Anxiety is a common human experience. According to the American Psychological Association, over 40 million American adults suffer from some kind of anxiety disorder. Feelings of worry, fear, nervousness, and apprehension are things most people confront at some point in their lives.
For those who suffer from excessive anxiety or clinical anxiety disorders, these feelings can be overwhelming and debilitating. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 18.1% of the population every year. Symptoms of anxiety can include increased heart rate, rapid breathing, restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep problems.
In the midst of anxiety, many people wonder if God is aware of their inner turmoil. Does God understand our anxious thoughts and feelings? The Bible provides insight into this question. Psalm 139:23 says, “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!”
This verse is part of a Psalm written by King David, who frequently experienced anxiety and fear throughout his life. Even as the king of Israel, David was vulnerable to feelings of worry, doubt, and apprehension. In Psalm 139, David is acknowledging that God has full knowledge of the human heart and mind. There is nothing hidden from God’s sight.
Let’s explore the significance of God’s knowledge of our anxious thoughts and what the Bible says about finding peace in the midst of anxiety and worry.
God Understands Our Anxious Thoughts
Psalm 139 affirms that God knows the intimate details of our thought lives. The word “thoughts” in Psalm 139:23 refers to anxious thoughts, worries, and distressful rumination. When we feel anxious, it can seem like no one understands our mental anguish. But Psalm 139 provides comfort – God sees our hidden thought life more clearly than we do. He discerns every worry and fear.
Many other verses also confirm God’s knowledge of human thoughts and anxiety:
– “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” (Job 42:2)
– “Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; His understanding is beyond measure.” (Psalm 147:5)
– “Before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, You know it altogether.” (Psalm 139:4)
There is nothing we can hide from the Lord. He understands even our unspoken anxious thoughts. God’s knowledge is beyond human understanding – He infinitely understands both our external behaviors and internal thought lives. His knowledge and discernment provide comfort that He comprehends our anxiety even when no one else does.
God Invites Us to Bring Our Anxieties to Him
Not only does God understand human anxiety, but He also invites us to bring our worried thoughts to Him. Many verses assure believers that we can cast our anxiety on the Lord because He cares for us:
– “Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never permit the righteous to be moved.” (Psalm 55:22)
– “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7)
– “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)
Rather than being overwhelmed by anxious thoughts, we can pray to God and release our mental burdens to Him. The Lord invites us to bring Him all our worries, fears, and apprehensions. He is greater than any anxiety we face.
God Works In Our Anxiety
God not only understands human anxiety and invites us to cast our cares on Him – He also works in the midst of our mental distress. The Bible contains many stories of people who struggled with anxiety and fear, including men of great faith like Abraham, David, Elijah, and the apostles. God did not prevent them from feeling anxious, but He used their anxiety to accomplish His purposes.
For example, when the Israelites were trapped between the Red Sea and Pharaoh’s chariots, they were terrified and cried out to the Lord (Exodus 14:10). However, God used their fearful situation to demonstrate His mighty power and deliverance. The Lord can use times of anxiety to strengthen our faith and trust in Him.
God also allows anxiety to produce perseverance, character, and hope in us (Romans 5:3-4). Difficult trials develop godly virtues. While anxiety feels pointless and unnecessary, God uses it for our sanctification and spiritual growth. Our anxious thoughts are never wasted when surrendered to the Lord.
God Gives Us Peace in the Midst of Anxiety
Not only does God use our anxiety to accomplish His good purposes, but He also promises to give us supernatural peace when worry strikes. Consider these promises of God’s peace:
– “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
– “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)
– “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
– “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)
The Prince of Peace offers to fill us with supernatural peace, calm, and comfort if we release our anxious thoughts to Him in prayer. His peace surpasses human understanding and guards our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:7).
Practical Tips for Managing Anxiety with God’s Help
In addition to the spiritual comfort we receive through prayer and Scripture, there are practical ways to manage anxiety with God’s help:
- Talk to a pastor, counselor, mentor, or Christian friend who can provide support and Biblical guidance
- Prioritize sleep, nutrition, and exercise which stabilize moods
- Limit anxiety-inducing media exposure
- Practice gratitude for God’s blessings which counters anxious thoughts
- Serve others getting the focus off ourselves
- Remember times in the past when God provided comfort which builds faith
Anxiety management techniques coupled with God’s presence and promises give us stability when worries feel overwhelming. We have access to God’s supernatural peace if we continually cast our cares on Him.
Trusting God’s Goodness in the Midst of Uncertainty
Cultivating trust in God’s complete goodness is key to overcoming anxiety. We can become anxious when we lose sight of God’s sovereignty, doubting that He is in control. But God promises:
– “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
– “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)
– “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” (Psalm 4:8)
We can rest securely, despite uncertainty, knowing that our lives are in the hands of the all-good, all-powerful, sovereign Lord. He cares for us deeply and always works for our eternal good.
The Hope and Comfort of God’s Understanding
In our anxiety, we can be comforted knowing that God does not minimize or ignore our mental anguish. He feels our pain. The Lord Jesus was called “A Man of Sorrows, acquainted with grief” (Isaiah 53:3). God chose to experience human anxiety and suffering to empathize with our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15).
Through Christ, God understands the depth of human anxiety and invites us to cast our cares on Him. He will exchange our anxiety for supernatural peace (Philippians 4:6-7). We have a High Priest who is touched by our infirmities (Hebrews 4:15). The God of the universe cares about even our small worries. He is mighty to save those who cry out to Him in their mental anguish (Psalm 18:6, 34:4, 17).
What comfort it brings to know that our anxiety does not fall on deaf ears. The God who knows our innermost worries also give us His perfect peace. We can have confident hope that the Lord is working all things together for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). Despite anxiety, we can trust in God’s power and sovereignty. His amazing love transforms our worried thoughts when we surrender them to Him in prayer.