What does the Bible say about anxiety?

Anxiety is common, and many Christians wonder whether feeling it means their faith is weak.

The pastors, teachers, and coaches here answer that directly. Kimbra Young and Rosangela Atte say Scripture doesn't treat anxiety as a failure, and Steven Furtick calls it a place you pass through. Four of the five point to the same passage, Philippians 4:6-7, and M.T. Clark points to John 14:1.

Their answers cover what Scripture says and what they do when anxiety comes. If anxiety affects your daily life, talk to a doctor or mental health professional too.

Who you should listen to

Five voices: the two founders of Elevation Church, a creative theologian, and two Christian coaches. Rosangela Atte draws on neuroscience as well as Scripture, and M.T. Clark coaches people through recovery.

• 

  Steven Furtick · Founder and lead pastor of Elevation Church

  Listen for: Philippians 4:6 as an exchange: prayer for peace.

• 

  Holly Furtick · Co-founder of Elevation Church

  Listen for: Thanking God before you see the answer.

• 

  Kimbra Young · Lead communicator of The Playground, creative theologian

  Listen for: Why the line after "don't be anxious" is the point.

• 

  Rosangela Atte · Christian life and brain coach

  Listen for: Breaking anxious loops by stopping the what-ifs.

• 

  M.T. Clark · Certified Christian life coach and prayer minister

  Listen for: Where peace comes from, in Jesus's words in John 14.

What do pastors say the Bible teaches about anxiety?

Steven Furtick

Founder and lead pastor of Elevation Church

GRAMMY winner

Why themFounded and leads Elevation Church, and writes and produces GRAMMY Award-winning music.

Steven’s advice: Anxiety is a place you pass through, not a place you stay.

“The Bible doesn't say you'll never feel anxiety. It says anxiety is a place you pass through, not a place you stay. Philippians 4:6 says don't be anxious about anything, but then it gives you the exchange: prayer for peace. You bring it to God, and his peace guards your heart and mind.”

Go deeper with Steven

Holly Furtick

Co-founder of Elevation Church

Co-founder, Elevation

Why themFounded Elevation Church with her husband, Steven, in 2006.

Holly’s advice: It gives you somewhere to put anxiety: prayer with thanks, before you see the answer.

“The Bible doesn't just tell us not to be anxious; it gives us somewhere to put it. Philippians 4:6-7 says to bring everything to God in prayer, and his peace, which makes no sense on paper, will guard your heart and mind. I've found that when I stop just worrying at God and start thanking him, even before I see the answer, something shifts.”

Go deeper with Holly

Kimbra Young

Lead communicator of The Playground, creative theologian

Creative theologian

Why themLead communicator of The Playground, a digital space for people who love Jesus.

Kimbra’s advice: Anxiety is part of being human, and Scripture tells you where to put your attention.

“The Bible doesn't treat anxiety as a faith failure; it treats it as part of being human and repeatedly tells people where to put their attention. Philippians 4:6-7 says don't be anxious about anything, but the next line is the point: pray, give thanks, and let God's peace guard your heart.”

Go deeper with Kimbra

Rosangela Atte

Christian life and brain coach

Christian life coach

Why themHelps women renew their minds and break free from limiting beliefs, drawing on Scripture and neuroscience.

Rosangela’s advice: Scripture treats anxiety as a place where you choose where to park your mind.

“Scripture doesn't treat anxiety as a sin or a failure; it treats it as a place where we get to choose where we park our minds. Paul says in Philippians 4:6-7 to bring every worry to God with thanksgiving, and His peace will guard our hearts and minds. I've watched my own anxious loops break when I stop rehearsing the what ifs and start declaring what I know about Him.”

Go deeper with Rosangela

M.T. Clark

Certified Christian life coach and prayer minister

Christian life coach

Why themFounded MT 4 Christ Community Freedom Ministry and coaches people through recovery in Christ.

M.T.’s advice: It points to where peace comes from: John 14:1.

“Scripture doesn't just tell us to stop worrying; it points us to where peace actually comes from. Jesus said, Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me (John 14:1).”

Go deeper with M.T.

Everyone’s advice at a glance

How to handle anxiety as a Christian, step by step

1. 1

   Don't treat it as failure. Kimbra Young says the Bible treats anxiety as part of being human. Rosangela Atte says Scripture doesn't treat it as a sin.

2. 2

   Bring it to God in prayer. Steven Furtick, Holly Furtick, Kimbra Young, and Rosangela Atte all point to Philippians 4: bring everything to God in prayer, and his peace will guard your heart and mind.

3. 3

   Give thanks before the answer. Holly Furtick says something shifts when she stops worrying at God and starts thanking him, even before she sees the answer.

4. 4

   Choose where your mind goes. Rosangela Atte breaks anxious loops by stopping the what-ifs and declaring what she knows about God. Kimbra Young says the Bible repeatedly tells people where to put their attention.

5. 5

   Remember where peace comes from. M.T. Clark points to John 14:1, where Jesus says, Let not your hearts be troubled.