30+ Bible Verses for Stress - Find Comfort When You're Overwhelmed and Anxious
Tears trekked trails down the boy’s cheeks as he shared about his homelife. The threats to personal safety. My heart shattered as I gazed into grown-up eyes in a child’s face.
Within hours, a migraine beat against my temples. Whispering a prayer for my student, I embraced the invitation of Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV), “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.”
One of the most well-known Bible verses for stress, the words reminded me that Jesus carries each day’s weight on my behalf—and for every hurting boy or girl. Do you, too, need help as you manage your worries? This article includes more than 30 Bible verses that will redirect anxious thoughts and offer comfort no matter your circumstances.
The Power of Faith in Stressful Times
According to experts, stress and anxiety are skyrocketing. Forty-three percent of Americans have expressed an increase in anxiety since last year. Do you relate? Perhaps your concern grows as you witness societal upheaval, political shifts, or news reports reflecting violence and unrest. Maybe your struggles are more personal. You worry about personal relationships. Finances. Health concerns.
Take courage, Christ follower. Even if difficult circumstances batter our anxious hearts, we are not left alone. Our Lord, the unchanging Rock, provides shelter from the storm as He did for those who followed Him centuries ago. Let’s unpack a few stories of people we read about in Scripture and discover how their faith and reliance on the Father helped them cope.
Understanding Stress Through a Biblical Lens
The people of scripture experienced many of the same anxiety-producing situations of today. Loss of relationship or provision. Dashed dreams and shattered hopes. Their stories urge us to press on. Consider the following men and women:
- The Suffering and Solace of Job. A man more acquainted with suffering than most, Job lost everything. Possessions. Provision. Progeny.
Lament and loss thread their way throughout the book of Job. Still, this righteous man clung to the truth that God intended good for his life, “But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.” Job 23:10 (NIV).
This verse reminds us that we, too, can share our deepest heartache and questions with our Father because He understands our suffering.
- From Palace to Oppression—Stress tracked David’s steps. The man once admired as hero endured persecution at the hands of Saul, betrayal by a beloved son, and the self-induced stress of personal moral failings.
Even in his despair, David turned to the Lord—penning Psalms rife with emotion and overflowing with petition and praise. Like the shepherd-turned-king, we can seek solace in the Lord’s presence. As Psalm 34:17-18 (NIV) reminds us, "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 Lord waits for us to draw near—our hearts honest and humble.
- Dedication Before Duty. Overwhelmed by the prospect of preparing a meal for Jesus and a room full of disciples, Martha approached Jesus, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself?”
His reply? “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen the better part...” (Luke 10:41-42 NIV)
I see myself in Martha. I want to minister for Jesus and serve others. But Jesus’ words direct our attention away from the push of busy to a position of abiding. How often does our list of to-dos misplace Jesus? Let’s eliminate that stress and sit at His feet.
- Hopeless to Healed Desperation propelled the woman toward the crowd—one she was forbidden to enter. Ostracized and destitute, the woman suffered from more than a decade of bleeding. Jostled by the throng of people, her fingers trembled as they grazed the hem of Jesus’ robe, “If I just touch His garments, I will be saved from this.” And immediately the flow of blood was dried up.’(Mark 5 28-29 LSB)
What condition in your life requires Jesus? Reach out to Him in faith. A mere brush with His goodness and glory transforms lives.
Several Bible stories and verses encourage the heart during challenging times. Many of these are listed below.
30 Other Bible Verses to Help with Stress
- Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
“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.”
- Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)
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. - Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
“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.” - 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” - John 14:27 (NIV)
“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.” - Psalm 34:17-18 (NIV)
“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.” - Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” - Psalm 55:22 (NIV)
“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” - 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” - Proverbs 12:25 (NIV)
“Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.” - Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” - Psalm 46:1-3 (NIV)
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.” - Matthew 6:34 (NIV)
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” - Isaiah 43:2 (NIV)
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” - Psalm 94:19 (NIV)
“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.” - Psalm 112:7 (NIV)
“They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.” - 2 Chronicles 20:15 (NIV)
“He said, ‘Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.’” - Exodus 14:14 (NIV)
"The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
- Psalm 34:17-18 (NIV)
"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."
- Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV)
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
- Nehemiah 8:10 (NIV)
“...Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
- Isaiah 26: 3 (NIV)
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast,
because they trust in you.”
Are you weary and worn by worry? Overcome stress by equipping yourself with the truth of God’s word. It’s one step toward surrendering each day’s burdens to His care.
Photo credit: ©Francisco Moreno/Unsplash
Originally published April 29, 2025.
