What does scripture say about anxiety? That is a question I asked so often as a youth. There are over 365 Bible verses to overcome anxiety!
We Need Bible Verses To Overcome Anxiety!
Yes, I am a Christian who lives with anxiety. I have walked with anxiety – generalized anxiety disorder and PTSD – since my youth.
If you are asking this same question I want to commend you for realizing that God is the piece of the puzzle that will help all the other pieces fall into place.
Today we will look at 40 Bible verses to overcome anxiety.
This is part of a free 40-day reading and journaling guide listing over 40 scripture on anxiety to help you heal.
40 Bible Verses to Overcome Anxiety: FREE Reading and Journaling Guide
Honestly, I can’t wait to see how God uses this guide to help grow it in your life and walk as well! These are my go-to Bible verses to overcome anxiety! I use them to help find peace while actively struggling with anxiety.
The scripture on anxiety that started me out was Philippians 4:8-9. If you click through the links below you will find a detailed word study of those passages to help guide your time.
“Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things” (Philippians 4:8 NASB).
While in the midst of one of the darkest seasons of my life God began to speak to me about this struggle with anxiety.
I was asking Him about it daily, things like:
- Can a Christian suffer from anxiety?
- Do anxiety and depression mean I don’t have enough faith?
- Are anxiety and depression a result of sin I don’t know about?
- What is a good Bible verse for encouragement?
- What verse in the Bible says you have no fear?
Through this searching, God began to show me how His Word could help re-frame the things I was so anxious about. What follows are the verses that helped me most and I pray they bless you as well!
What does scripture say about anxiety?
We see that scripture says a lot about looking at our heart and our words for clues to what the underlying root of anxiety could be. Yes, we often have an anxious heart and need to know scripture on anxiety!
“But the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders.” (Matthew 15:18-19 NASB)
What words should we hear? God’s words. They should be so impressed on your mind that they come out of your mouth.
“You shall therefore impress these words of mine on your heart and on your soul; and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontalson your forehead.” (Deuteronomy 11:18 NASB)
When I searched for scripture on deliverance from fear I found many:
Over and over again when we see stories of fear in the Bible we see that God is near. Not only is God near you, but God is in you if you are a Christian. I LOVE that God has not left us hopeless or helpless to fear. He gives us weapons to fight back against anxiety!!!!!
“for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, and we are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete.” (2 Corinthians 10:4-6 NASB)
Spiritual Warfare to fight fear:
After taking every thought captive we can replace those thoughts with the truth! Yes, thinking thoughts that are true is a form of spiritual warfare! They may not be your typical scripture on fear or scripture on anxiety, but they are bible verses to overcome fear in my life.
Bible verses about God’s unfailing love
“See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason, the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.” (1 John 3:1 NASB)
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;” (1 Peter 2:9 NASB)
Related: Overcoming Anxiety With God
Bible Verses about God being in control
God is in control and we can go to Him in our anxiety – cast your anxiety on Him – and rest in His strength!
“Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6 NASB)
“Looking at them, Jesus *said, “With people it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God.” (Mark 10:27 NASB)
Bible Verses about thinking of others
“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4 NASB)
“But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these.” (2 Timothy 3:1-5 NASB)
Bible verses about worry and stress over hurt from others
Through the journey through these bible verses to overcome anxiety God revealed my struggle with past hurts. When others hurt me I struggled to forgive and move forward, instead, I worried over those hurts and made myself miserable. Can you relate?
Peace of mind comes through forgiveness and thinking thoughts that honor others – even my offender. How do you find peace of mind through honor?
1. Remind yourself that people are not the sum of their mistakes.
“In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 7:12 NASB)
2. Think of their strengths rather than dwelling on their failures
“for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23 NASB)
3. Think of the ways they have grown and let your words reflect that.
“Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.” (Ephesians 4:29 NASB)
What Bible verse gives you strength when forgiveness is hard.
