Topical Encyclopedia
Anxieties, often referred to as worries or cares, are emotional responses to perceived threats or uncertainties. In the biblical context, anxieties are addressed as part of the human experience, yet believers are encouraged to trust in God's provision and sovereignty.
Biblical Understanding of AnxietiesThe Bible acknowledges the reality of anxieties but consistently points believers towards faith and reliance on God. In the Old Testament, anxieties are often linked to a lack of trust in God's promises. For instance, the Israelites frequently exhibited anxiety during their wilderness journey, doubting God's ability to provide for their needs (
Exodus 16:2-3).
In the New Testament, Jesus directly addresses anxiety in the Sermon on the Mount. He instructs His followers not to worry about their lives, what they will eat or drink, or about their bodies and what they will wear. Jesus emphasizes God's care for His creation, stating, "Look at the birds of the air: They do not sow or reap or gather into barns—and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" (
Matthew 6:26). He concludes with the exhortation to "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you" (
Matthew 6:33).
Apostolic Teachings on AnxietiesThe apostles continue this theme, encouraging believers to cast their anxieties on God. The Apostle Paul writes to the Philippians, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests 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). This passage highlights prayer as a means to combat anxiety, emphasizing thanksgiving and the peace that comes from God.
Similarly, the Apostle Peter advises, "Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you" (
1 Peter 5:7). This instruction underscores the personal care and concern God has for each believer, encouraging them to trust in His providence.
Practical Implications for BelieversThe biblical approach to anxiety involves a shift from self-reliance to God-reliance. Believers are called to trust in God's character and His promises, recognizing that He is both willing and able to meet their needs. This trust is cultivated through prayer, meditation on Scripture, and a focus on God's kingdom.
Moreover, the community of faith plays a role in supporting individuals struggling with anxiety. The church is encouraged to bear one another's burdens (
Galatians 6:2), providing a network of support and encouragement.
Anxieties in the PsalmsThe Psalms offer a rich resource for understanding and dealing with anxiety. Many psalms express deep emotional distress, yet they often conclude with a reaffirmation of trust in God.
Psalm 55:22 states, "Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken" . This verse encapsulates the biblical response to anxiety: casting burdens on the Lord and trusting in His sustaining power.
ConclusionWhile anxieties are a natural part of life, the Bible provides a framework for addressing them through faith, prayer, and community support. By focusing on God's faithfulness and care, believers can find peace amidst life's uncertainties.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
n.) Plural of Anxiety.
Library
Anxieties and Troubles, Friends and Foes
... BOOK II CHAPTER XXIANXIETIES AND TROUBLES, FRIENDS AND FOES. Insomnes longo
veniunt examine Cur??. Claud., In Ruf. i.38. Chrysostom's...
He Careth for Thee.
... Jesus says, "Take no thought for the morrow." When you are having any greatanxieties
about future things, you are doing what Jesus tells you not to do, and...
"Consider the Lilies. "
... field," he says, "how they grow: they toil not, neither do they spin." He is trying
to teach us how free we can be"free from all earthly cares andanxieties....
Sanctification.
... And with their thoughts andanxieties, and whole souls, clustering around their
own salvation, they complain of a hard heart, that they cannot love God, that...
Epistle Lxv. To the Clergy and People Abiding at Furni, About...
... please Him to whom he has pledged himself." [2737] As this is said of all men, how
much rather ought those not to be bound by worldlyanxieties and involvements...
What are Consequences of Backsliding in Heart.
... 13. The backslider in heart will be filled with his ownanxieties.... Theseanxieties
are the inevitable result of his madness and folly in forsaking God. 14....
Moreover, it is a Good Thing to Use the Tongue Sparingly...
... And it is a great matter also not to be engrossed by suchanxieties: for the poor
man, even should he be a slave, and unable to fill his belly plentifully...
Letter xvii to the Same
... not able to feel that you are sorrowing without sharing your sorrow, nor can I be
otherwise than troubled and anxious when I hear of your troubles andanxieties...
Seed among Thorns
... and sensual nature, with all its possible delights for part of our being, a real
and important part of it; and with all the troubles andanxieties which it is...
Letter xxix. --To Leave all to God.
... I much prefer to remain in this ignorance, abandoned to God, with no cares nor
anxieties, like a little child reposing on the breast of a good and loving mother...
Thesaurus
Anxieties (5 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) Plural of Anxiety. Multi-Version Concordance
Anxieties (5 Occurrences). Mark 4:19 and the
anxieties...Lamentations (6 Occurrences)
... catastrophe that overtook the Jews and in particular the capital city, Jerusalem,
through the Chaldeans, 587-586 BC The sufferings and theanxieties of the city...
Anvil (1 Occurrence)
Anxiety (24 Occurrences)
Reuben (73 Occurrences)
... therefore all the more deeply lamented the lapse that spoiled his life (Genesis
49:3 f). It was Reuben who felt that their perils andanxieties in Egypt were a...
Yield (78 Occurrences)
... Luke 8:14 That which fell among the thorns means those who have heard, but as they
go on their way, the Message is stifled by theanxieties, wealth and...
Life's (4 Occurrences)
... Luke 8:14 And that which fell to the thorns: These are they who have heard, and
going forth, throughanxieties, and riches, and pleasures of life, are choked...
Gaieties (1 Occurrence)
... Luke 8:14 That which fell among the thorns means those who have heard, but as they
go on their way, the Message is stifled by theanxieties, wealth and...
Weighed (44 Occurrences)
... Luke 21:34 "But take heed to yourselves, lest your souls be weighed down with
self-indulgence and drunkenness or theanxieties of this life, and that day come...
Weighted (15 Occurrences)
... Luke 21:34 And take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts may be weighed down with
surfeiting, and drunkenness, andanxieties of life, and suddenly that day may...
Resources
What is existential therapy, and is it biblical? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of Jacob wrestling with God? | GotQuestions.orgHow can I know what to pray for? | GotQuestions.orgAnxieties: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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