Anxiety and Fear Biblically
by Bryan Carlson
“Anxiety is stress over what might or might not happen. Fear is concern over the future” (Roy 9). According to the Bible, anxiety and fear are unproductive reactions to the perceived or real loss of earthly pleasures or the perceived or real possibility of future harm from circumstances or people. However, worry and fear are not to be permanent characteristics of God's children, as stated in Matthew 6:25, 31 and Philippians 4:6. The experience of anxiety and fear often involves a division of the heart's values between earthly and eternal pleasures, as referenced in Matthew 6:19-24. In extreme cases, anxiety and fear can lead to an inability to function. The Bible characterizes those who act in ways that reveal anxiety and fear as "Fatherless Gentiles" in Matthew 6:32 (Faith notes 29). “Fear can be right or wise when it causes a reverence for God (Proverbs 1:7; Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; 2 Corinthians 5:10-11), a fear of the evil one (Matthew 10:26-28) or when it’s a natural response caused by legitimate danger (Job 41:33; Proverbs 22:3). Fear can be sinful when it is focused on self rather than on God (Matthew 6:19-24)” (Roy 9).
Anxiety and fear can manifest themselves in both the inner and outer man. The inner man may experience a heavy heart, where feelings can be overwhelming and all-consuming, as mentioned in Proverbs 12:25 and Psalm 94:19. The soul can be unsettled and noisy, contrasting with the quieted soul of Psalm 131. Additionally, anxiety and fear can lead to a shift in focus, values, and delights, often prioritizing earthly concerns, as referenced in Matthew 6:19-34 and Luke 10:40-41. On the other hand, the outer man can show physiological responses, such as a nervous stomach, ulcers, increased heart rate, fatigue, and sleeplessness. Anxiety and fear may also preoccupy an individual with securing earthly pleasures and safety, as mentioned in Matthew 6:19-34. In extreme cases, anxiety and fear may immobilize an individual. Furthermore, individuals struggling with anxiety and fear may be unwilling to act in love to serve others, as stated in 1 John 4:18. (Faith notes 30)
Biblical factors that can drive anxiety and fear include a lack of trust in God's sovereignty and provision, a focus on circumstances rather than God, a lack of confidence in His promises, and a sense of personal inadequacy. Additionally, spiritual attacks from Satan can cause doubt and fear (2 Corinthians 2:11). Fear of man can also contribute to anxiety (Proverbs 29:25; Matthew 10:28-33; Galatians 1:10), as can trusting oneself rather than trusting in the sovereignty of God (Joshua 1:9; Matthew 6:33-34). Idolatry of the heart, which involves pursuing temporary earth-bound pleasures, treasures, and the praise of man, is another biblical driving factor for anxiety and fear (Matthew 6:19-24; Proverbs 29:25). Unbelief in various aspects can also contribute to anxiety, such as unbelief in one's identity as a child of God (Matthew 6:32), in God's ability to meet the needs of His children (Matthew 6:31–34; Philippians 4:19), in God's purposes to use suffering for His children's good (Romans 8:28–29), in God's plan to bring His children greater delights than what earthly suffering may take from them (Romans 8:18), and in God's plan to have His children love in the midst of suffering to bring light to the world (1 Peter 2:21–24). Laziness in thinking and working hard can also contribute to anxiety (Matthew 25:25–26; Proverbs 6:6–11), as can poor stewardship of the body, including a lack of rest, sleep, exercise, and nutrition (Philippians 4:6-7). (Faith notes 30-31; Roy 9-10)
The Bible provides several strategies for responding to anxiety and fear:
Trust in God and His promises, recognizing that He is in control and has a good plan for your life (Jeremiah 29:11).
Bring your worries and fears to God in prayer, and cast your anxieties on Him (1 Peter 5:7).
Read and meditate on God's Word, which provides comfort, hope, and peace (Isaiah 26:3).
Surround yourself with supportive and encouraging Christian friends and family members (Hebrews 10:24-25).
Practice gratitude and thankfulness, focusing on the blessings and gifts God has given you (Philippians 4:6-7).
Confess and repent of any known sin in your life, and seek forgiveness from those you have wronged (1 John 1:9).
Seek to live a life of obedience to God and trust in His plan for your life, even in difficult circumstances (Psalm 56:3-4). (Faith notes 30-31; Roy 9-10)
Don Roy, IBCD, ACBC Theology Exam Study Guide, 9-10.
Faith Biblical Counseling, ACBC Exam Track 5, 29-32.
