Bible Verses About Worry: Finding Support from Scripture When You’re Feeling Anxious

Worry and anxiety have always been a part of the human condition. They were one of the first things Jesus addressed in his Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:25-34). Paul and other New Testament writers referenced worry and anxiety throughout the epistles (Philippians 4:6-7, 1 Peter 5:7).

Anxiety disorders have become extremely prevalent. Whether it is that diagnoses are becoming more common, the ever-present 24-hour news cycle, constant social media updates, doomscrolling, or other factors, anxiety is flourishing in today’s culture.

In 2019, about 15% of U.S. adults reported having anxiety issues. By 2022, that number had risen to 18% (U.S. News & World Report). In 2024, 43% of Americans said they had higher anxiety than the year before.

No matter the cause, it’s clear that anxiety rates are continuing to rise, and people are becoming more self-aware of their struggles.

As Christians, we may wonder – what does the Bible say about worry? Does it address the human condition of anxiety? Some people say that worry is a sin, and this can make someone who struggles with chronic worrying, panic, or fear feel even more defeated than before.

The truth is, it is possible for worry to be sinful. Sometimes worry signifies a lack of trust in God. Are we doubting His goodness? Do we have a lack of confidence in His faithfulness? Are we worrying because we feel that the cares of the world are on our shoulders instead of His? Do we struggle with unbelief?

It’s important to remember, though, that pain, fear, worry, and anxiety are not just sins – they are part of our broken human condition because of the fall. At the same time, brokenness does not always equate to sin.

Just think of the many ways our physical bodies can be broken through sickness, disease, and injury. These things are the result of the fall, and we suffer because we live in a fallen world, regardless of our specific and individual sins.

In the same way, sometimes we deal with mental health struggles, emotional wounds, and trauma through no fault of our own, but merely as the result of living in a broken world.

Christianity.com says it this way: “Neither basic worry nor anxiety disorder is a sin. Jesus had anxiety about his coming arrest, praying to His Father in the Garden of Gethsemane to ‘take this cup from me’ if the Father willed it so (Mark 14:36). Worry and anxiety are normal and natural parts of life.”

Even if you believe that your individual worrying is a form of sin, there is a Savior to whom you can confess your sin and find mercy (1 John 1:9).

When we see God’s commands throughout Scripture, including His commands not to fear, not to worry, and not to be anxious, we must remember that His commands are part of His mercy. When He tells us something, it’s for our good, not to be a heavy burden. His commands regarding worry and anxiety can be read as encouragement and freedom, and as a reminder not to lean on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5).

Bible Verses About Worry in the Old Testament

Throughout Scripture, God commands His children not to be afraid. Here are several passages from the Old Testament from God directly to his people:

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. – Deuteronomy 31:6, ESV

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. – Joshua 1:9, ESV

What is the opposite of the fear of man? It’s choosing to act despite that emotion of fear, choosing to be courageous. The reason we can choose not to be afraid is that God’s presence is always with us.

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. – Isaiah 41:10, ESV

Here we can see that God Himself is both present with us and the source of our strength. We won’t find the strength to carry on in ourselves, but in Him.

Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; He will never permit the righteous to be moved. – Psalm 55:22, ESV

Besides the commands not to fear and to be strong and brave, we can see a command to throw our concerns onto God through prayer metaphorically. He will keep us going or sustain us.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. – Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV

Here are a couple of other commands related to not being afraid: choosing to trust God with everything in us and believing that He will lead and care for us. In this way, we’re not relying on our perception of things, but choosing to do things God’s way and according to His commands. Then He will guide us in the way we should go.

Bible Verses About Worry in the New Testament

In the New Testament, Jesus addressed the topic of fear with His disciples numerous times. In Matthew 6:25-34 and Luke 12:23-34, Jesus tells them not to worry about food or clothing, because God, their Father, knows their needs and will provide for them. He also tells them not to worry about the next day and to focus on today.

These specific commands address the heart of human fear and uncertainty: wondering whether our needs will be provided for, whether we can take care of ourselves, and what the future will hold. Jesus provides reassurance that God is the only one who is providing – our survival is not dependent on ourselves – and we can trust Him.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. – John 14:27, ESV

Jesus is preparing to leave His disciples to sacrifice His life, and He tells them that He gives them His peace, and therefore, they don’t need to be afraid. In this verse, we can see reflections of the Old Testament passages where God comforts His people by reminding them that He is with them. Jesus is telling His followers that although He may be physically away from them in the future, His peace will still be with them.

The apostles Paul and Peter also mention worry and fear in their epistles to the church:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7, ESV

This passage can be seen as a kind of beautiful medley of verses we’ve already mentioned. Paul encourages believers to pray and ask God for what they need instead of being anxious, and as a result, they will receive His peace even when things don’t make sense to them. This peace would guard them from fear in an uncertain world.

Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. – 1 Peter 5:7, ESV

Reminiscent of the Old Testament injunction to cast one’s burdens on the Lord, Peter reminds his readers to cast their anxiety on God, simply because He cares for them.

The Greek word μέλει, which is translated into “cares,” roughly means to be troubled or concerned, in the sense of taking on that concern or trouble about someone or something else. When we throw our anxiety onto God, we can remember that He’s the one carrying all our burdens for us.

Scripture’s Message About Worry And Anxiety

Throughout these Bible verses about worry and others, we see that worry and anxiety are often normal, human responses to the uncertainty of our lives. Although worry can sometimes be a sin, we can confess that sin at any moment and find freedom and forgiveness.

In all things, we are to submit our fragile humanity to God, bringing our emotions and burdens to Him, and trusting that He can provide even amid fear, sorrow, or uncertainty.

Anxiety is real – but you don’t have to face it alone. If you’re looking for additional support for anxiety beyond these Bible verses about worry, contact our office today to schedule your risk-free initial session with a Christian counselor in Texas.