Your nerves are starting to take over and your mind is swirling around the same worries.
You want to stay calm, but you can’t. You can’t just turn it off.
Your heart is racing; it’s hard to sleep or concentrate.
Your appetite isn’t all there.
You feel weak. Depleted.
What can make it stop?
In the Bible we read about the many times David lived in danger, including the years he was forced to hide from Saul. And yet he penned this: “I lift my eyes up to the hills. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord the maker of heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2).
David wasn’t a fictional character. He was a real man with real anxieties. He lived and breathed on this Earth just as you and I do today.
Having suffered with anxiety for so many years of my life, I know exactly how tormenting this can feel. I know exactly how alone and weird and terrified you feel to have the same thoughts and fears gripping you to the core.
Other people can shake things off, but for you it’s not the same. It’s an absolute affliction. I know it exactly.
I’ve learned to cut back on caffeine (which helps my nerves in general) and keep faith in tough times. But it was through the Bible that I found what brought peace to my heart on a deep level. A core level. A healing level.
Ways We Can Use Bible Verses to Calm Us
After all the searching and seeking, it was God’s word that brought me to the center. And not empty, but full.
David’s story particularly touched my life, and so do these verses. When I read them I remember I’m not alone. They bring me peace. They calm me. I pray they help you too.
Read them. Say them. Pray them. Meditate on them. Print them and take them with you. Email them to yourself. Text them as prayer messages to a friend. Do what you need to do!
Just keep them close. They’re God’s words; they will not return void.
Isaiah says, “So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.”
When we suffer with anxiety and worry, we can reach for these reminders.
Need a Bible verse to calm your nerves?
Here are 17. Go big.
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)
“In God I trust and am not afraid. What can man do to me?” (Psalm 56:11)
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1)
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
“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)
“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)
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 5:7-10)
“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)
“I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!” (John 16:33)
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?” (Romans 8:35)
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” (James 1:2-3)
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)
“He gives strength to the weary, And to him who lacks might He increases power. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD 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.” (Isaiah 40:29-31)
“Trust in the Lord with all of your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
“So do not fear, for I am with you; 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.” (Isaiah 41:10)
“So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, ‘Abba, Father.'” (Romans 8:15)
“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)
Pastor Rick Warren once wrote, “The more you pray, the less you’ll panic. The more you worship, the less you worry. You’ll feel more patient and less pressured.”
This is your opportunity to face you fear in faith.
Allow God into the dark places of your heart.
And as you consider more help and resources, keep coming back to the God’s Word for relieving worry. Remember, His Word won’t come back empty. That’s a promise.
I need this so much just now. Since my Dad died 38yrs ago I have been gossiped about, slandered, made fun of, critisised and hated by fellow believers . This makes me think there is something really wrong with me. I really struggle with low self esteem, not believing in myself, I am the reason that things go wrong and a very negative mind set. Thanks so much for this very timely email. Very much encouraged.
I’m sorry to hear you have been suffering in this way Esther. And praise the Lord for his Living Word that encourages all of us when we need it most. I’ll be praying for you Esther. Thanks for reaching out sister.
I just read your comment. God doesn’t make mistakes. He created you Esther in his image! You are beautiful and God has plans to prosper you! Think positive! Do not listen to the negative voices of the enemy. His plan is to kill, steal, and destroy, BUT Jesus came so that you would have life abundantly. Praying for you!!
Aaaaaw such an awesome email. I needed this so much. Bless you!
Yay, that’s great! I’m so glad to hear it 🙂
God bless you too Darlene
These verses are great!
I’m glad to see that Going by Faith is back!
Hua! Thank you! And what a pleasant surprise to see your comment this morning.
God bless brother 🙂
it is true & great ,I love it thanks.
Thanks for reaching out Tony. You’re welcome!
God’s Word is good medicine for our hearts 🙂
Our Father in Heaven never stops surprising me. Your email described exactly what i have been feeling. I truly believe nothing is a coincidence, but divinely guided.
Amen to that Yvonne! He knows what we need, and His word never comes back empty.
