Anxiety is something we all face, but Jesus offers a different way to respond to it—through trust in God. In His teachings, especially in Matthew 6 and John 14, Jesus acknowledges our fears but invites us to shift our focus from worry to faith. He doesn’t promise a trouble-free life, but He does promise peace—not as the world gives, but a deep, sustaining peace rooted in God’s presence and provision. By praying honestly, leaning into Scripture, and taking one step of faith at a time, we begin to move from anxiety toward trust.
Jesus also led by example. In His most anxious moment—Gethsemane—He didn’t run from His fear. He brought it to God and surrendered to His will. That’s your model: bring your worries to God, trust Him with the outcome, and take the next step in faith. If you’re anxious right now, know you’re not alone—and you’re not powerless. Keep reading for a deeper dive into what Jesus says about anxiety and how you can start walking in peace today.
Anxiety isn’t new. People have been dealing with fear, stress, and uncertainty for centuries. And while the world has changed, the core issue hasn’t: life can feel overwhelming. The good news is Jesus spoke directly to this—about worry, anxiety, and how to truly trust God, especially in troubling times.
If you’re struggling with anxiety, you’re not alone. And you’re not without hope. Let’s break down what Jesus said about trusting God when life feels out of control.
1. Jesus Acknowledged Anxiety Is Real
Let’s be clear—Jesus never shamed anyone for feeling anxious. He didn’t say, “Just get over it.” Instead, He met people where they were. He healed the sick, comforted the grieving, and fed the hungry. He saw anxiety up close, and He took it seriously.
In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus addresses worry head-on in the Sermon on the Mount:
“Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear… Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” (Matthew 6:25, 27 NIV)
He’s not minimizing your struggle. He’s shifting your focus.
2. Anxiety Comes From Mistrust—Jesus Calls Us to Trust God Instead
When Jesus says “do not worry,” He’s not demanding perfection. He’s pointing us toward peace. Anxiety thrives in uncertainty, and trust in God calms uncertainty.
Jesus continues in Matthew 6:
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.” (v. 33-34)
He’s saying: “Focus on what matters. God knows what you need. Trust Him with the rest.”
Key Point:
When we try to control everything, we end up overwhelmed. When we trust that God is in control, we find peace.
3. Jesus Led by Example in Troubling Times
Think about Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46). He was deeply distressed, even said, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death” (v. 38). That’s raw honesty.
But what did He do? He prayed.
“My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.” (v. 39)
This is the model: bring your fear to God, but choose to trust His will. Jesus didn’t hide His anxiety—He surrendered it.
4. Trusting God Is a Daily Choice
Trust doesn’t mean you never feel fear again. It means you choose faith over fear—again and again.
Jesus taught His disciples to pray daily:
“Give us this day our daily bread.” (Matthew 6:11)
He didn’t say weekly, monthly, or “give us security for the next 10 years.” Just today. God’s peace is available one day at a time.
3 Practical Ways to Trust God Daily:
- Pray Honestly
- Talk to God about your fear. He’s not surprised by your feelings.
- Example: “God, I’m anxious about this situation. Help me trust You with it.”
- Read Scripture
- God’s promises are reminders that He’s trustworthy.
- Verses like Philippians 4:6-7 or Isaiah 41:10 offer real comfort.
- Take One Step of Obedience
- You don’t need to have it all figured out.
- Just take the next right step.
5. Jesus Offers Peace—Not As the World Gives
In John 14:27, Jesus said:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
The world’s peace depends on circumstances. Jesus’ peace doesn’t. It’s rooted in who He is, not in what’s happening.
That’s why Christians can have peace even in chaos. Not because everything’s perfect—but because He is present.
6. Anxiety Can Be a Signal, Not a Sin
Feeling anxious doesn’t mean you’re weak or lacking faith. In fact, it might be your soul reminding you to slow down, surrender control, and turn to God.
Paul says in Philippians 4:6-7:
“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… will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
That’s not a command to ignore your emotions. It’s a path forward when you’re anxious:
- Pray about it.
