From Anxiety to Assurance: Seeking God Amid the Chaos
“So do not listen to your prophets, your diviners, your interpreters of dreams, your mediums or your sorcerers who tell you, ‘You will not serve the king of Babylon.’ ” Jeremiah 27:9
In the information age, there is no shortage of perspectives. Newscasts, blogs, radio, movies, television, podcasts and opinion polls constantly assail us with how we should feel and think about all kinds of issues. However, when believers need perspective, where do we turn? Whose voice echoes in our ears?
We like to say that we turn to God and to the Scriptures. But if we’re truthful, we’re a lot like the children of Israel. Instead of getting information from the primary source, they sought out false prophets. If they had listened to Jeremiah, they would have known God was saying just the opposite of what they were hearing.
Today, it’s unlikely that a believer would seek out mediums or psychics for advice on life—although they are readily available. However, a number of other sources influence our thoughts and decisions, and not all of them are godly. From social trends to cultural mores, other people greatly affect how we see life. And Satan is aware of just how much “airtime” is available to influence us throughout our day.
Case in point: What are you worried about today? Headlines like terrorism, war, financial collapse? If those threats don’t concern you, perhaps daytime television has convinced you that your children might be on meth or that your husband might be having an affair. And we wonder why we sometimes live with a vague sense of dread much of the time! Maybe instead of turning to God for perspective, we’ve been turning elsewhere.
It’s normal to be concerned about our lives and our loved ones…but if we’re not careful, anxiety can all too quickly imprison us. When you feel the cords of anxiety and worry tightening around you, think about the Lord’s promises, his sovereignty and his goodness. Why not start by reading less on current events and more of God’s Word? Try turning off the television and tuning into praise music. You don’t need to completely hide from the world, but try spending as much time hearing from God as you do hearing from other sources.
Bible verses for anxiety
Here’s some Scripture verses for when you’re feeling anxious –
God cares for you
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
God is good
The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made. Psalm 145:9
God is in control
So 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
God loves you
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons… nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38–39
God has a plan
‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.’ Jeremiah 29:11
God gives peace
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… will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6–7
God knows your needs
So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’… Your heavenly Father knows that you need them. Matthew 6:31–33
God directs our way
A person’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand their own way? Proverbs 20:24
God is powerful
Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” Mark 4:38-40
God will never leave you
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8
The more you dwell on God’s faithfulness, the less likely you’ll view life from the wrong perspective. Go to the primary source for wisdom and insight!
For Reflection
- What “voices” are you listening to each day?
- In what ways do you struggle with worry and fear? Be specific.
- Think of three ways you can dwell on God’s promises–instead of what you fear–today.
Devotional drawn from the NIV Women’s Devotional Bible.
NIV Women’s Devotional Bible
This Bible includes a full year of devotions written by women of God who offer inspiration, candid perspectives, and guidance. Includes a subject index to help you locate topics easily.
Learn More
Thank you. I woke up today with a sense of sadness, loneliness and anxiousness about my future. I stumbled onto this email and it was a reminder that I’m not alone. God sees me, I’m not forgotten.
Thank you for these biblical reminders! I read them and feel Gods peace, but then Satan gets hold of my mind and anxiety sets right back in. I know God is with me because He said He is, but why don’t I feel it in my heart, despite praying for the Holy Spirit to dwell in me?
So true
Hi Karen, I believe it’s helpful when struggling with anxiety to recite God’s word out loud and thank God for this truth. He will never leave you or forsake you and he works all things for our good. Even when things don’t go the way you had hoped remember he can use it for your good. Remember Joseph and how God through the negative situations brought him into God’s purposes which he used to bring healing into his family situation and saved a nation. In the beginning he would have had every right to question if God loved him and was going to work all things for the good….but God did. Joseph continued to serve God in prison by his prophecy and God restored him. Remember God works all things together for the good……so why be anxious. Just trust God and ask for wisdom in all you do. Bless you to see and know all the good things God has for you.
I love this! It gives me strength and courage to know that I am not alone.
This is a powerful massage for this world.
I feel more of God’s love through this and my faith in Him is renewed. Thank you.
I am encouraged by this.
It is always good to know that we are not alone in our struggles. I lie half the night feeling anxious and could not sleep, I said Jesus is the burden bearer why am I holding on to things when I can give them to Him. Then we see this devotion. It gives me hope through my struggles. Thank you.
Glory be to God! He is alive and He has made our joy complete.
Anxiety and fear are the key words in today’s life for many. But our Lord God is on our side always. We should not be afraid because He’s there for us. He has plenty to satisfy everyone He has created.
As soon as I saw the article, I wanted to read it but got caught up with everything else. Today, I decided that I must. And I am glad I did. I had been battling with a bit on anxiety about work and this encouraged me a lot. Thank you so much.