Let’s talk anxiety. Because while scripture tells us to cast all anxiety on God, reports show that anxiety is actually on the uptick. It seems more women are more anxious more often than even five years ago.
No doubt right now we have multiple issues that could keep us worried. Additionally, the 24/7 news coverage. notifications consistently pinging us and pervasive reach of social media are keeping us on constant alert.
But no matter our circumstances or what’s going on in the world, God does not intend for us to live with chronic anxiety.
God has given us multiple scriptures on anxiety in the Psalms. God who made us knows our emotions. He knows our inclination to worry, what triggers anxiety and the schemes of an enemy to keep our mind in chaos. God also knows how we’re to overcome anxiety.
When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy, says Psalm 94:19. The answer to anxiety lies in this verse.
Let’s look at two words.
First, the Hebrew word for anxiety comes from the root word meaning ambivalence, division, divided opinion. Anxious thoughts are those that churn and keep our mind divided, unsettled, vacillating and ultimately without peace.
The answer, the Psalmist tells us, lies in the second word — God’s consolation. The Hebrew word means his comfort and compassion.
Anxiety comes when we feel out of control.
We want to control the future. We want to know how this circumstance will end and when it will end. We want control over the dilemma we’re navigating.
Being out of control causes our mind to churn with all the possiblities and what-if’s.
But what a myth to think control is our answer.
God gives us something we need far more than control — himself.
Only God’s presence brings the peace we desperately need when anxiety threatens to undo us.
Let these scriptures on anxiety from Psalms help you release what’s not yours to carry and open your soul to God’s strong presence.
20 Scriptures on Anxiety from Psalms
I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8
But you are a shield around me, O LORD; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head. Psalm 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
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. Psalm 34:7
The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. Psalm 34:17
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
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
Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fail. Psalm 55:22
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
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
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
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
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
When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul. Psalm 94:19
He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD. Psalm 112:7
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
He will not let your foot slip – he who watches over you will not slumber. Psalm 121:3
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
You hem me in – behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me. Psalm 139:5
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
The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. Psalm 145:18
My heart found comfort in this article and verses. Thank you for putting this together and sharing generously.