When faced with anxious times, it is easy to set our focus on the worst case scenario or even try to numb ourselves with a Netflix binge or music.  Rather than seeking to avoid or allowing ourselves to sink deeper, we can turn to our Helper, Creator, Savior. We cannot "wish" or try to will the anxiety away, but if we seek God in his Word, we will see that he is our refuge, strength and all-powerful, and we cannot live in peace without him. 

I wanted to share some verses here (not every verse on the subject) in order to show you how you can seek answers in God's Word for yourself.  First if you google "verses on anxiety" you'll get large lists (you may have found your way here by doing that exact thing).  That's great!  I do want to encourage you to look up the verses before and after those single verses.  For example, the next verse most people quote just part of the verse, "casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you." (I Peter 5:6). This whole statement is true, however look at the verses below and see the bolded parts (my emphasis) of how we can act or react in these situations...

I Peter 5: 6-10, ESV

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. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

These are some powerful actions we are encouraged to do!  

Now, let's look at it again, emphasizing God's part...

I Peter 5: 6-10, ESV

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. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

One more time, emphasis on the battle we are in, and as you reflect, note the fact that we are told to be watchful, and reminded that we are not alone.  So often we believe the lie that we are the only ones.

I Peter 5: 6-10, ESV

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. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

Let's do this again reflecting on some verses in Philippians. What are we being emboldened to do?

Philippians 4:4-9, ESV

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

It is all too easy to focus on what is not true, the false, the ugly, when we are facing the pit. Let us reset our thoughts and put into action what the Bible says. 

As you read it again, what truths do you learn about God? Where is he? What does he do for us?

Philippians 4:4-9, ESV

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

These are just a few verses that we have looked at. I encourage you when you read the Bible to not just read to check off a list, but to ask questions, what does this passage show me about God? Where do I fit in? Who was this written to? What was going on at the time? Pray and ask God to change you as you read.

I pray that God gives you a love and desire for Him that surpasses all worldly cares and worries, may he bring you his peace in times of struggle, and may your rest in him.