When It All Seems Out of Control: Scriptures for Anxiety

Each of us has different things that make us anxious, and we deal with those anxieties in various ways. Some anxieties are significant enough to impact how we live on a daily basis, and they may require the intervention of a trained Christian therapist and medications to help manage the anxiety. One tool that is afforded to believers is the Bible, and you can rely on what God says to assist you in overcoming struggles through Scriptures for anxiety.

We all need to be reminded that though we may be separated from the time and culture of the Bible by millennia, they were assailed by the same concerns that we are today. They too had struggles and needed comfort and reminders of the Lord’s love for them, and the Lord’s regard for their wellbeing. They too had their doubts, even amid powerful miraculous signs, and they too had to step out in faith and live life believing God’s Word is true.

Scriptures for Anxiety

Below are some Scriptures for anxiety that have nourished faith, calmed fears, and brought refuge to many when they were under trying circumstances.

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. – Psalm 55:22

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. – Isaiah 40:30-31

When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your comfort delights my soul. – Psalm 94:19

The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. – Psalm 23

But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit. – Jeremiah 17:7-8

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. – 2 Timothy 1:7

‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ – Jeremiah 29:11

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

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies.

Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. –  Romans 8:31-39

I sought the Lord and he answered me. He delivered me from all my fears. – Psalm 34:4

…Say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you. – Isaiah 35:4

Whenever I am afraid, I put my trust in you. – Psalm 56:3

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? – Matthew 6:25-27

Come to me, all you who are weary and 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

In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. – John 16:33

But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her. – Luke 10:41-42

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. – 1 Peter 5:7

Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up. – Proverbs 12:25

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. – Proverbs 3:5-6

So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?’ – Hebrews 13:6

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all. – 2 Thessalonians 3:16

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. – Philippians 4:6-7

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. – James 1:2-4

Therefore, stop worrying about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. – Matthew 6:34

I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. – Psalm 16:8

The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all. – Psalm 34:17-19

For you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me. – Psalm 61:3

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. – Isaiah 41:10

Christian Counseling for Anxiety

Do you struggle with anxiety? There are many possible causes of anxiety, some of them stemming from genetic and environmental factors. There are also sometimes spiritual reasons why we are plagued by anxiety.

You can seek the help of a trained professional such as a Christian therapist who specializes in anxiety and anxiety disorders. By receiving a proper diagnosis from a mental health professional, they can create a treatment plan that meets your unique needs and that is tailored for you.