As I type this, the song Still Waters (Psalm 23) is running through my mind. One of the lines says, “Anxiety hates Psalm 23, so just say it to yourself ’til you believe it.” And there it is: the powerful Word of God bringing peace when anxiety is strong.
It’s not always our first course of action to open the Bible when anxiety hits. Instead, we worry, fret, self-isolate, and even self-medicate. (I’ve been there many times). But a few years ago, my mentor suggested something simple, so simple, I wasn’t sure it would work.
She told me to buy a pencil pouch and fill it with handwritten Bible verses. She insisted there was something powerful about writing the Scriptures by hand. So, that week, I began filling my little pouch with index cards, writing out comforting verses, and allowing the Word of God to sink deep into my anxious heart.
My Scripture pouch is now bursting at the seams, and I have Bible verses piling up on my desk and nightstand. When anxiety is strong, I pull them out and read them one by one. And you know what? God’s truth dispels the lies, and His peace overcomes the anxiety.
Don’t underestimate the power of the Bible. Let the living, active Word of God do its work as you cling to these Bible verses when anxiety is strong:
1. Isaiah 41:10
“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.”
The richness of this verse astounds me every time I read it. In just a couple of sentences, we are provided a list of comforts:
"I am with you."
"I am your God."
"I will strengthen you and help you."
"I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."
Feel the peaceful presence of God strengthening you as you read these promises. Write them out and keep them close. The Lord is near.
A Prayer from Isaiah 41:10:
Lord, I am anxious and afraid. Please be with me now. You are my God, and I trust You to uphold me with Your righteous right hand.
2. Psalm 16:8
“I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”
When anxiety is strong, our eyes are usually focused on the troubles of our hearts. But what if we managed to look up, above our current circumstances?
By keeping our eyes on Jesus and abiding in Him, we cannot be shaken. He holds us fast when strong storms of anxiety come. And at the sound of His voice, the wind and waves obey. Look up, my friend. Set your gaze on the Lord always. He is your refuge and peace.
A Prayer from Psalm 16:8:
Lord, please lift my gaze toward You, beyond the clouds of fear. Let me sense Your holy presence as I abide in You. With You by my side, I will not be shaken!
3. Psalm 23:1-3
“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.”
Anxiety likes to repeat the lie that we lack peace and joy. It’s like a broken record playing over and over in our minds. It says, “God has forsaken you,” and “You’ll never be free from worry.”
That’s where Psalm 23 comes in. The beautiful imagery expressed by David reminds us of the Good Shepherd leading us deeper into the pasture of His presence. The deeper we go, away from the fence line where the enemy prowls, the more peace we have.
With Jesus, we lack absolutely nothing. Be led by this passage to quiet waters and find refreshment for your soul.
A Prayer from Psalm 23:1-3:
Lord, thank You for being such a faithful Shepherd. Lead me deep into Your pasture, beside the quiet waters of refreshment and peace.
4. Psalm 94:18-19
“When I said, 'My foot is slipping,’ your unfailing love, Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.”
I can usually tell when anxiety is lurking. It’s like I’m standing at the top of a slippery slope as my feet start to give way. Sometimes, it feels impossible to avoid, and I slide right into it. But when I reach for the Scriptures, I find the lifeline I need.
Clinging to Bible verses when anxiety is strong keeps us from sliding into the pit of despair. Each word draws us upward, inch by inch, until we are standing on solid ground again. Take hold of the lifeline you’ve been given—the support of God’s unfailing love.
A Prayer from Psalm 94:18-19:
Lord, my feet are slipping into the pit of anxiety. Please remind me of Your unfailing love, and let Your consolation bring me joy again.
5. Matthew 6:26-27
“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?”
When reading this passage, I envision Jesus pointing to birds nearby, flying from branch to branch without a care in the world. They don’t worry about the next hour, day, or year. God provides what they need, and they are free to live and move and breathe.
Let this imagery comfort you today. Recall Jesus’ words, “Are you not much more valuable than they?” You are precious in God’s sight, my friend! He watches over your every moment. You can trust Him now and forever.
A Prayer from Matthew 6:26-27:
Lord, in my anxiety, help me remember the birds of the air and how You care for them. Remind me that I am Your precious daughter and You keep watch over me. I will not worry or fear.
6. John 16:33
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
This verse was one of the first I memorized as a young adult. I was in college at the time and had only been a Christian for a couple of years. The small group I attended sang John 16:33 during our time of worship and it quickly became a go-to verse for me.
When anxiety is strong, repeat Jesus’ words, “In Me, you have peace.” Let it become the mantra of your heart, dissolving anxious thoughts and replacing them with the peace only He can give.
A Prayer from John 16:33:
Lord, I am anxious and troubled and need Your peace. Help me take heart in Your promises today and rest in the victory that You have overcome the world!
7. Romans 15:13
“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.”
As often as you are filled with worry, doubt, and fear, allow God to pour into you with all joy, peace, and belief. Open wide your heart to receive the power of the Holy Spirit as if you’re an empty vessel being filled with cool, refreshing water.
Yes, anxiety is sometimes strong, but it doesn’t compare to the wonder-working power of God through the Scriptures. Consider getting a pencil pouch (or Ziplock bag) and begin writing out the verses that speak to you. Read them often and let them become a healing balm of comfort and peace as you overflow with hope because “The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).
A Prayer from Romans 15:13:
Lord, please fill me with all joy and peace as I trust in You. Replace my anxiety with overflowing hope by the power of Your Spirit, in Jesus’ holy name, amen.
More Resources for Your Journey:
A Prayer to Release Anxiety and Embrace Trust
Trading in Anxiety for God’s Perfect Peace
A Prayer When Facing Overwhelming Stress and Anxiety
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/milan2099
Jennifer Waddle is the author of several books, including Prayer WORRIER: Turning Every Worry into Powerful Prayer, and is a regular contributor for LifeWay, Crosswalk, Abide, and Christians Care International. Jennifer’s online ministry is EncouragementMama.com where you can find her books and sign up for her weekly post, Discouragement Doesn’t Win. She resides with her family near the foothills of the Rocky Mountains—her favorite place on earth.