Don't be anxious about anything

As anxiety levels spiral, how can Christians follow Jesus’ challenging command not to worry? Mike Nicholls explored this question at ELS.

Did you know that the Bible app’s most highlighted verse in 2025 was Isaiah 41:10 – “Do not fear for I am with you”? Or that in 2024 it was Philippians 4:6, “Do not be anxious about anything”? We are an anxious generation living in an anxious age – busy, overwhelmed, fearful and stressed; more connected than ever, but lonelier too.

So how – when market research organisation Ipsos figures show one in five adults have an anxiety disorder and reports in The Guardian show mental health overtaking cancer as Britons’ main health concern – can Christians live with eyes of faith rather than fear? This was the question that Mike Nicholls addressed at May’s ELS. Below is the first of eight insights drawn from his message.

1. Don’t worry about worrying

For Christians, worry and anxiety can feel taboo. In one Bible verse we have Paul telling us not to be anxious, in another we have Jesus telling us not to worry.

“It’s not even advice – it’s a command. So we’re not only anxious, we’re now also guilty,” says Mike.

While we may preach about the power of God, we often go to bed nursing the worries of tomorrow.

We should take heart, Mike says, in the fact that Jesus and Paul do take time to talk about fear and anxiety – they are common and expected emotions.

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