7 verses for the anxious

The Word of God is our comfort, our guide, and sharper than a two-edged sword. We must hid the Word in our hearts and cling to its promises. There is nothing more satisfying in this world than the Word of God. Scripture often takes a back seat in our lives, but it is our help against Satan’s attacks and this worlds negativity.

Lately, I have been slacking on memorizing Scripture. In today’s world, I feel like many of us are anxious. Anxious about the state of the world, our jobs, our families, etc. I know I am plagued by anxiety all the time. The only way I can ever combat anxiety truly is with the Word of God and prayer. When Satan comes knocking at my heart, I answer it with scripture. I wanted to share 10 verses that I find helpful and comforting in times of anxiety.

I am also sharing for those who are struggling, displaced, and mourning the loss of their homes in Texas from Hurricane Harvey. Whether your worrying about school or a sick family member, I hope these verses speak to you like they have spoken to me.

Isaiah 41:13

I love this verse for many reasons, and while I prefer ESV or NIV I love The Message version of this verse, I’ll share both:

Isaiah 41:13 “Because I, your God, have a firm grip on you and I’m not letting go. I’m telling you, ‘don’t panic I’m right here to help you’.” The Message

Isaiah 41:13 “For I, the Lord your God hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, ‘Fear not, I am the one who helps you’.” ESV

I found this many, many years ago on a camp recap video…and how true is it? God has a firm grip on us and our lives so why would we panic? The God of the universe is holding us in His hands…we must not fear. It is a great reminder of who God is and what He does for us when we are anxious about our problems or circumstances.

Psalm 32:7

Psalm 32:7 “You are my hiding place, you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.” ESV 

I love Psalms, its one of my favorite books. There are treasures hidden each time you read it. For instance, I am sure I have read this chapter many times through the years; but I never noticed this verse until now. God delivers us from our anxiety and worry. He holds us and hides us from our pain. When we face trouble, He protects us. Nothing more comforting than that.

Exodus 14:14

Exodus 14:14 “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” NIV

This is by far one of my favorite verses and favorite chapters in the Bible. It is when the Israelite’s are fleeing Egypt with Moses and they are met by the Red Sea. This verse falls in while they are concerned where to go and flee because the Red Sea stands in their way. I wrote about this verse and a worship song in a post called, “You Split the Sea.” There is nothing more comforting to know that God is so powerful that He will fight for us and we just have to be still and allow Him to work.

Psalm 18:1 

Psalm 18:1, “I love you, Lord, my strength.” NIV

Simple, but incredibly powerful and meaningful. The Lord is our strength. There is no need to fret or worry…God is the God and creator of all and He is our strength and our portion. I memorized this verse many years ago and it continues to bring me comfort and peace.

Deuteronomy 31:8

Deuteronomy 31:8, “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.” NIV

My God goes before me and prepared my steps. No matter what I fear, He is bigger and stronger. I stumbled upon this verse while looking up others for this post and was just struck once again by how powerful scripture is when you read it. He will never leave us, even when others do. I find such peace in this verse.

Isaiah 26:3

Isaiah 26:3, “You keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” ESV

I believe that most of the time we are plagued with fear and anxiety is usually because we are not seeking God, in His word, or our mind is set on the bad things instead of what He is and does for us. This verse reminds us to keep our minds on Him and let our fears fall at the feet of Jesus. Jesus brings peace and we must constantly be clinging to that peace.

John 14:27

John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” ESV

Peace is the opposite of fear, and peace is what Jesus left us and brings us. The world gives us negativity, hate, and fear but God is the counter of all that. We cannot let this world bring us down and make us fear. We must be strong and cling to the peace that Jesus gives us.

What verses to you pray over yourself in times of anxiety and fear? Let me know in the comments!

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