What does the Bible say about worry?
July 21, 2008
Q: In these uncertain times, I can’t help but worry and expect the worst. Does Scripture address this?
A: There are many Scriptures, a sampling of which follows, about faith, trust, peace, and joy. God tells us not to worry but to trust in Him.
Proverbs 15:13
A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.
Proverbs 15:15
All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.
Proverbs 15:30
A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.
Proverbs 17:22
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
Psalm 4:7
You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound.
Psalm 5:11
But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
Psalm 16:11
You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
Psalm 19:8
The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.
Psalm 28:7
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.
Psalm 30:11
You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
Psalm 33:1
Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him.
Psalm 33:3
Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.
Psalm 47:1
Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy.
Psalm 51:8
Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
Psalm 51:12
Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Psalm 66:1
Shout with joy to God, all the earth!
Psalm 71:23
My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you— I, whom you have redeemed.
Psalm 81:1
Sing for joy to God our strength; shout aloud to the God of Jacob!
Psalm 92:4
For you make me glad by your deeds, O LORD; I sing for joy at the works of your hands.
Psalm 94:19
When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.
Psalm 95:1
Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
Psalm 126:5
Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.
Psalm 126:6
He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.
Ecclesiastes 8:15
So I commend the enjoyment of life, because nothing is better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany him in his work all the days of the life God has given him under the sun.
Isaiah 30:15
This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.”
Nahum 1:7
The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.
Luke 12:22-29
Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it.
John 14:1
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God ; trust also in me.”
Romans 5:1
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 12:12
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Romans 14:17
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13
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.
Galatians 5:22
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.
1 Thessalonians 1:6
In spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.
1 Thessalonians 5:16
Be joyful always.
Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
James 1:2
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds.
Comments
Got something to say?
