Anxiety

What it means

Anxiety is the persistent worry and inner unrest about the future, provision, safety, and circumstances we cannot control, and it is a struggle Scripture addresses with tenderness rather than rebuke. Jesus tells the worried not to be anxious about food, clothing, or tomorrow, pointing to a Father who feeds the birds and clothes the lilies and knows every need we have (Matthew 6:25-34). Paul, writing from prison, urges believers to be anxious for nothing but in everything, by prayer and thanksgiving, to bring their requests to God, with the promise that the peace of God will guard their hearts and minds in Christ (Philippians 4:6-7). This is no command to pretend the worry away; it is an invitation to cast our cares on the One who cares, because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). The remedy is not a stronger grip on circumstances but a trusting transfer of our burdens to a faithful God.