4 Powerful Ways Scripture Can Help Manage Anxiety

1. Use Scripture to find kindred spirits.

This is key. Individuals managing anxiety already have enough self-loathing and a sense of failure; Scripture needed to be added to the list of things used to question the authenticity of their faith. Be cautious of allowing yourself (or imposing on others) the belief that anxiety equals a crisis of faith. There is no question that Scripture is saturated with stories of Biblical heroes of the faith who experienced extreme fear, anxiety, and trauma.

Consider Moses, whose anxiety was a primary reason God sent his older brother Aaron with him to appear before Pharoah. Gideon, an esteemed judge of the Old Testament, is often overlooked as a man of high anxiety (remember the fleeces?) and even tanked in his faith walk after God had more than proven His provision. We even have Jesus, who we can all agree was not sinful in his anxiety as He sweat drops of blood in anticipation of bearing the entirety of a sinful world's consequence on His body.

Being able to read the stories of men and women who fought through anxiety and fear is to find kindred spirits. This can be a huge form of encouragement, knowing that God can and will still use you, your faith, and your desire to serve Him even as you manage your way through anxious moments and debilitating experiences.

Related: 12 Bible Characters Who Suffered from Depression and What They Teach Us

2. Use Scripture repetitiously to remind yourself of God's promises.

While a common answer to the question of how to use Scripture, all too often, we gloss over this as a too-familiar treatment attempt for anxiety. We've tried reading promises, and the anxiety is still there. When Scripture doesn't remove the anxiety, we often give up.

Consider using Scripture on repeat to help center your thoughts on what is true and what is promised to you. Repetitive listening has its merits and is far under-utilized. In one situation, a youth under my leadership in youth ministry was struggling with significant anxiety when trying to sleep at night. When they discovered the verse Psalm 4:8: "In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for you, o Lord, make me dwell in safety," they were quick to state it didn't help much. So, I suggested repeating the verse on audio or reciting it in their mind. After some self-discipline, this youth reported back a significant decrease in anxiety as the Scripture, on repeat, kept other destructive and disabling thoughts from having the opportunity to fester. While it didn't entirely remove the anxiety, there was relief found.

Photo credit: Unsplash/Priscilla Du Preez

3. Use Scripture to busy your thoughts.

This concept goes hand in hand with Scripture on repetition but doesn't involve the repeat "button," so to speak. Anyone who struggles with anxiety will be familiar with how it builds. Anxiety and panic can be likened to swells on the ocean as the wind increases in its insistence. What may be manageable builds and builds to uncontrollable levels of power. It becomes extremely difficult, if not impossible, to reason your way out of anxiety.

Part of the reason for this is because anxiety and its triggers become all-consuming. Thinking about anything else is a major interruption of concentration on the anxiety because we are so focused on trying to get out of anxiety. As someone who has been in this riptide, it is crucial to learn to manage your way into a calm enough state of mind where you can refocus your thoughts on something else entirely.

Deep breathing exercises and other management techniques are great for this, and then, when you have even a split moment of clarity, grab hold of Scripture and begin to concentrate on it. It seems insufficient in many ways and almost like you're invalidating the seriousness of your anxiety and fear. But as you focus on Scripture—reading it aloud, reciting it in your mind, listening to it on audio—you will find that it can help calm and soothe your soul.

4. Use Scripture to reaffirm your position as "cared for."

Finding encouragement when struggling with anxiety is so critical. There is enough negativity floating through our minds. Blame, self-loathing, bitterness, and frustration can all lead to feeding the anxiety rather than stilling it.

Instead, search out Scripture that reinforces your value as a creation of God. Revisit the story of Jesus and His sacrifice on your behalf. Identify the Scriptures that challenge the belief that you're less than. Validate the truth that God knew you while you were in your mother's womb, and that level of intimate knowledge of you denotes a deep devotion, care, and protectiveness from a God who created the world. Visit the book of Job, which, admittedly, can be depressing. But visit the Scriptures where God reminds Job of His power and supremacy, and take comfort that an omnipotent God is concerned with your daily care.

The truth is, we live in a broken world, so Scripture isn't necessarily going to bring complete healing from the affliction of anxiety. But it does harbor truths pivotal to bringing balance into your experiences. God has given us His promises for a reason. They are there to reinforce His love and protection, His guidance, and His wisdom.

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The Psalmist wrote in Psalm 94:19 – "When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul." The prophet Isaiah was very straightforward when he stated in chapter 35:4 of his book, "Say to those who have an anxious heart, 'Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompence of God. He will come and save you.'" And the apostle Peter stated it plainly in the New Testament when he said, "Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you." (I Peter 5:7)

These Scriptures alone can be avenues of reassurance that you are not faulted for your anxieties but rather are encouraged to know there is hope. Hope (He) is coming to console, fight for, and save you because He cares for you.

So, choose to apply the four ways to use Scripture to manage anxiety. Ask the Lord to use His Word to soothe your spirit and to help you focus on what is true and secure. And as Philippians 4:6 states: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."