Every report tells us anxiety is on the rise. Women are more anxious more often than we were even five years ago. It’s so pervasive, I think we’ve begun to tolerate the constant hum of low-level worry. Today, I’m sharing my favorite Bible verses to overcome anxiety.
Because rooting our thoughts in scripture is the antidote to anxiety.
Paul tells us to set our minds on things above. (Colossians 3:2) We can actively fight worry and axiety through scripture. We’re to “fix our mind “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” (Philippians 4:8, NLT)
The enemy will whisper lies all day long to try to paralyze or discourage us, and keep us from the clear, unburdened mind God promises us.
We need to replace the lies of fear and anxiety with the truth of God’s Word. God’s word is alive and active and when we feel anxiety rising in us, we need to anchor in God’s truth.
The Psalms are filled with verses that help us fight anxiety. These are great verses to mark in your Bible, to write out and put on your mirror, to screen shot and pull up on your phone when you need them. Today I’m sharing some favorites.
20 Bible verses to overcome anxiety
1. I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8
2. But you are a shield around me, O LORD; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head. Psalm 3:3
3. The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:9-10
4. The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. Psalm 34:7
5. The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. Psalm 34:17
6. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way. Psalm 46:1-2
7. Even though 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. Psalm 23:4
8. Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fail. Psalm 55:22
9. When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me? Psalm 56:3-4
10. My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. Psalm 62:1-2
11. For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. Psalm 84:11
12. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. Psalm 91:4
13. Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day. Do not dread the disease that stalks in the darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday. Psalm 91:5-6
14. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul. Psalm 94:19
15. He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD. Psalm 112:7
16. The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. The LORD protects the simplehearted; when I was in great need, he saved me. Psalm 116:5-6
17. He will not let your foot slip – he who watches over you will not slumber. Psalm 121:3
18. The LORD watches over you – the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. Psalm 121:5
19. You hem me in – behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me. Psalm 139:5
20. Even the darkness will not be darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. Psalm 139:12
21. The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. Psalm 145:18
I pray these Bible verses to overcome anxiety bless you as much as they’ve ministered to me!
Oh how I love the Psalms! God was so gracious to have immersed me in them for the entire year of my husband’s final illness and home-going, from directing me to the devotional, The Songs of Jesus by Tim Keller, to having our pastor do a 10-week sermon series on the Psalms of David that began a couple weeks before my beloved was hospitalized. My son presented me with a copy of Shane & Shane’s worship CD Psalms in the midst of all of this, “I got you a gift, momma, just because.” The songs in my car and meditating on the Word of God became my anchor. My favorite is Psalm 91, and a dear friend made me a beautiful wall hanging that says, “under His wings, a refuge” even before she knew what I was going through. God is so faithful, and His Word never fails!
Beautiful, Betty. I felt all of Psalm 91 could have been part of this list because it’s so powerfully comforting. Thank you for sharing!
Precious list, Lisa. I noticed while reading your list that He is our “sun” and our “shade.” Our all all — only God. Thanks for curating all of those, Lisa. ((hug))
That’s supposed to read — Our all in all. 🙂 — I suppose He’s our “all all” too, though. *smile*
Yes! He is. I love this detail you noticed in the scriptures, Brenda.
How wonderfully awesome! Praise you Jesus!
Amen.
This was like a breath of fresh air. As I read through the verses, I felt calmer with each one. Pinned a few places to share. 🙂
I wonder if panic/anxiety attacks are what people used to call a nervous breakdown? I’ve wondered. And it certainly does seem to be on the rise.
It comes and goes doesn’t it – sometimes it consumes me, others I don’t even notice. Thanks so much for puling these together, I can tuck them in my Bible for those fretting times 🙂
I am noticing the words that repeat throughout the Psalms: shield, refuge, ever-present help, protects, my rock and my salvation. You have a wonderful list of verses here!
Yes! So grateful for God our Rock.
What a great example you are of, not just sharing truth, but living it!
Thank you, Donna! Great encouragement.
I have been quite anxious about something personal. These verses have truly encouraged me.
I’m glad, Stella. God’s word is THE comfort we need.
Thank you so much for this post, its really helping my life because I have always been living an anxious life. But the good news is I’m growing better in Gods word. And I must also confess I love This website, I have been following it for months now and It has really and always been a blessing. Thank you for the good work.