“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6). These Bible verses about anxiety trade worry for the peace that surpasses understanding — “casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).
Anxiety has probably come into play for you at one point or another in your life. Whether a deadline is approaching, you’ve experienced a job loss, or you’ve been overcome by the fear of the unknown…we’ve all been anxious before. It could even appear when we’re just nervous about a conversation with someone or dealing with a situation that isn’t comfortable. When that’s happening, we’re actually experiencing anxiety.
Luckily God doesn’t make mistakes and has us in specific situations with specific people for a specific reason. We can be confident where God has us, which should also alleviate anxiousness and build trust with our Heavenly Father. When we live in a way where we are constantly anxious, we aren’t trusting Jesus for what He did for us. We tend to put too many things on our own shoulders instead of trusting Christ when He tells us that His yoke is easy and burden is light (Matthew 11:30).
Bible Verses About Anxiety and Worry
Philippians 4:4-7 – Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus.
Why it helps: Prayer with thanksgiving is the trade: you hand God your worries, and His peace guards your heart.
1 Peter 5:6-7 – Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
Why it helps: You can cast all your anxieties on Him — not because you have it together, but because He cares for you.
Matthew 6:25 – Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
Why it helps: Jesus speaks right to everyday worry: food, clothes, the basics. Your life is more than these.
Matthew 6:33 – But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Why it helps: Put God first and trust Him with the rest. Jesus says the rest will be added.
Matthew 6:34 – Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Why it helps: Tomorrow’s trouble isn’t today’s assignment. Take it one day at a time.
Luke 12:25 – And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?
Why it helps: Worry can’t add a single hour. Jesus gently shows us how little it actually does.
Matthew 11:28-30 – Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Why it helps: A lot of anxiety comes from carrying what Jesus never asked us to carry. His burden is light.
Verses for When Fear Hits
Psalm 56:3 – When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
Why it helps: Fear will show up. This is what you do when it does.
Isaiah 41:10 – Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Why it helps: Fear not — not because nothing is wrong, but because God is with you and will hold you up.
Psalm 34:4 – I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.
Why it helps: David sought the LORD and was delivered from all his fears. Same God, same invitation.
Psalm 94:19 – When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.
Why it helps: When your thoughts are racing, God’s comfort can still reach your soul.
Psalm 55:22 – Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.
Why it helps: Cast it on Him. He will sustain you.
Proverbs 12:25 – Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.
Why it helps: Anxiety weighs us down, and a good word lifts. Sometimes God sends that word through a friend.
Psalm 139:23-24 – Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!
Why it helps: Bring your anxious thoughts to God honestly. He already knows them, and He can lead you.
Verses About the Peace Jesus Gives
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.
Why it helps: Jesus gives a peace the world can’t — one that holds even when circumstances don’t.
Colossians 3:15 – And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.
Why it helps: Let Christ’s peace rule your heart, not your worst-case scenarios. And be thankful.
Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Why it helps: You don’t have to figure it all out. Trust Him, and He will make your paths straight.
Hebrews 11:1 – Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
Why it helps: Faith is confidence in what you can’t see yet — which is exactly where anxiety likes to live.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Bible say about anxiety?
The Bible says not to be anxious about anything, but to bring everything to God in prayer with thanksgiving — and His peace will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6–7). Jesus Himself told us not to be anxious about tomorrow (Matthew 6:34). We can cast all our anxieties on God because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7).
What is the best Bible verse for anxiety?
Philippians 4:6–7 is a great place to start: pray about everything with thanksgiving, and the peace of God will guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus. 1 Peter 5:7 is right behind it — cast all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.
Is it a sin to feel anxious?
Feeling anxious is part of living in a broken world, and even David admitted, when I am afraid, I put my trust in you (Psalm 56:3). The question is what we do with it. Living in constant worry means carrying what Jesus told us to give Him, so the invitation is to cast it on Him (1 Peter 5:7) — not to carry shame on top of it.
What should I do when anxiety won’t go away?
Keep bringing it to God in prayer, and don’t carry it alone — a good word from someone else can lift a heavy heart (Proverbs 12:25). Talk to your pastor and trusted friends, and see a doctor or counselor if it lingers. I’ve walked through this myself, from a panic attack and a trip to the ER to a two-year journey after.
Mike’s full story — a panic attack, the ER, and the two-year journey after: The Struggle With Anxiety Is Real
What does the Bible have to say about other topics?
Feel free to add any additional Scripture to this topic by commenting below.
Thanks, Mike. I suspect most members in our Christian Poets & Writers group on Facebook often feel anxious about the writing we’re to do and if it will place or if anyone will read it or if it will help or if, if, if! To encourage them to read your post, I’ll highlight it on the Christian Poets & Writers blog. May God keep on blessing your good work!
Thanks so much Mary!