Anxiety


Introduction

Anxiety is a common human struggle, marked by fear, worry, and restless care. Scripture acknowledges our tendency to be “careful and troubled about many things” (Luke 10:41), yet it also calls us to cast our burdens upon the Lord. Richard Baxter, in A Christian Directory, gives detailed counsel on curing sinful worry by trusting God’s providence, resting in His promises, and ordering our thoughts toward eternity.


Scripture Focus

  • “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6–7, KJV)


List of Relevant Scriptures

  • Psalm 34:4 – God delivers us from all our fears.
  • Psalm 55:22 – Cast your burden upon the Lord.
  • Matthew 6:25–34 – Be not anxious for your life; your heavenly Father knows your needs.
  • Luke 12:32 – Fear not, little flock; it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
  • John 14:27 – Christ gives His peace, not as the world gives.
  • 1 Peter 5:7 – Casting all your care upon Him, for He careth for you.
  • Isaiah 26:3 – God keeps in perfect peace those whose minds are stayed on Him.


Overview of the Biblical Teaching on This Issue

The Bible does not deny that fear and anxiety are real, but it redirects them. Anxiety often arises when we try to carry tomorrow’s burdens in our own strength, or when we fix our eyes on uncertain circumstances rather than on the unchanging God. Scripture teaches us to replace anxious care with prayer, thanksgiving, and trust.

Anxiety is not merely an emotional problem, but a spiritual one. It reflects what we believe about God’s power, wisdom, and goodness. Jesus repeatedly assures His disciples that their Father knows, cares, and provides — therefore they need not fear. The gospel secures our hearts in Christ, who bore the ultimate burden for us and gives His people true rest.


Pastoral Guidance

Drawing from Richard Baxter’s counsel:

  • Examine the roots of fear: Baxter teaches that worry often springs from unbelief, pride, or over-love of earthly things. When we see anxiety as a symptom of misplaced trust, we can repent and reorient our hearts.
  • Turn fear into prayer: “If you cannot cast off your care, yet cast it on God, and see that it be a care for duty, and not for events.”¹ In other words, let your concern drive you to prayer and obedience, not to despair.
  • Trust God’s providence: Baxter urges believers to remember that “all things work together for good to them that love God” (Romans 8:28). God is sovereign over every trial.
  • Meditate on eternity: Anxious thoughts shrink when set against the eternal weight of glory. Baxter counsels: “Live as those that believe that heaven will make amends for all.”²
  • Practise daily duties: Baxter recommends focusing on today’s obedience, not tomorrow’s fears. “Do the duty of this day faithfully, and let God provide for the next.”³


Further Reading

  • Richard Baxter, A Christian Directory, Part I, Ch. VIII (“Directions for Quieting the Mind and Curing Inordinate Cares and Fears”).
  • John Flavel, The Mystery of Providence (on God’s sovereign care).
  • Jeremiah Burroughs, The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment.
  • Thomas Brooks, Heaven on Earth (sections on peace of conscience).
  • Modern: Ed Welch, Running Scared: Fear, Worry, and the God of Rest.



Footnotes

  1. Baxter, A Christian Directory, Part I, Ch. VIII.
  2. Ibid.
  3. Ibid.