Bible verses about anxiety

In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6–7

Paul wrote this from custody to friends he loved, not as a scolding but as an invitation to turn each worry into a prayer, with God’s peace standing guard over them.

Trust in him at all times, you people. Pour out your heart before him. God is a refuge for us. Selah.

Psalm 62:8

David, surrounded by people trying to bring him down, tells others to pour out their hearts to God, which means you can bring him the messy, unfinished version.

Cast your burden on the LORD and he will sustain you. He will never allow the righteous to be moved.

Psalm 55:22

David wrote this psalm after a close friend betrayed him and fear left him trembling (Psalm 55:4–5); the promise is that God will hold him up under the load, not that it vanishes at once.

But seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore don’t be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Each day’s own evil is sufficient.

Matthew 6:33–34

Jesus told ordinary people worried about food and clothing that their Father knows what they need (Matthew 6:32), and gave them permission to carry only today’s troubles.

When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. In God, I praise his word. In God, I put my trust. I will not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?

Psalm 56:3–4

David wrote this after the Philistines seized him in Gath; he speaks of fear as something that will come, and chooses to trust God while the fear is still there.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Psalm 23:4

David pictures God as a shepherd who walks with his sheep through the darkest valley, not around it, so the comfort here is company in the dark.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we won’t be afraid, though the earth changes, though the mountains are shaken into the heart of the seas; though its waters roar and are troubled, though the mountains tremble with their swelling. Selah.

Psalm 46:1–3

The sons of Korah sang this for a people facing upheaval and war, describing God as close by when everything that felt solid starts to shake.

Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.

Isaiah 41:10

God first spoke these words to Israel in a frightening time; Christians hear in them the same God who promises his presence to his people in Christ (Matthew 28:20).

Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, I give to you. Don’t let your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful.

John 14:27

Jesus said this at the Last Supper, the night before his death, to friends who were confused and afraid; the peace he offered was his own, not calm circumstances.

I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have trouble; but cheer up! I have overcome the world.

John 16:33

Later that same night Jesus was honest that his followers would have trouble, and placed their peace in him rather than in a trouble-free life.

When I said, “My foot is slipping!” Your loving kindness, LORD, held me up. In the multitude of my thoughts within me, your comforts delight my soul.

Psalm 94:18–19

The psalmist describes restless, crowding thoughts, much like a racing mind at night, and finds that God’s comfort meets him right in the middle of them.

You will keep whoever’s mind is steadfast in perfect peace, because he trusts in you.

Isaiah 26:3

Isaiah wrote this as a song for God’s people about the peace of a mind that leans on God; it invites you to keep turning toward him, not a test anxious people fail.

“Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily 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.”

Matthew 11:28–30

Jesus spoke to people worn down by heavy demands and described himself as gentle and humble, someone you can come to tired, without first getting it together.

Hear my cry, God. Listen to my prayer. From the end of the earth, I will call to you when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

Psalm 61:1–2

David prayed this feeling far away and overwhelmed, asking God to lead him to solid ground he couldn’t reach on his own.

Why are you in despair, my soul? Why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God! For I shall still praise him, the saving help of my countenance, and my God.

Psalm 42:11

The psalmist talks to his own troubled soul and repeats nearly the same words more than once (Psalm 42:5), a reminder that hope often returns slowly, not all at once.

For we don’t desire to have you uninformed, brothers, concerning our affliction which happened to us in Asia: that we were weighed down exceedingly, beyond our power, so much that we despaired even of life.

2 Corinthians 1:8

The apostle Paul openly admitted he was crushed beyond his strength, and says the experience taught him to rely on God rather than himself (2 Corinthians 1:9).

The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit.

Psalm 34:18

David wrote this psalm after a time of danger and fear, and it tells the brokenhearted that God comes near to them rather than waiting for them to feel better first.