No, forgiveness is not easy, but when it is hard to forgive and think honoring thoughts we can remember these Bible verses about strength instead… They are 2 of my favorite Bible verses about anxiety!
“God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea;” (Psalm 46: 1-2 NASB)
“But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” (Luke 6:27-28 NASB)
I love these Bible verses to overcome anxiety and give strength when forgiveness is hard!
Remember to be persistent about praying about forgiveness
Forgiveness is a hard road to take. Honestly, it takes a long while to truly forgive but God honors persistence about things that are godly. Forgiveness is godly and if you keep asking Him to help you forgive He will!
“There was a widow in that city, and she kept coming to him, saying, ‘Give me legal protection from my opponent.’ For a while he was unwilling; but afterward he said to himself, ‘Even though I do not fear God nor respect man” (Luke 18:3-4 NASB)
Bible verses about worrying about the future
When anxiety comes because of fear of the future or thinking through the worst-case scenario, these verses help keep me in check.
“Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:17-21 NASB)
Scripture on anxiety and taking my hurt to God
Sometimes all I can do to overcome anxiety is fall into the arms of God and let His strength be enough for each day.
“Because of his strength I will watch for You, For God is my stronghold. My God in His loving kindness will meet me; God will let me look triumphantly upon my foes.” (Psalm 59: 9-10 NASB)
When taking my hurt to God I find it helpful to exercise with anxiety! Exercise releases happy feelings (enjoy that technical explanation) and I always feel better after!
Is anxiety a result of sin in my life?
Is anxiety a result of sin in my life? Could anxiety come when someone else is instigating drama in my life?
Sometimes. At times my sin or the sin of another can cause anxiety to rise up in me without realizing what has happened.
At those times I need God to show me where sin, negative thinking, and fear are at the heart of my anxiety attacks. That way I can take the high road and avoid sin and unnecessary anxiety!
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way.” (Psalm 139: 23-24 NASB)
What Can you Do If God shows sin at the root of anxiety attacks?
If I am in the wrong about something, to overcome anxiety I must deal with the sin
“Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering.” (Matthew 5:23-24 NASB)
If I am in the right and no sin on my part is there but someone else is against me, I beg God to stand up over me and fight for me.
“I love You, O Lord, my strength.” The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” (Psalm 18: 1-2 NASB)
Remember that God can shine a light on anything – nothing is hidden from Him
“But there is nothing covered up that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known. Accordingly, whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in the inner rooms will be proclaimed upon the housetops.” (Luke 12:2-3 NASB)
In this prayer, I can take the high road instead of allowing negative thinking to steal my peace of mind.
Bible verses about worry and stress over image
This might seem like a strange section in a list of bible verses to overcome anxiety, but fear and depression over the image are part of our culture – as well as impurity 😉 Purity of thought is crucial!
Remember God looks at the heart.
“But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7 NASB)
Comparison is a thief of Joy.
“A tranquil heart is life to the body, But passion is rottenness to the bones.” (Proverbs 14:30 NASB)
Walking by the spirit will keep purity in your thoughts.
“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16 NASB)
Guard your eyes to protect your mind
“Turn away my eyes from looking at vanity and revive me in Your ways.” (Psalm 119:37 NASB)
And flee immorality to protect yourself and your mind from anxiety!
“Flee immorality. Every other sin that a man commits is outside the body, but the immoral man sins against his own body.” (1 Corinthians 6:18 NASB)
What is a good Bible verse for encouragement in anxiety?
When others tell me they are looking for encouragement in anxiety I always share this verse! It is encouraging to know we are not the only ones who want to give in sometimes!
“Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.” (Galatians 6:9 NASB)
Just remember to think on whatever is lovely!
Avoid Gossip to overcome anxiety
Yep, gossip was a struggle in my life. I didn’t always mean to gossip, but it seemed like I got sucked into those kinds of conversations regularly? Can you relate?
Gossip caused so much anxiety in my life until God showed me how to stop gossip in its tracks!
