Anxiety is a common struggle that many people face today. Feelings of worry, fear, and being overwhelmed can consume our thoughts and affect our everyday lives. Thankfully, the Bible has a lot to say about this issue and offers hope, peace, and encouragement to those suffering from anxiety. Here are some key Bible verses about anxiety:
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, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
This is one of the most well-known Bible verses about anxiety. The apostle Paul instructs us not to be anxious about anything, but instead turn to God in prayer with thanksgiving. As we do this, the peace of God guards our hearts and minds. Rather than being controlled by anxiety, we can experience calmness and relief by relying on God.
1 Peter 5:7
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
Peter encourages us to cast all of our anxiety on God because He cares for us. He is our loving Father who knows our needs and wants to help us. We don’t have to carry the weight of anxiety alone. God invites us to cast those worries upon Him so that He can handle them for us.
Psalm 94:19
“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.”
The psalmist was going through a time of high anxiety but found joy when he turned to God for comfort. This verse reminds us that we can call out to God in our times of anxiety and He will console us. His presence and reassurance can turn our worry into joy if we seek Him.
Matthew 6:25-34
In this passage, Jesus teaches us not to worry about our material needs like food, drink, and clothing. He says not to be anxious about tomorrow. God knows what we need and will take care of our needs if we “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness.” This passage encourages us to turn our focus away from the anxieties of this world and instead focus on God’s kingdom and purpose.
Psalm 46:1-3
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.”
When anxious thoughts feel overwhelming, we can remember that God is our refuge and strength. He is always present and ready to help us no matter what we’re facing. We do not need to fear even the most difficult circumstances.
Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
God tells us we do not need to fear or be dismayed because He is with us. He will give us strength, help, and uphold us. We can trust His presence and power working on our behalf in the midst of anxiety.
Proverbs 12:25
“Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.”
Anxiety has a real physical effect of making our hearts feel heavy and weighed down. That’s why we need God’s kind and loving words to lift our spirits. The Bible is filled with God’s encouraging words that can brighten anxious hearts.
Philippians 4:8
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Paul instructs us to intentionally focus our thoughts on things that are positive, lovely, admirable, and praiseworthy. When we’re feeling anxious, meditating on these uplifting things can help direct our mind away from negativity and worry.
Psalm 56:3
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”
There are many times in life when we will feel afraid about circumstances that trigger our anxiety. The psalmist shows that the antidote is putting our trust in God. His presence and promises give us courage to endure through the fear.
Deuteronomy 31:6
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
When anxiety makes us feel weak or fearful, we can draw strength by remembering that God goes with us. He will never leave us alone so we do not need to be afraid or terrified, even of anxiety itself.
Psalm 23:4
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
Following God does not exempt us from going through dark times that can produce anxiety. But we do not have to fear evil in those dark valleys when we know God is right there with us, giving comfort.
Psalm 55:22
Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”
Rather than carrying the heavy weight of anxiety by ourselves, this verse instructs us to cast those cares upon the Lord. He will sustain and support us so that anxiety cannot truly shake us.
Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Jesus invites all those weighed down by anxiety and worry to come to Him and find rest for their souls. He offers to exchange the heavy burden of anxiety for His lighter one as we walk closely with Him.
Joshua 1:9
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
God speaks directly to those suffering from anxiety telling them to be strong and courageous because He is with them always. We do not need to yield to fear or discouragement.
Exodus 14:14
“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
When feeling powerless against anxiety, it helps to know that we can be still and let God fight for us. We can relinquish control to Him and trust that He will conquer what we cannot.
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
These verses encourage us to completely rely on the Lord rather than our own limited understanding. As we submit our lives and the sources of our anxiety to God, He will guide us forward.
2 Timothy 1:7
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
This verse reminds us that the Holy Spirit empowers us with courage, not fear. We have God’s power available to conquer debilitating anxiety through His indwelling presence.
Psalm 118:5-6
“From my distress I called to the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free. The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid.”
Calling out to God in our times of anxiety allows Him to set us free from distress. Knowing He is with us drives out all fear.
Isaiah 35:4
“Say to those with fearful hearts, ‘Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.’”
God sends words of encouragement to those plagued by anxiety. He will come to our aid and ultimately save us, so we do not need to be paralyzed by ongoing fear.
Psalm 34:4
I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.
The testimony of the psalmist shows that God will deliver us from fear when we seek Him in the midst of anxiety. As we draw close to Him, He provides freedom.
Lamentations 3:22-24
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”
In times of anxiety, we can reflect on the unfailing love and compassion of God that never runs out. His daily faithfulness and reliability bring us hope.
Romans 8:38-39
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Nothing, including our anxiety, can separate us from God’s powerful love in Christ. We can anchor our hearts in His unconditional love in our darkest moments.
Psalm 9:9-10
The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.
For those feeling oppressed by anxiety, God is a refuge and stronghold in hard times. We can fully trust in Him knowing He will never abandon us.
Psalm 119:143
Trouble and distress have come upon me, but your commands give me delight.
When experiencing anxiety, focusing on God’s wise and life-giving commands redirects our thinking away from trouble onto what is good.
Psalm 94:13
You grant them relief from days of trouble, till a pit is dug for the wicked.
God limits the days of anxiety and trouble for those who trust Him. He provides relief even when times are hard.
Isaiah 26:3
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.
Perfect peace comes from fixing our minds on God. As we trust in Him, He guards our hearts and minds from being overwhelmed by anxiety.
Psalm 145:14
The Lord upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.
When anxiety weighs us down, God tenderly lifts us up and supports us. He hears our cries and comes to our aid.
Hebrews 13:5-6
God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.”
Through His promises, God assures us He will stay right by our side. This gives us courage to face anxiety without fear.
Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
As we trust in God, He fills us with unquenchable joy and peace in the midst of trials. Our hope overflows by His empowering presence.
Psalm 27:1
The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?
With the light and salvation of God on our side, we do not need to yield to any anxiety or fear. He is our refuge and strength.
In summary, many Bible verses offer encouragement, hope, and practical guidance for overcoming anxiety. God invites us to come to Him in prayer, cast our cares on Him, meditate on His truth, and walk in faith through the darkest valleys. He promises to be near us as a refuge and strength so that we do not need to be afraid or discouraged. His perfect love casts out fear. As we keep our minds set on God, His peace will guard our hearts and minds. By trusting in and seeking Him wholeheartedly, He lifts our burdens of anxiety and grants us freedom to experience His joy.