10 Bible verses about worry & anxiety - These scriptures highlight the strength of prayer and The Lord's power. As Christians, we are to trust God and His plan, but it is not always easy. Lots of encouragement for hard times.
I was laid off from my dream job this past week.
It hurts.
It hurts a lot.
My boss kept repeating that it was nothing I had done, and that she'd rather give me a raise than lay me off, but her hands were tied. She had to let me go because the company was in trouble. I couldn't get her off the phone fast enough because sadness and fear and worry were quickly moving me to tears.
What are we going to do without my income? We can't float without it. The ends won't even come close to meeting. We need my income.
My thoughts raced from bad to worse. I got caught in a spiral down and down and down until I was completely in the dark, overwhelmed and feeling sick.
All I could do was cry. I feared falling into a depression, leaving my kids and my husband with a shell of me. It's happened before, more than once.
I wonder if you have ever been there, in that dark place where worry consumes you, and you can see no good options. Maybe you are there now.
I am not sage. I don't have wise counsel to offer you in this time of darkness, but I can tell you what I'm doing and hope it helps you as it's helping me to slowly - oh so painfully slowly - emerge from the grips of worry and deal with the situations as they come.
How to overcome worry with the Bible
1. Pray. Spend some time talking to your Heavenly Father. Tell Him your heartache. Tell him what you're worried about. I promise you that He has good in this for you, and it's okay to ask Him what that good is.
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
Romans 8:28
I have prayed and prayed and prayed. I sent an email to the prayer team at my church. I went up to the altar during our service and women laid hands on me and prayed more.
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.
Philippians 4:6
2. Believe in God's plan. Our God is a miracle worker. He can part waters, move boulders, heal the dead (not just the sick, remember, the dead), save, destroy, bless, and curse. He can do anything, everything, things beyond our comprehension.
And He has you in the palm of His hand.
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? Look at the birds. They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren't you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? So don't worry about these things, saying, "What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?" These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but 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."
Matthew 6:25-33
So that's it. It's a lack of faith. If we believe in God's plan and provision, we have no worry.
I have often meditated on these verses over the years as I've worried about our finances. Are we putting enough money into savings? Are we paying enough on our credit card debt? Just like now, the thoughts come and I don't know how to stop them.
As Jesus said, the birds don't worry about their next meal. Neither should we worry about anything.
The next one is actually the last verse of the above passage, but I thought it warranted its own box. It's a big one.
So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today.
Matthew 6:34
My pastor preached a sermon on worry not too long ago. He said that worry is a sin.
That's right, A SIN.
He said that worrying is not having faith in God's plan for your life, unbelief that He has your best interest at heart. I can see his point.
And yet.
I worry because I am broken and bruised and sad.
Jesus spoke often about worry and about peace.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 14:27
Do not let your heart be troubled. Pray through. Believe.
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.
Philippians 4:7
I have often felt the peace that passes all understanding in my life. When my 7-week-old baby was hospitalized with RSV and pneumonia, I had no anxiety that time. When my husband lost his job 14 months ago, I had no anxiety then.
This time is different. This time, it's me. I have tremendous anxiety that I just can't escape.
But now, O Jacob, listen to the lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, "Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you."
Isaiah 43:1-2
Do not be afraid. The Lord is with you, and He will equip you for whatever is in your future.
Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.
Psalm 55:22
You, my friend, are the godly. You are chasing after God, trying to do the right thing, seeking a better understanding of Him. Aren't you? He's talking about you.
3. Trust. It is not easy to trust God when you feel like things are out of control, but that's exactly what you have to do. Trust Him. Nothing is out of His control. Here are 29 Bible verses on trusting God.
Trust in the lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
Proverbs 3:5-6
God is with you. He is holding you. He is in control of every little detail of your situation.
So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.
Deuteronomy 31:6
This verse comes from a passage where Joshua and the Israelites are crossing over into the Promised Land, which is inhabited by giants and all sorts of scary people.
No doubt they were anxious. Their fathers turned away from the Promised Land and wandered in the desert for 40 years because of their anxiety over facing the insurmountable odds on the other side of the river.
But God had this under control. He knew what He had in store for His people, and He pushed those giants right out of their homes. He knocked down the walls of Jericho. He cleared a path for the Israelites to enjoy the milk and honey of their new homes.
God knew the plan. All the Israelites had to do was trust Him.
All you have to do is trust Him, too.
Pray. Believe in His plan. Trust Him. It's that easy and that hard.
More Bible verses for you to meditate on:
- 29 Bible Verses About Trusting God
- 16 Bible Verses on Forgiving a Person Who’s Hurt You
- 23 Bible Verses on Loneliness
- 18 Encouraging Bible Verses to Overcome Overwhelm
- 17 Bible Verses About Patience
Save these Bible verses on overcoming worry and anxiety in a convenient black and white printable below. You can work on memorizing and meditating on them, one at a time.
The button doesn't work in every browser, so if you have trouble, leave a comment below, and I'll email the PDF to you.
Elise Adams says
I absolutely LOVE how you weave in your story with these verses--just beautiful and brings them right on home and close to our lives in a whole new way. I appreciate your transparency and open-hearted approach. Thank you!