- Give thanks anyway.
- Let His peace protect your heart and mind.
7. Trusting God Doesn’t Mean Everything Gets Easier
Jesus never promised life would be stress-free. In fact, He said:
“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Trouble is guaranteed. Peace is optional. Jesus offers peace, but you have to choose to receive it—through trust.
So, what does trusting God look like?
- It looks like surrendering your need for control.
- It means praying even when you’re scared.
- It means believing God is good, even when life isn’t.
8. Final Encouragement: You’re Not Alone
Jesus isn’t distant. He’s “a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief” (Isaiah 53:3). He knows what anxiety feels like. He carried it to the cross so you wouldn’t carry it alone.
If you’re facing anxiety right now, start with this:
- Name your fear.
- Pray through it.
- Trust that God hears you—and is with you.
You don’t have to fix everything today. Just choose to trust God today.
Bible Verses to Hold Onto
Here are 5 powerful verses to meditate on when anxiety hits:
- Matthew 6:34 – “Do not worry about tomorrow…”
- John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you…”
- Philippians 4:6-7 – “Do not be anxious about anything…”
- Isaiah 41:10 – “Do not fear, for I am with you…”
- Psalm 56:3 – “When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.”
Final Thoughts
Jesus doesn’t ignore anxiety—He meets it with compassion and truth. He invites you to a life where peace isn’t tied to your circumstances but rooted in your trust in God.
You will feel anxious sometimes. That’s normal. But you don’t have to stay there. Jesus offers you something better: peace, presence, and the power to keep going—one day at a time.
10 FAQs for “Jesus and Anxiety: What He Says About Trusting God in Troubling Times”
1. What does Jesus say about anxiety?
In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus teaches us not to worry about our lives—what we’ll eat, drink, or wear—because God already knows our needs. He encourages us to seek God’s kingdom first and trust Him to take care of the rest.
2. Is feeling anxious a sin according to Jesus?
No, Jesus never calls anxiety a sin. He acknowledges it, addresses it with compassion, and offers a better way: trust in God. Anxiety can be a sign that we need to shift our focus back to Him.
3. How did Jesus deal with anxiety in His own life?
Jesus experienced deep anguish in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26). He responded by praying honestly to God, expressing His feelings, and ultimately surrendering to God’s will.
4. What Bible verses can help me when I feel anxious?
Some powerful ones include:
- Philippians 4:6-7 – “Do not be anxious about anything…”
- John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you…”
- Isaiah 41:10 – “Do not fear, for I am with you…”
- Matthew 6:34 – “Do not worry about tomorrow…”
- Psalm 56:3 – “When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.”
5. Does trusting God mean I won’t ever feel anxious again?
No. Trusting God is a daily decision. It doesn’t remove all fear, but it gives you peace in the middle of it. Trust is about redirecting your focus from the problem to the One who holds the solution.
6. What practical steps can I take to trust God more during anxiety?
- Pray honestly about what you’re feeling.
- Read Scripture daily to remind yourself of God’s promises.
- Take one obedient step at a time, even when you’re uncertain.
7. Why does Jesus tell us not to worry about tomorrow?
In Matthew 6:34, Jesus reminds us that today has enough challenges. Worrying about the future adds unnecessary weight. Trusting God with today builds confidence in His care for tomorrow.
8. Can I be a strong Christian and still struggle with anxiety?
Yes. Many faithful believers, including biblical figures like David and Paul, battled fear and anxiety. Strength in faith doesn’t mean the absence of fear—it means choosing to trust God even while feeling it.
9. What does “peace I leave with you” mean in John 14:27?
Jesus is offering a unique kind of peace—not temporary comfort, but lasting calm that comes from trusting God. His peace is deeper than what the world can offer and stays with you through all seasons.
10. How can this article help me trust God more in troubling times?
“Jesus and Anxiety: What He Says About Trusting God in Troubling Times” breaks down Jesus’ teachings into clear, relatable steps. It offers Scripture-based guidance, real-life encouragement, and practical ways to move from fear to faith.
