10 Bible Verses for Anxiety and Overthinking
Discover how to overcome anxiety with Scripture. Learn 10 powerful Bible verses, practical steps of faith, prayers, and God’s promises that bring peace to your heart.
Anxiety reveals what we believe about God. If we are not trusting who He says He is, His character, His holiness, His goodness, and that He is in control over all things, we will become anxious.
Anxiety is frequently mentioned in the Scriptures, and it is one of the things that we read about consistently with many of the biblical accounts mentioned in each book of the Bible. It is also what we read is the precursor to decreasing faith, doubt, and the sin against God and others that subsequently follows.
We first see the effects of anxiety shortly after Adam and Eve sinned against God and each other in the Garden of Eden. Since that time, anxiety has been one of the most common struggles women, whether Christian or non-Christian, face today.
The Source of Anxiety
Anxiety can result from many sources. Sadly, it can come from the words and actions of family members, relationships with others, employers, employees, diagnoses, and fear of the unknown.
I think the fear of the unknown is the greatest cause of anxiety. The unknown or unfamiliar makes us fearful at times because its reminds us that we can’t control the future or prepare for the unexpected.
This can be to our advantage because when we recognize the reality that our future is in the hands of the Lord, we then realize He controls all things.
Whether it’s the pressure of relationships, family, health, or the future, anxiety, we can all agree anxiety often weighs heavily on our hearts, but God never intended for His daughters to live in anxiety, dread, worry, or constant fear.
Multiple times we read in the Bible where we are instructed, actually commanded, not to be anxious.
By the Holy Spirit, the apostle Paul writes, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6, NKJV).
As long as we live in these earthen vessels, anxiety will be a constant suggestion and temptation until the Lord calls us home.
You can have hope in God, starting today, for Him to relieve you of your deepest anxiety! We can find comfort in His word and meditate on what His word says, rather than what our fears say.
I’m excited that you are taking the first steps toward saying yes to peace, and no to anxiety.
This post will explore 10 Scriptures for overcoming anxiety, practical steps to walk in God’s peace, and biblical encouragement for your daily life.
Each verse includes a short devotional to renew your mind (Romans 12:2), a prayer, and an application step. By anchoring your heart in His Word, you can move from fear to faith and from worry to worship.
10 Bible Verses for Anxiety and Fear
Anxiety and its accompanying emotions have been and always will be an ongoing struggle that we can be victorious over with the help of the Holy Spirit. Beginning with Eve in the garden, to women today, countless women have wrestled with worry and fear. Yet God’s Word offers unshakable promises of peace, reminding us of His presence and faithfulness in every storm.
- Philippians 4:6–7 – Prayer over Panic
- Scripture: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
- Devotional Thought: Instead of letting panic dominate your heart, Scripture teaches us to turn anxiety into prayer. Prayer exchanges fear for peace.
- Prayer: Lord, when I start to panic, remind me to run to You in prayer. Replace my worry with Your peace that surpasses all understanding.
- Application Step: Each time an anxious thought comes to your mind, pause and pray out loud.
- Matthew 6:34 – Trusting God with Tomorrow
- Scripture: “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
- Devotional Thought: Anxiety thrives and grows when we dwell and meditate on the unfamiliar or unknown future. Jesus calls us to focus on today and live faithfully today. When we doe this, we are trusting that He will take of and meet tomorrow’s needs.
- Prayer: Father, help me to give tomorrow to You. Teach me to rest in Your daily provision and not look too far into the future or borrow trouble from tomorrow.
- Application Step: Write down one specific thing that causes you to worry about the future. Pray over it, give it to God, and then intentionally set it aside for the day.
- 1 Peter 5:7 – Casting Cares on Him
- Scripture: “Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”
- Devotional Thought: God never intended for us to carry our burdens alone, and doesn’t want us to. His loving care invites us to throw every worry onto His strong shoulders.
- Prayer: Lord, I release and give this burden and place it into Your hands. Thank You for caring so deeply about me and for carrying all of my burdens when I give them to You and leave them with You.
- Application Step: Write your worries on slips of paper or index cards, place them in a jar, and label it “God’s Jar” as a reminder to surrender them.
- Isaiah 41:10 – God Is with You
- Scripture: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
- Devotional Thought: God’s presence removes fear. His promises are true. He will strengthen and uphold us, and calm our anxious hearts.
- Prayer: Heavenly Father, I know You are with me. I thank You for always being near and promising to never leave me. You are with me when I am weak. I know You will give me strength when I am weary and weak and hold me securely in Your mighty and righteous right hand.
- Application Step: Memorize and learn this verse so that you can repeat it each time fear strikes.
- Psalm 34:4 – Deliverance from Fear
- Scripture: “I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.”
- Devotional Thought: God hears and is attentive to the cries of His children. Just as David, experienced deliverance when He sought the Lord, when we seek Him, we can experience deliverance in our time of need.
- Prayer: Lord, teach me to seek You when I am afraid. Thank You for always hearing me, being attentive to my cries, and for being my faithfuk Deliverer.
