There’s nothing much worse than an anxious heart and mind. As someone who has battled depression and anxiety in her life, I can say that with confidence. I remember one particularly troubling time in my life in my early to mid-twenties when I not only had anxiety and fear, but I also had panic attacks. It was so hard for me to even walk into the grocery store and shop for my weekly groceries.
I white-knuckled my life during that time. I wasn’t as close to God during that time in my life. Although I’ve been a believer all my life, and have loved the Lord with a passion since I was a little girl, I wasn’t in the Word, wasn’t going to church, wasn’t praying often. I also didn’t seek medical help. I just held on for dear life. I don’t recommend doing what I did.
It was such a hard time in my life, and I can relate to you if you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or panic attacks. And you know what? God cares about your anxiety. He cares about you. He loves you so much He sent Jesus for you, and He left us with the Bible, with wonderful scriptural promises about His peace and healing.
Whether you are on medication, or talk to a therapist about your anxiety, or are just holding on for dear life, God’s Word can help you in your walk with anxiety.
Let’s look at some scriptures that can help calm your mind and heart.
- When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. Psalm 56:3
When you’re anxious, it’s easy to let our mind’s get away from us when what we need to do is breathe slowly, and think to ourselves, or even speak it out loud, I put my trust in You, God, I put my trust in You, God. He is a good God, one who loves us, cares for our anxiety, and has healing in His hands. Stay focused on Psalm 56:3 and put your trust in Him.
2. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4
What are you walking through right now? Are you walking through a painful divorce, a scary illness, or maybe you can’t figure out why you’re fearful, there’s no obvious reason why you should be anxious, but you are. Whatever the case, meditate on Psalm 23:4 and let it sink into your heart. God is with you, His Word brings you comfort. I’ve found that when I’m anxious, if I slow my breathing, and force my racing thoughts to calm by reading, and actually speaking out loud, the scriptures it really helps.
3. Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. Psalm 55:22
What a wonderful promise from the Lord. Give him your worries, your anxiety, and he will sustain you, he will hold you up, he won’t let you be shaken. God cannot tell a lie, so it’s up to us to just trust His word and rely on Him.
4. “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.” John 14:27
Jesus left us with His peace, a peace that passes all understanding. He let us know not to be upset, not to be afraid. And yet, I know he has great compassion for His people when they’re in fear when they’re anxious and afraid. He has love and compassion, healing and hope for you. And often that comes through reading the Word and being encouraged and uplifted.
5. “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.” ~ Psalm 94:19
What a beautiful truth. God loves you and wants you well, whole, and healthy – body, mind, and soul. He has all the power to bring joy to your soul and that is found, not only in prayer, and worship, but also by reading these promises that He’s given to us in His Word.
6. “Tell everyone who is discouraged, Be strong and don’t be afraid! God is coming to your rescue…” Isaiah 35:4
Oh, what a glorious promise – God is coming to our rescue, to your rescue. Cling to this promise, this truth, and let it fill your soul with hope.
7. “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” ~ Psalm 46:1
When you’re feeling especially weak, take refuge in the Lord. He is always present and will always help you in your moments of fear and anxiety. Always. You can count on the Lord.
8. “I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.” ~ Psalm 34:4
Pray to God. When you feel your anxiety forming, turn to Him immediately. He is the God of answered prayers. And what He did then, he will do now, for you.
9. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Phillippians 4:13
Our strength doesn’t come from within our own abilities. It comes from the Lord. And through His supernatural strength, we can do all things, including overcoming our fears by keeping our minds on the Lord and His promises.
10. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7
We can rest assured that God isn’t the source of our anxiety. And so, He isn’t giving us anxiety or keeping us in anxiety. We can turn to Him for our healing, our peace, and our joy. Everything we need to live a peaceful life can be found in Him.
Friend, if you’re suffering, there is no judgment in getting professional help. If you need to see someone for your anxiety, please do so. There’s nothing more harmful in our community than other’s judging fellow Christians for seeking either medical help or finding someone to talk things through with. God is not sitting on the throne condemning you, his precious child, because you need help. I do not believe you should “pray it away” as your only option for treating anxiety and depression if you know you need more.
God’s Word is full of medicine, yes. The truth of His promises is healing and full of hope. And I believe we all, battling an illness or not, should be in the Word daily for our mental, physical, and heart health. But just like most of us wouldn’t ignore a heart attack and refuse medical help, instead only praying or reading the Bible, neither should we be stubborn with our mental health. I’m not a medical professional, nor am I a pastor, I’m not telling how to handle your own mental health. I’m just a virtual friend hoping to extend a hand of hope to you during these tough times.
I pray that these scriptures will help you and that you will find the peace you so desperately need. And I also hope that if you know you need to reach out for professional help, you will and that you’ll know that most of your fellow brothers and sisters hold no judgment whatsoever for that help you’re reaching out for. But what’s most important, is that Jesus understands your needs and does not think less of you, just like He wouldn’t think less of you for seeking medical treatment for a heart attack.
What have you found that has helped your anxiety? Please share in the comments below.
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