Angst is a feeling of deep anxiety, apprehension, or dread about the state of one’s life. It often involves a sense of inner turmoil, restlessness, or dissatisfaction. The Bible has much to say about overcoming anxiety and finding inner peace through faith in God.
God understands our struggles
The Bible makes it clear that God understands the struggles we face in life. Jesus himself experienced great angst before his crucifixion, sweating drops of blood in the Garden of Gethsemane as he anticipated what was to come (Luke 22:44). The writer of Hebrews notes that Jesus is able to sympathize with our weaknesses since he was tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15). God knows our anxious thoughts from afar (Psalm 139:2) and promises to be near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18). We can come boldly before God’s throne of grace to receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need (Hebrews 4:16).
The cure for anxiety is trusting in God
Rather than trying to manage anxiety through our own efforts, the Bible points us to the cure of trusting in God’s sovereign care. When we worry about provision, God reminds us that he clothes the lilies and feeds the birds, and will certainly provide for our needs (Luke 12:22-31). He tells us to cast all our anxieties on him, because he cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). As we set our minds on Christ and his truth, the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:6-9). Walking in daily fellowship with God enables us to exchange our anxiety for the supernatural peace of God (John 14:27).
Prayer calms the anxious heart
The Bible encourages us to come to God repeatedly in prayer, petitioning him with thanksgiving when we feel anxious (Philippians 4:6-7). As we acknowledge God in all our ways, his peace will guard our hearts and minds (Proverbs 3:5-6). Paul prays for the Ephesians that God would grant them strength and power so that Christ may dwell in their hearts through faith, being rooted and grounded in love. He desires for them to grasp Christ’s infinite love so that they may be filled with all the fullness of God, who is able to do far more than all we ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:14-21). As we pour out our hearts to God, he exchanges our fear for faith.
God’s Word is a lamp for our path
Reading and meditating on Scripture brings perspective, hope and guidance. The psalmists repeatedly affirm that God’s Word gives light, joy and peace to the soul (Psalms 19:8, 119:105). As we fill our minds with God’s promises, commands and truths, it renews our thinking and transforms our outlook. The Holy Spirit uses the Word of God to dispel lies and point us to greater confidence in God’s purposes. Immersing ourselves regularly in Scripture helps us gain an eternal perspective and reassurance of God’s sovereignty.
Trusting God’s plan and timing
Much anxiety stems from a desire to control our circumstances. However, the Bible calls us to trust in God’s timing and purposes, even when life does not make sense. Isaiah 26:3 promises perfect peace to those whose minds are steadfast on God because they trust in him. Ecclesiastes reminds us there is a season for everything under heaven, and we cannot always understand the bigger picture of what God is orchestrating. But we can rest knowing that God will bring every deed to judgment (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8; 8:5-6). Surrendering the need to understand and giving control to God brings freedom from anxiety about the future.
God’s presence calms our fears
Fear and dread shrink in the light of God’s presence. When Moses felt inadequate for leadership, God promised, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest” (Exodus 33:14). When God called Joshua to take over after Moses, he assured him: “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). God’s presence remained with David as a shepherd, giving him courage to defeat Goliath (1 Samuel 17:37). Jesus promises to be with us always, giving power to share the gospel and walk in obedience (Matthew 28:19-20). God’s presence dispels fear and dread.
God gives strength to face challenges
The Bible often reminds believers of God’s strength when they feel inadequate. When Paul pleaded for God to take away his suffering, God told Him, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13). Isaiah 40 promises that God gives power to the faint, and increases the strength of those who have no might. We can run and not grow weary, walk and not faint, when we hope in the Lord (Isaiah 40:29-31). His strength is made perfect even in our human weakness and times of turmoil.
God brings good from our trials
God often uses seasons of angst and suffering to refine our faith and bring spiritual growth. Romans 5:3-5 describes how the trials we endure produce endurance, character and hope because God pours His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. James 1:2-4 exhorts us to consider trials an occasion for joy, because God uses them to test and strengthen our faith so we will mature and lack nothing. God promises to work all things together for the good of those who love Him, using both joyful and painful times to conform us to Christ’s image (Romans 8:28-29). Our angst has purpose when surrendered to God’s hands.
God brings comfort and deliverance
The Bible contains story after story of God hearing the cries of those in anguish and bringing comfort, healing and deliverance. When Hagar fled into the desert feeling abandoned, God met her there, promising to make her offspring into a great nation (Genesis 21:14-19). God saw the misery of the Israelites in Egypt and delivered them after hearing their cries (Exodus 3:7-10). David repeatedly cries out to God from fearful places, asking for rescue, and God sustains him (Psalms 18, 22, 69). God responds compassionately to the earnest prayers of those feeling distressed and brings renewal.
Biblical examples of finding peace through faith
Many heroes of the faith experienced times of angst, but found peace through trust in God. Abraham wavered in faith about God’s promise of offspring before Isaac’s birth (Genesis 15-21). Job suffered extreme anguish yet chose to bless and trust God (Job 1-2). Joseph endured betrayal, injustice and imprisonment before rising to leadership in Egypt (Genesis 37-50). Elijah battled despair and burnout before God renewed his strength (1 Kings 18-19). God met each of them in their time of need as they leaned on Him.
Even Jesus himself agonized intensely over his coming crucifixion, sweating drops of blood. But he surrendered to God, saying “Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:39-46). Time after time, we see God reaching into the darkness of human struggle and saying “Fear not,” bringing courage, hope and eventual deliverance.
Promises for those struggling with anxiety
Here are some key promises from Scripture to claim when angst seems overwhelming:
- “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)
- “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)
- “Cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)
- “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29)
- “The Lord is at hand; 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 4:5-7)
Practical ways to overcome anxiety biblically
Based on all these biblical truths and promises, here are some practical ways to overcome angst through faith in God:
- Pray continually, pouring out your heart’s concerns and worries to God
- Fill your mind with Scripture, particularly promises about God’s presence and power
- Trust God’s plans and timing for your life, even when it’s hard
- Obey God’s commands with confidence that He will help you
- Receive God’s peace, remembering that He is in control
- Give thanks to God in all circumstances to shift into worship
- Confess and repent of any sin that might be impacting your fellowship with God
- Seek encouragement and prayer from other believers
- Serve and minister to others to take focus off yourself
- Rest physically and emotionally as needed
Hope and freedom from angst
The Bible offers hope and freedom from angst as we place our trust in God’s character and promises. He hears our cries and understands our struggles. As we actively give our cares to Him and fill our minds with His truth, He will guard our hearts with supernatural peace. God often uses times of angst to spiritually mature us as we learn to rely more fully on Him. He walks with us through seasons of difficulty and distress. Ultimately, He desires to deliver us from fear into unshakable faith in His love and sovereignty. His presence and power free us to live fully and courageously for His glory.