Bible verses about anxiety — for the moments it hits
The Bible verses most read for anxiety are Philippians 4:6–7 (“Be careful for nothing… and the peace of God… shall keep your hearts”), 1 Peter 5:7 (“casting all your care upon him”), Matthew 6:34 (“take therefore no thought for the morrow”), Isaiah 41:10, Psalm 94:19 and John 14:27. They don't shame worry; they give it somewhere to go.
When it hits all at once
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Why it fits: “be careful for nothing” is older English for “don't be anxious about anything”. It is followed straight away by what to do with it — pray, ask, give thanks — and by a promise of peace that “passeth all understanding”. The promise is a guard on your heart, not an instant answer.
Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.
Why it fits: nine words, from David when the Philistines had seized him in Gath. Not “I am never afraid”, but “what time I am afraid” — when it comes, this is what I do.
When your thoughts won't stop
In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul.
Why it fits: “the multitude of my thoughts” — the psalm names exactly what racing thoughts feel like, and doesn't ask you to stop having them.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
When you can't sleep
I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.
I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.
David wrote Psalm 3 while running from his own son. He still slept, and woke up, and noticed it.
When you're afraid of tomorrow
Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Why it fits: in the King James English, “take no thought” means “don't worry”. Jesus is not forbidding plans; he is telling people not to carry tomorrow's trouble on top of today's.
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
When you need peace, not answers
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Jesus said this the night before he died, to friends who were about to be very afraid.
Scripture is not a substitute for help. If you are in danger or thinking about ending your life, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, US) or your local emergency number. Anxiety that doesn't lift is worth talking to a doctor about.
For your Lock Screen
What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.
Psalm 56:3King James Version
The Anxiety reading
These verses are part of the Anxiety reading in Plain Scripture — free for everyone, chosen one by one by a person:
Questions people ask
What does the Bible say about anxiety?
It treats anxiety as something real that can be handed over: “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God” (Philippians 4:6), and “casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1 Peter 5:7).
Is anxiety a sin according to the Bible?
The Bible's people are anxious often — David, Elijah, Jesus in Gethsemane (Luke 22:44). “Be careful for nothing” is an invitation to bring worry to God, not a verdict on people who feel it. Anxiety that doesn't lift deserves care from a doctor too.
What Bible verse helps with overthinking?
Philippians 4:8 gives the mind somewhere else to go: “whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest… think on these things.” Psalm 94:19 is honest about the many thoughts: “In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul.”
What Bible verse is good for anxiety at night?
Psalm 4:8: “I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.” And Psalm 3:5: “I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.”
What does “take therefore no thought for the morrow” mean?
Matthew 6:34 says each day has enough trouble of its own. In older English “take thought” meant “worry”; Jesus is not banning planning, he is telling people not to carry tomorrow's weight today.
Are there Bible verses for anxiety and depression?
Yes — Psalm 42:11 and Psalm 34:18 speak to a heavy heart alongside the verses above. Depression is an illness, not a lack of faith; if low mood lasts more than two weeks, talk to a doctor, and if you are thinking about ending your life call or text 988.