Kim Hawkins says
The Bible verse that has helped me of late is Luke 12:25, "And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?"
There is nothing that any of my worry and anxiety will do to change my circumstance. Only God has the ability to truly altar the course of my span of life so, I put my trust in Him. Continued prayers for you Tara as your traverse this span of life.
Sue Glashower says
Praying that God will reveal the next step to you and give you peace during this difficult time. My favorite verse to help me cope with worry is one that you already shared - Proverbs 3: 5 - 6
Life often takes turns that are not part of our plan but in the end God's plan is always better than ours.
Sheeba says
What encouraging verses! My favorite - Trust in Him and lean not on your own understanding!
Cardinal says
Thank you thank you thank you ! God has spoken to me through your blog. I prayed for a sign, and then I came upon your blog! Thank you for being exactly what I need ! God bless!!
Christina says
I have been reading verses out loud for the past hour or so, trying to calm myself down from a panic attack. I came across your blog, and I just want to thank you for sharing these verses, as well as your story!
God is truly taking care of us all. Much love,
Christina
Janelle says
Your post really uplifts me at this tough time in my life. Nothing in my future is certain and I feel like I'm floating in space with nothing to hold on to - no moving forward and no moving back. But the way you integrated your experience with God's promises in this post brings His words closer to home. God will go personally ahead of us; He will not fail us. Thank you for reminding me.
Alice says
Thank you.
Derek says
Thank you for this post. I've found it tonight, on the eve of a difficult moment in life. I pray for you and everyone.
Claudia Savage says
Thank u for the inspiring words....
Tandy says
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and precious uplifting scripture.
I fell suddenly helpless and made myself physically ill for about 6 months due to anxiety, worry, and stressing. I have decided it's time to give my cares to God. He know me better than I know myself. God bless everyone in their journey towards a healthy mind, body, and soul. He loves us all and we should try hard be still and listen to him.
Charles says
Thank you God for amazing Christian's . I am suffering from anxiety disorder due to long term drug abuse . I was on anxiety medication and I will not take another perblocka. Your blog made me realise that if really put God first and have Faith then everything else will follow. What do you gain from worrying? Anxiety, depression, loss of weight. You can die from worrying and that just because I have listebef to all the lies that the devil has put in my head . I will no longer allow the devil to come between me and my relationship with my Creator. My mustard seed will continue to grow as long as I feed my soul with the prophecy of God the father . AMEN
Lydia says
I'm grateful for this post today. I worry about my role as a mom to two amazing kids. I know these verses and have read them over and over again at different points in my life. This morning, it is good to be reminded of my Father's plan for not only my life, but my children's lives as well. THANK YOU for sharing and being an encouraging voice to me this day. God bless.
Worrier says
I believe God is speaking to me through this passage. It encourages me as I am fearful and anxious. Yes .....Pray......Believe.....Trust.
Vic says
Thank you very much for this post your words of encouragement from the word God has really lifted my soul may God bless you.
Caroline David says
Thank you for your sharing. I have been going through anxiety past few months. Ithe even makes me depressed at times. I was also enriched by God's words. It is a tough journey. Recently I adopted a pet. It has caused me anxiety again as I am not sure if having a pet was part of God''s plan. Your blog is a reminder to trust in Him and to pray for myself and the dog. God bless.
Cecile James says
I look up worry and it took me to your page when I was finished reading I felt so much lighter, thank you for making Gods words so easy to find in one place, when you worry you can open the Bible but not find the right words of wisdom!
Dolly says
Thank u Tara
Dawn says
Your words/stories/guidance to key Bible verses were exactly what I needed! I looked up fear & worry and GOD brought me to YOUR page. God is doing great and wonderful things! Thank you for your inspiration, guidance and especially for your strong faith in God...you're allowing Him to work through you enough so to write to help others. You are an amazing lady! Thank you for everything, Tara!!! May God continue to bless you and keep you writing! :o)
Suzann says
Thanks for the words that explained.
I always worry and unstable.
Unable to make decisions.
This morning I will start learning to be still and peace to rely on God.
Johnito Flores says
Please pray for me. I just got fired from my last job . I need a full time job. So I could continue to pay my rent and bills
SM says
Thank you for this post. It is a comfort for when times are antagonizing and unsure.
Peter SMITH says
Thanks. This helped me. His word is true.
Claire says
Thank you. The cares and worries keeps playing on my mind but the scriptures and your story has blessed and encouraged me. By the help of the Holy Spirit, i will meditate on those scriptures and thank our Lord for the peace that I needed. Thank you Jesus for your blog. May our Lord Jesus bless you and your family.
Ruel A. lavapie says
Hi Tara, i am very pleased and in deep gratitude as i read your story and how you were able to vercome your fears and anxiety. Indeed, God is a merciful and loving God. Right now, I am in deep trouble because my house and lot was foreclosed and has been bid out to a lone bidder. I am becoming fearful, anxious and have been worrying where i and my family will go. Reading the Bible Verses that you relied upon in overcoming your anxiety has given me comfort. I hope and pray that i could also be as strong as you are. My name is ruel a. Lavapie from the philippines.