What does the Bible say about anxiety?

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Paul wrote this from prison. He doesn't tell anxious people to stop feeling anxious; he tells them where to take it, with specific requests and thanksgiving. The promise isn't that every problem disappears, but that God's peace will guard your heart and mind.

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today has enough trouble of its own."

Jesus points to birds and flowers and then narrows the frame to today. Much of anxiety lives in imagined tomorrows. He invites you to receive today's care and take today's next step.

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you. Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you."

Casting your anxiety comes right after humbling yourself. Part of anxiety is trying to hold what only God can hold. The reason to let go is simple: He cares for you.

"When anxiety overwhelms me, Your consolation delights my soul."

The psalmist is honest that anxious thoughts multiplied. God's consolation arrives in the middle of it, not only after it's over. You can pray from inside the anxiety.

"“Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted over the earth.”"

Psalm 46 imagines the earth shaking and nations raging. "Be still" isn't pretending the chaos is small; it's ceasing frantic striving because God is greater and present.