- Application Step: Begin your morning by seeking God in prayer, asking Him to replace fear with His peace.
- John 14:27 – Christ’s Peace
- Scripture: “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
- Devotional Thought: The world offers temporary relief, but Jesus gives lasting peace. His peace steadies and calms our hearts in every storm.
- Prayer: Jesus, thank You for Your peace, which the world cannot give. Thank you for guarding my heart from fear and keep me steady in You.
- Application Step: Whenever fear subtle comes or feels overwhelming, you can whisper, “Jesus, You are my peace.”
- Psalm 55:22 – God Sustains
- Scripture: “Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.”
- Devotional Thought: God doesn’t just take our burdens—He sustains us under them. His faithful strength keeps us from being shaken.
- Prayer: Lord, I give You my cares and burdens today. Thank You for sustaining me and keeping me firm in Your love.
- Application Step: Each evening, write down one burden or something that caused anxiety, and thank God for sustaining you through it.
- Joshua 1:9 – Be Strong and Courageous
- Scripture: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
- Devotional Thought: Courage is not the absence of fear but confidence in God’s presence. Wherever we go, He is with us.
- Prayer: God, help me walk with courage today, not because I am strong, but because You are always with me.
- Application Step: Trust God as you step into one situation that has caused you fear, and pray for courage as you go.
- Romans 8:38–39 – Nothing Can Separate Us
- Scripture: “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come… shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
- Devotional Thought: Anxiety often lies, telling us we are alone. But nothing—not fear, not trials, not even our worst worries—can separate us from God’s love.
- Prayer: Father, anchor my heart in Your truth that says nothing can separate me from Your love in Christ.
- Application Step: Each time fear whispers, “you are alone,” respond by saying this verse aloud and truly think of its meaning.
- 2 Timothy 1:7 – Spirit of Power and Love
- Scripture: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
- Devotional Thought: Anxiety clouds the mind, but the Spirit of God empowers us with clarity, strength, and love.
- Prayer: God, I know You will replace fear with Your power, love, and sound mind in me today.
- Application Step: When you feel anxious, pause, take a deep breath, and repeat this verse as a declaration of faith.
5 Practical Steps to Overcome Anxiety Biblically
- Pray Immediately – Replace anxious thoughts with prayers of trust (Phil. 4:6).
- Memorize Scripture – Hide God’s Word in your heart to recall in anxious moments (Ps. 119:11).
- Worship Through Worry – Anxiety loosens its grip when we sing and give thanks (Col. 3:16).
- Seek Christian Fellowship – Surround yourself with women who encourage you in the Lord (Heb. 10:24-25).
- Remember the Gospel – Jesus’ death and resurrection secure eternal peace for your soul.
Suggested reading: Answering Anxiety – Click here to purchase
CompleteInHim.org contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. Read our disclaimer for more information
FAQs
- What does the Bible say about anxiety?
The Bible acknowledges our fears but consistently points us to trust God. Philippians 4:6–7 and 1 Peter 5:7 show that God cares for our burdens. - Is anxiety a sin?
Feeling anxious is not in itself sin—it’s part of living in a fallen world. However, choosing to dwell in unbelief instead of turning to God can lead us away from faith. - How can I trust God when I feel overwhelmed?
Begin by meditating on His character—He is faithful, sovereign, and loving. Write down verses about God’s attributes and pray them back to Him. - Can Scripture really calm anxiety?
Yes. God’s Word is living and active (Heb. 4:12). Countless believers testify to the power of meditating on God’s promises. - What are some practical daily habits for peace?
• Reading and studying Scripture in the morning
• Praying and writing in your prayer journal
• Speaking God’s promises aloud, especially Scriptures relating to what God says about anxiety
• Taking the time to be consistently grateful and creating a daily “I’m thankful for” list
• Regular fellowship with believers
Final Thoughts
I know that anxiety may feel overwhelming, but God’s Word offers a greater truth. Remember, we ALL experience anxiety, so you are not alone.
When you have anxious thoughts that seem to grip you, you MUST remember God can be trusted with your life, after all, He gave it to you. He can be trusted with your mind because He created it, and His peace is yours through Christ.
You must counter fear, anxiety, doubt, worry, and overthinking with the absolute truth that is found in His word. Stay in the Word by reading it day and night and reminding yourself what the Scriptures say.
Remember, the Scriptures tell us and remind us that God is present, powerful, and loving, able to sustain us in every trial. Our Heavenly Father has already secured your peace at the cross through Jesus Christ.
Make it personal, God sent Christ to die for you, so that you can have peace with God, and the peace of God!
As you walk through seasons of worry, remember that His promises are steadfast. Turn to prayer, cling to His Word, and surround yourself with a faith-filled body of believers.
Whenever anxiety whispers lies, you must reject and replace them with God’s truth, which declares your freedom, and that freedom includes freedom from anxiety.
Today, you must choose to move from fear to faith. You must also choose to rest in the peace of Christ, who said, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you” (John 14:27).
I pray His Word continually guards your heart and mind with His peace.