Weekly Devotional: Scripture for Anxiety in Psalms
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Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. — Psalm 23:4
Anxiety and fear are words that might trigger some strong or complicated feelings for you. Maybe you have struggled with having anxious thoughts for your whole life. Perhaps anxiety and fear are new to you as your circumstances change and you are living away from home for the first time.
Anxiety can be a very isolating and lonely experience. No one can see what is going on inside your head, but you can feel crushed by overwhelming thoughts of fear, worry and stress. Feelings of fear and anxiety are normal parts of being human. When facing difficult situations, it's natural to wonder, What does the Bible say about anxiety?
The Bible includes many accounts of how God’s people felt anxiety and teaches us how to trust God with our own anxieties. The Book of Psalms teaches about God’s heart for us and includes encouraging scripture for anxiety.
When I said, ‘My foot is slipping,’ your unfailing love, LORD, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. — Psalm 94:18-19 NIV
The Book of Psalms is a collection of Hebrew poetry, prayers and song used by the Israelites to worship God. The Psalms are a way for people to not only worship God, but to meet with him. The Psalms invite you to come near to God in times when you feel isolated or hopeless by taking you through a story of fall and failures and the promises of redemption.
The scripture for anxiety in Psalms comes from many different authors, including King David and King Solomon, David’s son. Many of the Psalms were written by King David during a period in his life when he was facing great opposition and dealt with feelings of overwhelming anxiety.
King David was a faithful man chosen by God to rule Israel after an era of corrupt priesthood. God made a promise to David that from his line would come a king, Jesus, who would restore peace to the whole world. Despite the favor God had with David and David’s strong faith in the Lord, he did not live a perfect life. Along with David’s strength and faith was failure and suffering, and a lasting hope for the promised savior of the world.
Understanding the Psalms background is important for interpreting the meaning and historical context of these ancient religious texts. We can read David’s own words in the Book of Psalms and hear through his story what the Bible says about anxiety. David’s prayers and poetry also give us an example of the kinds of prayer to help us come closer to God’s presence in both good times and bad.
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I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. — Psalm 34:4
God’s ultimate plan is restoration of the whole world through Christ, and we can always hold on to hope for the return of Jesus. Until then, God is here to listen to our prayers and provide his comfort and strength to us amid our anxiety.
Letting go and learning how to trust God with all our worries and fears will be a practice that takes a lifetime. Knowing that God is here for us amid our anxieties and understands fully the pain we are in can be the first step in learning to trust the Lord with your anxieties. When we learn his heart for us by studying scripture for anxiety, this can help us learn to trust him.
Start small. Pray through David’s prayers in the Psalms background ideologies and ask the Lord for comfort. Share with him your deepest emotions and ask that he provide you with protection, deliverance and peace. Do not be ashamed that you feel anxious. Instead, speak to God knowing that it is his heart to help you through life’s dark valleys.
Even if you can’t seem to let God take control, know that when you are able to give your anxieties over to the Lord, he will always take care of you. Practice this each day and have hope in the Lord’s plans for your life. If you're struggling with anxiety, it can be helpful to talk to a pastor or counselor and explore the question, What does the Bible says about anxiety? to find comfort and guidance in learning how to trust God.
Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this. — Psalm 37:5
Pursuing an education in biblical studies can offer meaningful opportunities to learn more about scripture for anxiety, biblical interpretation and how to apply scripture to your daily life. Grand Canyon University offers a Christian studies degree with an emphasis in biblical studies to expand and enrich your knowledge of God’s word.
Learn how to trust God through a Christian worldview by pursuing a degree that provides a deeper understanding of his teachings and exploring how they apply to your life, including what the Bible says about anxiety.
Approved by the local outreach coordinator of the Office of Spiritual Life on May 5, 2023.