God bless you
Glory to God in the highest, peace on earth, good will to all mankind!
jenny pliz I need your prayers. pray for me to be heal
Praying for you now Opio. Thank you for reaching out. I pray the Lord touches you with His healing and peace in the ways only He knows how. “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.” (Isaiah 41:10)
God bless you!
I sure near prayer because I go through a lot and I’m confused sometimes in the Bible my glasses are broken and it’s just kind of hard to even hear somebody on the phone but I’ll being serious you’re somebody
this is a new follower by name nkechi from nigeria. i just need to grow in his word pls let me know if got this. thanks
I got it 😉 Thanks for your comment Nkechi, it’s nice to meet you. I’ll keep you in my prayers as you grow in God’s word.
I’m going through a particularly rough time right now. My Dear Mother died four months
ago. Whether it’s that helping the situation but I’m currently making transition from house
to apartment and now really financially strapped. I find myself awake all night with worry.
I know we’re not to be anxious for nothing give him praise and take our wants and needs to
him. Also don’t worry about tomorrow let tomorrow take care of itself. I find myself up all
night. I stumbled on your website tonight. I pray for strength and his guidance, I pray he leads me out of these seemingly trials. I got alot out of your messages on faith and trust.
Debbie thanks so much for sharing this. You are not alone in feeling this way, especially being kept up at night with worry and stress. It can feel like the loneliest time in the world, but know that on those nights so many others are up too, just like you, struggling. And with your mother passing, your heart is probably aching. I’m sorry.
Sometimes I ask God if He has me up for a reason… is there someone I can pray for? Is this a time to draw closer to Him, yes, even on my knees? Listen to a sermon on my phone? These times of hardship are not easy sister, but they are not wasted. These can serve as opportunities to fight, to persevere, to keep running the race even under pressure and fear and worry. God bless you, and I mean that. You are so brave. Keep pressing on, keep fighting the good fight in faith. Our time here is short, and no matter where we end up, we are still His. Keep pressing forward toward you eternal reward, the enemy cannot take it from you.
I have been battling depression for sometime now, been praying and fasting and hoping on God to just do something great for me, seems like everything is crashing and am on a spot, going one step forward and 4 backwards … I feel exhausted and tired, I really needed someone to understand me.
BankOle sunday, I’m sorry you feel that way but if it helps… you’re not alone. I’ve been struggling too with what seems like never ending situations… seeking God for restoration of health (eyes and leg nerves). Sometimes I ask myself what is it I’m doing to bring this on myself? I have had some “I’m not gonna make it” moment. Then there’s this strong grip that just holds tight to me so I can’t/won’t let go. I know it’s God that has me through it all. I know God hasn’t forgotten me and all I can say is “what I’m going through is for my good and that God will get the glory out of my testimony. God is ever so near and dear to us! You have to encourage yourself, speak life into your situation no matter what! I tell myself everyday… (This too shall pass) it’s just a “storm of life” and all storms passes over sooner or later and then comes the beautiful Rainbow! So know that when God has a plan for your life the devil get hard on your track and tries ever thing to detour you, putting your mind in a restless situation. Trust me when I say… I understand all to well the struggle but stay focus on God and keep pressing forward! Remember, great is He (God) that’s in you than he that’s In the world! It would be a good thing if you found you a prayer partner and never isolate yourself for any other reason than fasting and praying. Surround yourself with people who lfits your spirit up. Isolation is what you don’t want to do! Everybody everywhere is going through something they’re just suffering it through with good courage and so can we! Be Blessed and remember… God gave you this life and it is a beautiful life, so don’t be persuade by any other thought! GOD loves and cares for you! Dear God I ask that you keep Bankole Sunday mind in perfect peace, I pray your presence will comfort him/her with joy and laughter like never before, it’s in Jesus precious name I pray, Amen.
Beautiful prayer. Thank you for your hear of prayer Lucy! Lifting up our brothers and sisters in Christ, today, Lord, hear our prayer that we need you. Comfort Bankole, please Lord, allow Bankole to feel your presence. Amen!
