When your mind won’t stop, you need something stronger than your own thoughts to hold onto. God’s Word is exactly that. These Bible verses for anxiety are grouped by what you’re feeling, so you can find the one you need tonight, read it slowly and pray it back to God.
Tip: don’t try to read all of them at once. Pick one, read it out loud three times, and let it be the last thing you think about before you move on.
Verses for when you’re overwhelmed
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
This is the go-to verse for anxiety for a reason. It doesn’t shame you for worrying. It shows you where to take the worry, and it promises peace that doesn’t depend on your circumstances changing first.
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)
“All” means the big fears and the small ones. You don’t need to sort them first.
“Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”
Psalm 55:22 (NIV)
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28 (NIV)
Verses for when you’re afraid
“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 (NIV)
Every reason not to fear in this verse is about who God is and what He’ll do, not about how strong you feel.
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”
Psalm 56:3 (NIV)
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV)
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
“The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear?”
Psalm 27:1 (NIV)
“I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.”
Psalm 34:4 (NIV)
Verses for a racing mind
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)
“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.”
Psalm 94:19 (NIV)
“Be still, and know that I am God.”
Psalm 46:10 (NIV)
Try this one as a breath prayer. Breathe in on “Be still.” Breathe out on “and know that I am God.”
Verses for worrying about tomorrow
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:34 (NIV)
“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 (NIV)
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:28 (NIV)
“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)
Verses for when you feel alone in it
“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Psalm 34:18 (NIV)
“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
Hebrews 13:5 (NIV)
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
Psalm 46:1 (NIV)
Verses for 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 (NIV)
“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 (NIV)
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 15:13 (NIV)
“Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him.”
Psalm 62:1 (NIV)
“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety.”
Psalm 4:8 (NIV)
How to use these verses when anxiety hits
- Choose one verse for the week. Write it on a sticky note for your mirror or make it your lock screen.
- Pray it back to God. Turn Isaiah 41:10 into “God, You are with me. You will strengthen me and help me.”
- Say it out loud. Speaking Scripture interrupts the loop of anxious thoughts in a way silent reading sometimes doesn’t.
- Pair it with your breath. Slow breathing calms your body while the verse steadies your mind.
- Share it. Send a verse to a friend who’s struggling. Encouraging someone else often loosens anxiety’s grip on you too.
Want words to go with these verses? Here are 7 short prayers for anxiety you can pray right now.
A short prayer to finish
Lord, Your Word is truer than my fears. When my thoughts spin, anchor me to what You’ve said. You are with me, You care for me, and You hold tomorrow. I receive Your peace right now. In Jesus’ name, amen.
If anxiety has been heavy for a while, consider talking with a pastor, counselor or doctor. You can also take our free anxiety test to get a clearer picture of where you are. In a crisis, call or text 988 (US).
Frequently asked questions
What does God say about anxiety?
God invites you to bring every anxious thought to Him in prayer (Philippians 4:6-7), promises His presence (Isaiah 41:10) and offers a peace the world can’t give (John 14:27).
What is a good Bible verse to read before bed when anxious?
Psalm 4:8 (“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety”) and Psalm 94:19 are both gentle, short and easy to remember at night.
How do I memorize Bible verses for anxiety?
Pick one short verse, say it out loud morning and night for a week, and write it somewhere you’ll see it. Short verses like Psalm 56:3 or 1 Peter 5:7 stick fastest.
Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Leave a Reply