If you’ve found your way here desperate to for some help with anxious thoughts, then welcome. Firstly, know that you are not alone. So many of us search for Scriptures for anxiety, hoping against hope that the Bible will speak to us.
More and more people are speaking up about the impact anxiety has on their lives. For some it’s a daily battle, for others it flares up during times of stress or under great pressure.
However you’re affected by anxiety, know this, God invites us to live a life free from fear and worry. This isn’t an empty, meaningless invitation either. It’s a God-signed, immovable, unshakable promise! When God sent His own son to die on the cross He made in possible to live free from fear, today.
Incredible isn’t it?
But, it’s not always easy. Holding onto that amazing promise from God can take practice, discipline and a lot of faith.
We’ve pulled together some of the most encouraging and affirming scriptures for anxiety to get you started.
You’ll be relieved to hear, the answer is yes! The Bible uses human stories and the reality of being human time and time again to illustrate God’s goodness. Everything from anxiety to fear, desperation and grief is woven into the stories of the Biblical heroes you know. The common thread? That God doesn’t shy away from any of it. Quite the opposite, He is the ultimate Dad who just says ‘come closer’.
Let these scriptures for anxiety encourage you to take another step closer towards God, to lean into intimacy with Him. He is ready to meet with you!
Philippians 4: 6-7 is one of the most famous scriptures about anxiety, and with good reason. ‘Do not be anxious about anything’ is a strong command. Thankfully Paul continues with step by step advice on living free from anxiety.
"Do not be anxious about anything, 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 understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
“Look at the birds” Matthew instructs us in chapter 6: 25-34. Look at the birds and notice how unbothered they are. They don’t strive to store away food, they don’t worry about their next meal. God feeds them! And yet, Matthew asks, aren’t we of even more value than the birds? Don’t you think God will do as much, if not more, to care for you? So why worry?
"Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?....But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."
Here are two scenarios for you to imagine:
First scenario: God is all-powerful and sovereign over all. There is no other like Him. He determines all matters of life and death, creation and ending. The world is in the palm of His hands. And, He is entirely uninterested in humans and human lives. He pays no attention to us.
Second scenario: Once again, God is all-powerful. He rules over all the earth, the skies and beyond. But, He is incredibly interested in humanity. He is power-hungry, cruel and demanding and takes pleasure in disturbing and twisting the lives of His subjects.
Thankfully, neither of these scenarios are true! Instead, we worship and all-powerful God, who is sovereign and rules over all. He is also incredibly interested in our lives and loves us with a powerful, unending, passionate love. He loves to see us smile, He loves to give us good gifts and His best idea, the way He wants to spend His limitless eternity is in a garden city with us.
There are many scriptures for anxiety and helpful biblical principles to study too. But, really, it all starts here. With an understanding that God is for you and He will never abandon you. You really are His favourite person in the world (amazingly, we all are!). You are held in the hand of a good, powerful, God.
Remember that, and remember these Biblical principles, as you journey to freedom from anxiety.
Prayer is a brilliant tool for reducing your anxiety. As you pray you connect with a God who loves and cares for you, and you help shift your perspective. The more we pray, the better we can see from God’s perspective, helping us to reassess everything in our life.
Here’s a prayer for anxiety to use next time you pray.
Dear Jesus,
Thank you for promising to be with me and love me, all the days of my life. I look forward to an eternity spent with you.
Please draw near to me now and help me to find freedom from anxiety.
I want to trust you, surrender my fears and live a life of abundant faith. But, Jesus, it’s so hard sometimes.
Please show me a way forward.
Amen
Ultimately, the most effective prayer for anxiety is the one that feels real, honest and raw for you to say. Try simply chatting to God, explaining how you’re feeling and what you're struggling with.
Scriptures for anxiety range from strengthening and comforting, to downright challenging. The Bible is clear, we shouldn’t worry! Use these famous Bible passages to build up your faith when anxiety looms.
Isaiah 41:10: "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Psalm 56:3: "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you."
Matthew 11:28-30: "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
Psalm 34:4: "I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears."
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