Hi. I just came across your site and it’s beautiful. I realize this posting is a few years old, but I came across the post that said after the storms comes the Beautiful Rainbow! This touched my heart. My family is in such a time of need for prayers and have been for over 3 years. Just the other day my husband saw a rainbow such as we NEVER have seen since living in our home over 30 years. He said it was from God telling us prayers are answered. I didn’t agree with him. Then I see this on your website! Could it be? I would love to hear from you concerning this. Since I am computer illiterate, I don’t know how to be able to talk with you. Would you be willing to contact me at my email? If you can’t answer, I understand. Please pray for a miracle for my family, if you can. To God be ALL the Glory. Blessings.
LucyMeyers
I know this post is old but these are some beautiful words and prayer at the end. I feel the same way as Bankole. But I have been praying a lot and at times I feel I am not being heard and then I start to see changes. I also must say that in the last year I have felt much closer to God and I will continue to pray for all the people in this world we all need a little prayer at times even if we don’t know them.
I am highly motivated by the scriptures surrounding anxiety and stress and fear. I know why am saying this because I am in the star of such now and have been thinking am strong, but only to realize that it’s demoralizing my way of thinking and can’t even study. I thank God for this website and am going to gradually put all these scriptures into practice by faith and I believe I will soon be sharing testimony here. To God be the glory.
And I also need prayers as in support spiritually.
Absolutely! You have my prayers Michael. I know the stress and fear of anxiety, and after searching everywhere else, I learned that my only real and lasting comfort and strength is in the Lord. If I did not experience that personally, over and over again, I would have no desire to share that with others so much and for so long. He is the answer, and by grace, it is His gift to us. We just have to accept it and lean on Him through the storm.
That was very inspiring message God always 1st place in my heart and life he’s my navigation through this world through the evil people etc love him he’s always in control of it’s his will you rest for sure it get done out time isn’t his time he never late but he’s always on time I’m end the conversation but never the love God everyone
I really thank God for such powerful discovery and I am also pleading with you to remember us in your prayers because it’s not easy.
I too am going thru some battles. Some times I feel discouraged. But than I think about all God has brought me thru and I can’t help but praise his Holy name. Thank you for listening to me. May God Bless each and everyone whom offers up a prayer for my family and I. I love ❤️ you all in Jesus name. A soldier of the cross.
Prayers coming your way, even now Geraldine. The Lord hears our prayer. He knows our every need. Hope things are well.
Jenn-
Thank you for this. I really need it right now and would appreciate prayer. I’ve been feeling so panicked and discouraged. I’m lucky to have my beautiful sister who has been counseling me and praying for me. She actually sent your link to me.
God bless you!
You’re so welcome Lisa! I’m glad to hear you have a sister praying for you, and now you have two praying for you 🙂 I’ll be praying for you tonight and in the coming weeks. God bless you!
I suffer from terrible anxiety,panic attacks and a bit of depression. I have been praying for God to help and show me how to better serve and trust in him. I get online and read prayers for anxiety and panic, It’s helped me improve, it’s not daily anymore. I’d really appreciate prayers to help me stop being so worried and afraid and to know the lord is always with me I’m not as alone as I feel.
Ugh, anxiety. I totally understand.
I saw your comment pop up in my email last night (from this blog) and it reminded me how so many of us deal with this affliction. And I prayed for you, and for me and for all of us going through this even today. Lately I’ve been feeling like the temptation and oppression of worry offers us more opportunity to practice turning to the love of God over and over again. And it stretches us in faith. Leaning deeper into God’s word, especially in the form of a study or devotional, helps center me the most. Especially since when we’re anxious things can start to feel so off-center. I’ll be praying for you. Thanks for reaching out.
I’ve suffered from anxiety now for years and panic attacks .i have prayed to God for help , He has come to my aid on several occasions but these last few years have been really bad and I think He has given up on me . The anxiety gets so bad I feel I’m losing my mind please pray for me
Jenn, thank you so much for posting these verses. I am full of anxiety over my son’s troubles. I know that God has a plan the final say so and the victory. My mind however is always trying to come with solutions to his problem and they are mostly just imagined. I don’t sleep well and I always have that strain in my chest. Please pray for my son Leighland and the rest of my family as well. I thank God for His active believers. I thank God that He lead me to your sight….that is a pun…
You got it… I will be praying for you, your son Leighland and your family. Thank you for reaching out with your prayer request. Stay strong in the Word. God continues to give us the answers, even in our moments of great distress and fear. God bless you.
