The short answer: the Bible speaks often and gently about anxiety. Jesus said, "do not be anxious about tomorrow" (Matthew 6:34) and invited the weary to come to Him for rest (Matthew 11:28). Paul wrote, "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). Peter said to cast "all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7). Below are 20 Bible verses about anxiety and worry in the ESV, each with a short note.
A note before you read: anxiety can have physical and emotional causes, and getting help from a doctor or counsellor is not a lack of faith. If you are in crisis or thinking about ending your life, call or text 988 in Canada or the United States, or call your local emergency number, right now.
Bring Your Worries to God
Philippians 4:6–7
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.
Turn each worry into a request, add thanks, and let His peace stand guard. See how to pray.
1 Peter 5:7
casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
All of them, not just the big ones. The reason is simple: He cares for you.
Psalm 55:22
Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.
God does not always remove the burden at once, but He promises to hold you up under it.
Matthew 11:28
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Jesus' invitation is to come, not to fix yourself first.
Psalm 34:4
I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.
David's testimony: seeking God is the first step out of fear.
Jesus on Worry
Matthew 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Jesus says this in the middle of His teaching on worry. Put Him first and trust the Father with your needs. See what Matthew 6:33 means.
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.
God gives grace for today. Tomorrow's grace comes tomorrow.
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.
Jesus' peace does not depend on circumstances. It is His gift.
John 16:33
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.
Jesus is honest: trouble will come. But He has already overcome.
God Is With You
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.
Five promises in one verse: His presence, His strength, His help, and His hand holding you.
Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Not a distant help. A very present one.
Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.
Courage rests on God's presence, not on how you feel.
Psalm 23:4
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.
The valley is real. So is the Shepherd walking through it with you.
Psalm 56:3
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
A prayer short enough to remember in the moment fear hits.
Peace for Your Mind
Isaiah 26:3
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
Where your mind rests shapes what your heart feels.
Psalm 94:19
When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.
The psalmist had many cares too. God's comfort met him there.
2 Timothy 1:7
for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
Fear is not the spirit God gives His people.
Proverbs 12:25
Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.
Anxiety is heavy, and kind words lift. Speak them to others, and let others speak them to you.
Hope for Tomorrow
Lamentations 3:22–23
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Written in a season of grief. His mercy shows up again every morning.
Romans 8:28
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Not that everything is good, but that God is working for good in everything.
How to Pray These Verses
- Pick one verse. Write it on a card or set it as your phone's lock screen.
- Read it slowly, out loud. Notice what it says about God.
- Name your worry. Tell God exactly what is weighing on you.
- Pray the verse back. For example: "Lord, You said You care for me. I cast this on You."
- Thank Him for one thing. Thanksgiving is part of Philippians 4:6.
- Take one small next step. Do today's faithful thing, and leave tomorrow with Him.
- Tell someone. Anxiety grows in isolation. Talk to a friend, a pastor, or a counsellor.
For a longer reflection, read seek first when anxiety gets loud.
Common Questions
What does the Bible say about anxiety? The Bible invites anxious people to bring every worry to God in prayer with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6–7), to cast their anxieties on Him because He cares (1 Peter 5:7), and to trust the Father with tomorrow while seeking His kingdom first (Matthew 6:33–34).
What is the best Bible verse for anxiety? Philippians 4:6–7 and 1 Peter 5:7 are two of the most loved. Philippians 4:6–7 shows how to pray through worry, and 1 Peter 5:7 gives the reason you can: God cares for you.
Is anxiety a sin? Feeling anxious is part of living in a broken world, and many faithful people in Scripture felt fear and distress. The Bible's response is an invitation, not condemnation: bring your anxiety to God and trust Him. Getting help from a doctor or counsellor is not a lack of faith.
How do I pray when I am anxious? Name your worry to God, pray a promise from Scripture back to Him, thank Him for one thing, and ask for His peace (Philippians 4:6–7). Then take one small faithful step and talk to someone you trust.
Go deeper: read 20 Bible verses about hope. Also see 20 Bible verses about strength.
Cast it on Him. He cares for you.
