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Ugh! Anxiety.
Like most of my emotions, anxiety comes in seasons. It comes in waves—suddenly there and then suddenly gone, but the in-between moments are fierce and intense and just when I think I’m going to catch my breath, I get pulled under again.
Like a dark tunnel—when you know at any moment you’ll see the light, so you just keep charging forward.
I say to myself, “just don’t stop…don’t get stuck.”
It’s in those dark times—the pulled-under times—that you desperately need the Light, the Breath.
I don’t mean to gloss over the pain of anxiety with pretty language or generic comparisons.
But it’s the only way to explain to people who don’t understand anxiety what it’s like to feel constantly overwhelmed.
I have talked before about how I have a scripture writing plan to overcome depression and also how I draw circles around certain scriptures in my Bible in an effort to remind myself of the promises and faithfulness of God. Maybe you’ll want to consider drawing circles around these verses in your Bible or writing them out and committing them to memory.
Who Does This Help?
I don’t think you have to be clinically diagnosed with anxiety to benefit from these verses.
You can be overwhelmed, stressed out, over-worked…any of these feelings can activate the same responses in our spirit. And let me tell you—the Lord wants nothing more than to bring comfort to his worried children.
His WORD provides the comfort—all we have to do is dig in and find it.
Today I’m sharing 8 of my favorite scriptures to turn to when I’m feeling overwhelmed.
8 Verses that will Conquer Anxiety and Calm Your Overwhelmed Heart:
John 14:27
“Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid.”
Isaiah 43:1
“But now, this is what the Lord says…Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.”
Revelation 1:17
“Then he placed his right hand on me and said: ‘Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last.’”
Psalm 9:9
The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.
James 1:2-4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Hebrews 13:5-6
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence,“The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”
Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Let go, and let God–
God gives us the courage to live boldly and fearlessly.
So when you feel like the walls are raising up and closing in–let His truth be the booming voice in your head; allow it to soak into the deepest parts of your soul.
Give it to God and take a deep breath.
Ahh…blessings and grace to us all.
Which scriptures bring you comfort when you are in the middle of an anxiety attack?
I’ve been feeling really anxious lately. I have no idea why, my thoughts are always busy with the what ifs of life. I love these verses! Usually when I pray I like to recite God’s promises for my life so I am incorporating these!
These are some of my favorite, go-to verses! Thank you for sharing!
The verses Matthew 6:24-35 help me tremendously when I’m worried because it’s usually those things that Jesus speaks on that bring me the most anxiety. You’ve also pointed out terrific scriptures to meditate on when panic sets in. Thank you for the wonderful post!
John 14:27. This will be my memory verse for this week. Nice post! Much blessings to you!
Love the Hebrews 13:5-6 verses – what a blessing and peace it is to know He will never leave us. His presence alone is enough to ward off anxiety! Thank you for sharing this hope from Scripture.
This is so beautifully written! I certainly get anxious, but I have friends that deal with severe anxiety and these are great verses that would help them – and anyone who deals with anxiety – out. Thanks for sharing!
Sydney Meek | meeklyloving.wordpress.com
Philippians 4:7. Sometimes there are things that are very difficult for us but we just have to trust God. Because he does it for a reason and whatever it is, we will get through it.
Psalm 42 is a psalm that I memorized when I was younger (though I have since forgotten a lot of it) but it’s a great psalm to read as a prayer, just as David did. Psalm 40 is a great prayer, too- “how long?’ I have and continue to struggle with anxiety and depression. I know I need to look to God and His word more. Sites like this help me feel like I’m not alone in this battle!
Thank-you for sharing your heart, struggles and scripture. I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder in 2012. I also have anxiety at times. I have learned to practice self-care, take my medication and practice mindfulness, as well as, feed myself spiritually to help with my mental health issues. My favorite verses are: Romans 8:38-39
Romans 8:28
Hebrews 6:19 (a new one I just found)
This is what my husband and I needed. Logan of change: new baby, unemployment for month 8, death in the family… thank you for this encouragement and hope.
God is able, He is our redeemer.
Amen