Hi Jenn I stumbled on your prayers of worry anxiety and stress. Thank You I’m in great need of these prayers! I’ve been separated from 3 siblings through death and a lot of responsibility has been added on me. Not having adequate income myself and already a large family of my own, I find myself not feeling well and overly stressed with unhappiness and no understanding of others. Keep me and my family in your prayers please! Sincerely. Jackie ❤️
Thanks for reaching out for prayer Jackie, and you got it. It sounds like you have much on your plate… praying now for refreshing, for God’s strength and peace to comfort you and help you. Amen!
Thank you, so much for this post. I woke up around 2:45 am in pain from head to toe(burning,tingling nerves). After reading the scriptures, and believing what I read a calming sensation came over me. I end up falling asleep until 8:45 am. Thank you again for the post. Please, keep me in your prayers for a total healing.
Thank you for sharing this! Yes, I will pray for you Toya.
Thank you, Jenn for posting these wonderful verses. I’m in a lot of streas and anxiety lately due to my exam tomorrow. I happened to find your blog and now grateful, for these verses really calmed my nerves and just surrender everything to God. Please include me in your prayers and I will include you too in mine. God bless you!
Aw thanks Leah, and I hope you felt peace during such a stressful time as your exams. Praying for the Lord’s hand on you. Amen!
Thanks Jenn for those encouraging words of scripture. I have been suffering with anxiety and depression but I’m clinging to the Lord and thanking and praising him for getting me through each day moment by moment. I know you have many people to pray for but I would value your prayers.
I am going through some very difficult times right now and I have read a lot of the comments problems suffering and prayers and when I’m down nothing seems to help me but praying to my Lord and reading scripts that will help strengthen me Please pray for me!!! I want to understand he word and ask for a change in my life I want him to guide me in the right path
Amen Rachel! I will be praying for you, even tonight. God knows our heart, he knows our every struggle. He knows our every discomfort and fear. Matthew 6:33-34 says, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today has enough trouble of its own.” Is that true? When we seek God first–through prayer, studying his Word, etc.–we find the right things, whether it is comfort, peace, understand… all the things we need right now. Praying.
Thank you for your post and the verses. My family is going through an unbelievably hard time right now and I am struggling to keep it all together. I am praying and praying and trying to cast all of it at Jesus feet. I am a worrier by nature but I am trying to give it all to God.
My son and all of us need so much prayer.
Your writing is very helpful. Thank you again.
Thank you for reaching out Mary, so many of us struggle to keep it together. I am lifting up your son and family in prayer, and I’m sure many other readers who come across your comment will too. God bless you.
Thank you so much for such powerful verses .I got really encouraged and my faith has grew in Christ, no more fears or worries.I will trust in the Lord and face fear in Faith.
Thank you so much for taking time to write this. You have no idea how much this has helped. May God bless you.
Lord I need this today. My daughter and husband going through something and my poor grandson is in the middle. He told me he is so confused. It hurt my heart for him. Woke up the other night and heard him crying. I ask him what was wrong. He said afraid something is going to happen to his mother
Thank you so much for this list. Although there was not an unfamiliar scripture in the list, what a blessing it was to find them all in one place, at 3:00 am, when I needed them most. Thank you Jenn. You will never know how much this meant to me.
I came across this. While I was crying my eyes out from being a nervous wrek.thank you for this!!
Just want to say I am a strong believer in God the Father Son and Holy Spirit sometimes I come upon myself and life kind of weary and worried but the encouragement words you gave me and your messages in the scriptures that was given to me was up lifting my spirit as I read it I thank God for your faith in him I thank God for your boldness to encourage his people to step out on faith no matter what they’re going through it was a big relief for me I would love more of it whenever you have a chance to post something I’ll be waiting I hope you can get through to me through my email address I love you with the love of the Lord my sister and keep encouraging his people to do his holy well God bless!
