Reading Bible verses on anxiety can bring us feelings of peace in the midst of what feels like inner turmoil. We all experience it to some degree at one point or another. It’s part of being human. And those with diabetes, like me, are more prone to anxiety.
So what can we do when these feelings of anxiety arise? There are a host of various scriptures to help us navigate these times when anxiety attacks. And we will dive into them here today. We will remind ourselves of God’s love and the promises of God as well.
(Also, don’t forget to download your FREE 10-day Bible reading plan on anxiety at the bottom of this post.)
Bible Verses on Anxiety
I’ve blogged quite a bit about anxiety and the things that cause it because they are very real:
- How to Deal with the Ever-Changing Nature of Diabetes
- When Diabetes Makes No Sense
- Diabetes, Suffering, and Six Helpful Reminders
- Three Ways to Avoid Diabetes Burnout
- God’s Goodness and Diabetes
There are Bible verses and scripture reference in each of these posts. Feel free to reference them as well.
I UNDERSTAND ANXIETY AND WORRY
I get it. Thirty plus years into this relationship with diabetes now, I have definitely wanted a break (and far more than once). I talk about this in Day 5 of my book, Devotions on Diabetes: A 30-Day Journey to Anchor Your Soul because it’s true. Although I am, for the most part, positive in what I share in the book, I’m also very real that diabetes can take its toll on our daily life.
Part of the reason I think people with diabetes may experience anxiety and worry is due to the never-ending nature of this chronic illness. It can just wear us out. All the medication and beeping and carb counting and appointments and sleep loss can sure add up to drag us down.
It’s no wonder people with diabetes often wander away from taking good care of themselves. The constant anxiety and worry can cause panic attacks and take a toll on our mental health.
Symptoms of Anxiety
The first key to helping anxiety is to realize it’s happening. Do you know how to identify symptoms of anxiety? Mayo Clinic lists these tell-tale signs:
- Feeling nervous, restless, or tense
- Having a sense of impending danger, panic, or doom
- Having an increased heart rate
- Breathing rapidly (hyperventilation)
- Sweating
- Trembling
- Feeling weak or tired
- Trouble concentrating or thinking about anything other than the present worry
- Having trouble sleeping
- Experiencing gastrointestinal (GI) problems
- Having difficulty controlling worry
- Having the urge to avoid things that trigger anxiety
In addition to seeking out help from a friend or professional help with a Christian counselor when needed, we should seek out God’s help in all situations. He has such good news for us in His word during these hard times of stress. He will provide us the comfort and guidance we so desperately need.
So let’s take a look at what His Word says about stressful situations and times of distress and worry.
Lessons on Anxiety and Worry from Jesus
Of course, learning from the life and words of Jesus is wise. He is our Lord of peace. And He shared so much in His short life. Just take a look at all the references from the book of Matthew.
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? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Matthew 6:25-34 (ESV)
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:34
But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
Matthew 10:19-20
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
Matthew 11:28-30
Bible Verses on Anxiety from Paul
The Apostle Paul teaches us so much throughout the Bible, having written a huge portion of the New Testament. We can learn so much from him through these powerful Bible verses!
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)
That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:10
This one might be my favorite one of all from Paul. This man of God who traveled extensively to tell others about Jesus experienced anxiety himself. I just love the authenticity of Paul and the heart he had for God’s people.
I wrote to you in tears, with a very troubled and anxious heart. I didn’t write to make you sad but so you would know the overwhelming love that I have for you.
2 Corinthians 2:4 (CEB)
And He continues in the book of John as well:
Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.
John 14:1
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 14:27
Wisdom in Bible Verses on Anxiety in the Psalms
There is so much wisdom in the Psalms. And the first one I think of in reference to worry and anxiety is Psalm 23. It contains some of my favorite Bible verses with such encouraging words.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.You prepare a table before me
Psalm 23 (ESV)
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.
I sought the Lord, and he answered me;
Psalm 34:4
he delivered me from all my fears.
Cast your cares on the Lord
Psalm 55:22
and he will sustain you;
he will never let
the righteous be shaken.
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
Psalm 56:3
When anxiety was great within me,
Psalm 94:19
your consolation brought me joy.
Search me, God, and know my heart;
Psalm 139:23
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
More Old Testament Bible Verses on Anxiety
The Old Testament is packed with wisdom for us when we are going through difficult times that feel like the darkest valley. I pray these verses calm anxiety for you and encourage you to take refuge in the shelter of the most high.
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.
Deuteronomy 31:8
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11
but those who hope in the Lord
Isaiah 40:31
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
So do not fear, for I am with you;
Isaiah 41:10
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
Proverbs 3:5-6
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.
Anxiety weighs down the heart,
Proverbs 12:25
but a kind word cheers it up.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9
When you feel consumed with anxiety lean on God and these Bible verses to help you manage. You can also download the FREE 10-day Bible reading plan to go through as well.
The Lord has a plan for you, even when you cannot see it. Navigating the mental struggles of anxiety can be hard, but remind yourself of the love of God and that He is right beside you every step.
About the Bible Reading Plan
Let’s take a stroll through some scripture together over the next 10 days. We can combat this anxiety and worry with God’s Word. Let’s remind ourselves that God is our refuge, He will lift us up, and we can lay all our cares at His feet in times of trouble.
LET’S START WITH PRAYER
Now that you have your free download (see below), let’s begin with a prayer.
Heavenly Father, You know the cares of my heart. Thank You for Your steadfast love and encouragement through scripture. When I feel despair and anxiety and worry, I need Your good word more than I know. During moments of anxiety, I feel as though I have such little faith. But God, I pray You would uphold me in those tough times. Provide your perfect peace. Lord, be my very present help every single moment. You are my God of hope, and I pray You would remind me of that when I need it most. Amen.
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TO OVERCOME ANXIETY AND WORRY
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