What Can I Do About Worrying?
Thank you for your thoughtful question. Worry is something that affects everyone at some point, and the Bible speaks to it with both honesty and compassion. Let’s look at what Scripture teaches about worry, why it is discouraged, and how God invites us to respond.
Worry Is Not God’s Desire for Us
The Bible makes it clear that worry is not what God wants for His children. Worry is described as an anxious, distracting state that keeps us from trusting God and doing what He calls us to do.
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?”— (Matthew 6:25).
Jesus directly addresses worry in the Sermon on the Mount, teaching that God knows our needs and cares for us. He uses the example of the birds and flowers, which God provides for, to remind us of His loving provision.
Worry Distracts Us from Trusting God
Worry often stems from trying to control things that are ultimately in God’s hands. It can distract us from living out our faith and trusting in God’s goodness.
“Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”— (Matthew 6:27).
Worry does not solve our problems or change our circumstances; instead, it can rob us of peace and joy.
God Invites Us to Cast Our Worries on Him
God does not want us to carry our anxieties alone. He invites us to bring our worries to Him in prayer, trusting that He cares for us.
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”— (1 Peter 5:7).
This verse assures us that God is not distant or indifferent. He is a loving Father who wants us to bring our concerns to Him.
Prayer and Thanksgiving Replace Worry
Instead of being anxious, the Bible encourages us to pray and give thanks, trusting God’s peace to guard our hearts.
“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.”— (Philippians 4:6–7).
When we turn our worries into prayers, God promises a supernatural peace that goes beyond our understanding.
Worry vs. Responsibility
It’s important to note that the Bible does not call us to be careless or irresponsible. Being wise and planning for the future is good stewardship. However, worry is different—it is a state of anxiety that keeps us from trusting God and living in faith.
“Although God does not want us to worry, that does not mean He wants us to be irresponsible or uncaring. The biblical idea of worry carries the connotation of an annoying, distracting, disturbing state of being that keeps us from doing what God calls us to do.”
A Short Summary
| What the Bible Says About Worry | Key Verses |
|---|---|
| God does not want us to worry | Matthew 6:25 |
| Worry cannot change our situation | Matthew 6:27 |
| God invites us to give Him our worries | 1 Peter 5:7 |
| Prayer and thanksgiving bring peace | Philippians 4:6–7 |
How Do We Give Our Worries to Jesus?
This is a deeply important question, and the Bible gives us clear, practical guidance on how to give our worries to Jesus. Let’s walk through this step by step, using Scripture as our foundation.
Recognize God’s Invitation to Bring Our Worries
God’s Word repeatedly invites us to bring our anxieties and burdens to Him:
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”— (1 Peter 5:7).
This verse assures us that God not only allows us to bring our worries to Him—He wants us to. He cares about every detail of our lives.
Come to Jesus in Prayer
Jesus Himself invites us to come to Him with our burdens:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”— (Matthew 11:28).
Prayer is the primary way we give our worries to Jesus. This means honestly telling Him what is troubling us, just as we would talk to a trusted friend or parent. We can pray silently or out loud, alone or with others.
Be Specific and Thankful in Prayer
The Bible encourages us to be specific about our worries and to combine our requests with thanksgiving:
“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.”— (Philippians 4:6–7).
Prayer: Talk to God about what is making you anxious.
Petition: Ask Him for help with those specific concerns.
Thanksgiving: Remember and thank God for His past faithfulness and blessings.
Trust God’s Character and Promises
Giving our worries to Jesus means trusting that He is able and willing to help. This trust grows as we remember who God is—faithful, loving, and sovereign.
“The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”— (Psalm 118:6).
When we trust God’s promises, we can let go of the need to control everything ourselves.
Let Go and Refocus
After we’ve prayed, we need to make a conscious choice to let go of our worries and not take them back. This may require us to remind ourselves of God’s truth repeatedly. We can also refocus our minds on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable (Philippians 4:8).
Seek Support from Christian Community
God often uses other believers to encourage and support us. Sharing our burdens with trusted Christian friends or mentors can help us experience God’s comfort and wisdom see (Galatians 6:2).
Steps Provided With Scripture
| Step | Scripture |
|---|---|
| Recognize God’s invitation | 1 Peter 5:7 |
| Come to Jesus in prayer | Matthew 11:28 |
| Be specific and thankful in prayer | Philippians 4:6–7 |
| Trust God’s character and promises | Psalm 118:6 |
| Let go and refocus | Philippians 4:8 |
| Seek support from others | Galatians 6:2 |
In Conclusion
Giving our worries to Jesus is not a one-time event, but a daily practice of prayer, trust, and surrender. As we do this, God promises to give us His peace—a peace that “transcends all understanding” and guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).
Worry is a universal human struggle, but God’s Word offers hope and practical help. He calls us to trust Him, bring our concerns to Him in prayer, and rest in His loving care. If you are struggling with worry, remember that God sees you, cares for you, and invites you to experience His peace.
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