“He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets, But he who is trustworthy conceals a matter.” (Proverbs 11:13 NASB)
Now instead of gossiping, I try to encourage others.
“Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11 NASB)
Replace anxiety with excellent thoughts
Sometimes we just need scripture in our minds about excellent things.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105 NASB)
“Your word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against You.” (Psalm 119:11 NASB)
“This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.” (Joshua 1:8 NASB)
This is a great verse to memorize to help overcome anxiety!
“Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” (Colossians 3:16 NASB)
Praising God can help overcome anxiety too!
“The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, Because he trusts in You.” (Isaiah 26:3 NASB)
When searching for Bible verses to overcome anxiety we must look at ways to praise God. Praising pulls you out of your thoughts and focuses on God alone.
“Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:1-2 NASB)
What kind of thoughts can prompt praise?
Complaining
“Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:14-15 NASB)
Anger
“bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.” (Colossians 3:13 NASB)
Thoughts that are not godly
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14 NASB\)
Bible verses about stress and hard times
When anxiety comes to call, remember that the joy of the Lord is always within you! These are definitely bible verses to overcome anxiety to memorize!
“Then he said to them, “Go, eat of the fat, drink of the sweet, and send portions to him who has nothing prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10 NASB)
And He will give you peace of mind.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7 NASB)
Why use a FREE Reading and Journaling Guide with these 40 Bible Verses to Overcome Anxiety?
Overcoming anxiety is not a one-day affair. Nope, to truly find freedom from fear, anxiety, and depression you need to do take these Bible verses to overcome anxiety and study them, memorize them and journal through the hard parts.
That is why I pulled them all together into a reading guide and listed some journaling prompts to help you process the things that are at the root of your anxiety.
It is a Free gift for the Hope Joy in Christ community!
Enjoy and be blessed as you study this 40 scripture on anxiety reading and journaling guide!
in HIM,
Tiffany of Hope Joy in Christ inspires Christian Women to grow in faith, live out Biblical Marriage Principles and raise Godly Children. Join the Wives Only Facebook Group here or keep up with her through Pinterest.
If you enjoyed this you will love these posts:
- How to Fast and Pray in a Way that Pleases God
- 40-Days to Be Still and Know God More
- How to Become a Strong Prayer Warrior and Why it Matters
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Thank you for pulling together these Bible verses for exactly! Your commentary on the verses and how God has used them in your story is powerful, too. Thank you for encouraging and lifting us up.
So glad it blessed you, Rachel!
Saving some of these verses. Thank you. Visiting you today from the worth beyond rubies link up. laurensparks.net
So nice to meet you, Lauren! Glad the verses about anxiety encouraged you!
What a great resource, Tiffany. These Bible verses on anxiety can help you in any type of stressful situation. Whether it’s a health problem or a problem that raises your heartbeat a bit, you’ve given us so many scriptures to turn to. Thank you.
Thanks for the encouragement, Wendy! You are always such a blessing!
This is a great resource covering so many aspects of anxiety, fear, and depression. I especially loved your comment,”Sometimes we just need scripture in our minds about excellent things.” That is so true! His Word encourages and strengthens us, and you’ve put together an amazing list!
Right! These are scriptures on anxiety that have helped me for years and I am happy to share them with others!
I am definitely keeping this post nearby for those days when I’m battling anxiety and fear. This is a great resource.
So glad it blessed you, Heather!
This is so good! Almost everyone has anxiety and it can be so hard when you don’t know how to handle it. Definitely keeping this on standby!
Yes, Anxiety is such a prevalent condition… weather it is a momentary situational thing or a struggle daily. We all need to focus on God in those times.
I also battle with Anxiety and have for years. These are wonderful truths on Bible verses for Anxiety! I also LOVE your commentary on the verses themselves and how God has used them in your story to share with others. Thank you for encouraging us with these!
Anxiety is such a normal part of our society. SO thankful others are open and honest as they struggle as well, it helps us know how to pray for each other!