselves because it is written in 1 Peter 5: 10, “And the God of all grace, called you to His everlasting glory in Christ, after you will have suffered somewhat while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” The Bible also says that through our weaknesses, God’s strength is revealed, “But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness’…” (2 Corinthians 12: 9).
Rely on the Holy Spirit’s guidance
Another thing to recollect is that we usually are not alone in our battle against anxiety! Whatever challenge you might face or role you will have been called to play by God, the Holy Spirit will equip you with every part you’ll want to overcome and fulfil effectively (Romans 8: 26-27). So, we are able to trust God through counting on the guidance of His Holy Spirit.
Anxiety could also be a natural response to life’s pressures, but it surely doesn’t have to manage us. Let us trust God as a substitute by taking our burdens to Jesus through prayer, embracing His perfect plan for us, including the failures, viewing them as a means of spiritual growth and counting on the guidance of the Holy Spirit!
