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 youCast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

God is goodThe Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made. Psalm 145:9

God is in controlSo 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 youFor 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 peaceDo 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 needsSo 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 powerfulJesus 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

1. What “voices” are you listening to each day?

2. In what ways do you struggle with worry and fear? Be specific.

3. 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.