I Thank God that this was on the web because I truly needed these scriptures today
These Bible versus was so comforting to me although I’m going through so much a divorce and which I wanted my marriage to work because what we’re going through is repairable but my husband doesn’t see it that way plus dealing with the fact that I have bipolar anxiety & always feeling stressed a lot of arguments were that he thinks things are supposed to been done be done on his time I went through physical emotional and verbal abuse felt like he was cheating on me and everytime I ask a question he felt like I was saying he’s cheating but that wasn’t it I still feel like I can work but I have an issue that when I pray I end up picking it back up again with worry and doubt not so much doubt but worry and fear because of the things the enemy feels my head with and sometimes make me feel very suicidal or want to harm someone else I just have so much pressure on me that sometimes I feel like I’m not going to ever get through it but I keep going to God and asking for his help I need to learn more how to completely put my trust in him and not in man although I went through so many things in my marriage and as a child being molested I know with God by my side and I stay focused on him he will remove all of my fears doubt and worry and anxiety I know where the Holy Spirit tells me certain things I’m afraid of failing at what I’m told to do please help and pray for me in all areas of my life I’m tired of living with people it seems like I can’t get back on my feet to get a better job or to have some type of financial breakthrough to get my own home car and bank account some people love to see me fail and don’t want to see me making in life when I’ve been so nice kind and loving to people I don’t get the same feelings back and it really hurts
I was up all night worrying about retaking my driving exam, came across this site and it was exactly what I needed! Thank you for posting this! Maybe I’ll pass this time
Hello good morning.I love with my mom in a house with 4 room and 2 bathroom and recently we made the skyroom into a room for my niece so the house is some times busy and like always my older brother of 40 year old is still living here,that’s a long story.To make a short on story on what bothering is I’m not working but my niece and her father got time to go place’ s and spend money and I ask them both to buy things like toilet paper cause like hello I’m not the only 1 that uses it some what ends up happening is my mom that works all her life buys everything . I know God say to love like he loves us but it is not right that the don’t help out.
My other issue is that this moment I’m not work so I’m in debt but I stay job hunting and praying cause I want GOd to guide me on be stable and making enough for my son and I to be on r on.
God bless you for these words. It really made an impact
Thank you for the post….am going through some certain things….am sick…and am worried about the outcome of the sickness…I will leave it all to God.
I am searching God’s word for relief to worry and anxiety over a, quickly developing, and seemingly unending financial issue. There is such a very long story to its development, but the short version is I share (my name is on the lease, and they needed my income added to qualify) a rented 3 bedroom trailer with my son and his family (to include 3 daughters). In Aug. his wife gave birth to micro-premies (more than 3 mths early, and each weighing just over 1 lb.). She was in the hospital (unexpected emergency admission) for a month before the twins were born, and a few weeks before that she had to give up her in home babysitting …. We lost $850./mth in a few days time. I have been putting about $600./mth in on bills and general household needs; plus a varied amount of miscellaneous; my total income is $1,200/mth for disability. Before I moved in the agreement was that I would pay power (about $300./mth), which I put in my name; but many things have been added over the 1 1/2 yrs I’ve lived here. Not really that short …. But believe me when I say you’d be reading for a lot longer to get the full version.
I read all of these wonderful verses, and attempt to commit them to memory to repeat each time I begin to fall, but the overwhelming fear and worry about my grandkids having no where to live, and my son possibly following through on his threat to remove me from their lives, makes this journey more than difficult.
My elder brother who lives in Singapore ,who have never had any responsibility ,from the childhood and never listen to parents, actually few months back v saw a gal and marriage was fixed and even he liked da gal so everything was fixed and suddenly he is saying I don’t want marriage and using v bad words n all and he is giving tension to whole family,how he can do like this lord n my mom n and my sister has to suffer becoz of him plz God help us to come out from the difficult situation…y he is acting so irresponsible ,plz God it’s a gals life ,plz pray lord everything will be okay
My Mom pass Nov 16 2010 it broke me down right now I’m fighting with my stomach being nervous and sometimes no motivation and this not me. I’ve read the scriptures feel lil better but at least this a start. Asking for PRAYS
Thank you for the words of encouragement you have written here and the verses.
I am so glad for this, I’ve been having so much pressure in school, in my job, and my anxiety level has risen to the roof. This means I need to get closer to God more, more and more. This Bible verses are great encouragement for the day and for my entire rest of life. Even though it has passed almost 5 years since this posts, it still helps others. God Bless You Always,