12 Bible Verses for When You're Feeling Anxious
Who isn’t feeling anxious these days? Whether we're dealing with stress from personal struggles, national and global issues, or questions about the future, our lives have a lot going on to give rise to anxiety.
Anxiety impacts people of all ages, backgrounds, and ethnicities. In fact, according to the World Health Organization, anxiety-related issues are the world’s most common mental health condition, affecting hundreds of millions of people across the globe.
Feeling unsure or fearful about the unknown is a common experience, and there are many tools and resources that can help us manage anxiety effectively when it comes. Talking with a trusted friend or counselor, journaling, prayer, being in nature, and exercising can help. Intentionally reminding ourselves of God's character and care for us can also make a difference.
Next time you’re feeling anxious, try reflecting on these 12 Bible verses (quoted from the New Living Translation), and be encouraged by the reassurance and bigger perspective that they provide.
1. 1 Peter 5:7
Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
God is interested in relating with us; we can bring every anxiety and concern to him, knowing that he cares for us and is able to provide the support we need.
2. Psalm 55:22
Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.
God willingly receives our burdens. When we entrust them to him, he will sustain us as we follow his lead.
3. Isaiah 41:10
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
Isaiah’s words remind us of God’s comforting and empowering presence when we are feeling anxious, afraid, or discouraged.
4. Philippians 4:6-7
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
We can be honest with God about our worries. We don’t need to pretend we aren’t struggling. Instead, through prayer, we can invite God and his peace into every part of our lives through prayer.
5: Proverbs 12:25
Worry weighs a person down;
an encouraging word cheers a person up.
Seeking out helpful relationships when we are dealing with anxiety is great advice. Wise and encouraging words from the right people can make a big difference.
6. Matthew 6:25-34
“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing?…your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today."
Jesus urged us to focus on the present instead of worrying excessively about the future, trusting that God knows and will provide for our needs, one day at a time.
7. Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
Jesus invites all who are struggling with anxiety and life’s burdens to find relief and rest in a life-giving relationship with him.
8. Psalm 23:1-4
The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
...Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
This beloved psalm speaks of the comfort, guidance, and ongoing care of God, even in our darkest and most difficult moments.
9. Romans 8:38-39
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
These verses reassure us that God’s great love is powerful, unchanging, and never-ending, even in the midst of our own fears and anxiety.
10. Psalm 34:3-4
I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me.
He freed me from all my fears.
Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy;
no shadow of shame will darken their faces.
11. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.
Even the comfort we receive during times of anxiety can enable us to comfort and support others.
12. John 14:27
“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”
Jesus understands our struggles, and he promises us peace that will transcend anything we might encounter in this world.
We get better together. We’ve got practical tools and tips from professional counselors and care pastors who are passionate about mental health. Enter your email to receive these helpful resources!