Gary Zimak – Excerpt from the article A Worrier’s Guide to Peace
While many Bible verses deal with anxiety, here are five that every worrier should know. Through these words, the Lord reminds us that he is greater than any problem we could ever encounter.
1. Romans 8:28: “We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him.” Nothing happens to us without the Lord’s permission. While he doesn’t cause everything that happens in our lives (free will plays a part), he does allow things to occur. While this includes both pleasant and unpleasant events, this verse reminds us that He can bring good out of any situation.
2. Luke 12:35: “And which of you by being anxious can add a cubit to his span of life?” Jesus’ words are crystal clear: Worrying doesn’t do any good. Why should we waste our time on an activity that produces no positive result? On the other hand, the Lord assures us that prayer always yields results (cf. Matthew 7:7). Why waste time worrying when you can pray instead?
3. Matthew 11:28: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Jesus Christ is the ultimate answer to any problem we will ever face. With his help, we can make it through anything. If we stay close to him, we will experience great peace, even in the midst of great turbulence.
4. Philippians 5:6-7: “Have no anxiety 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 passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Not only does this passage direct us to avoid worrying, it also tells us what we should do and promises the reward for following that plan. Instead of worrying (which is never productive), presenting our needs to the Lord in prayer will unite us more closely with him and bring us peace. By following these instructions, there’s no way we can lose!
5. Psalm 27:1: “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” Those of us who are anxious sometimes lose sight of the big picture. We were created to live with God in heaven. That is the ultimate goal of our lives. As long as we follow his will by cooperating with the grace that he provides, we will spend eternity with him. In heaven there will be no illness, no financial difficulties, no unhappiness. Best of all, nobody can take that reward away from us. Given that, is there ever a reason to worry?