Bible Verses for the Soul: Antidotes for Anxiety
William Gaultiere, Ph.D.

Stress is part of life. Pains and problems, decisions, discords, and demands are all examples of stress. Stress becomes anxiety when we internalize it in our bodies and souls instead of processing our feelings and taking care of ourselves. God's Word is full of the wisdom and care that we need to manage stress and minimize anxiety. Here are just a few examples:

Live Wisely: "Whoever listens to [the voice of wisdom] will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm." Proverbs 1:33

Fear God, Not Men

"The fear of the Lord leads to life: Then one rests content, untouched by trouble. Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe." (Proverbs 19:23 and 29:25.)

Be Still

"Be still and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10a)

Rest

"There remains, then a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God's rest also rest from his own work, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest." Hebrews 4:9-11 (See also Exodus 20:8-10.)

Don't Worry, Do God's Work

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important… Look at the birds… your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow…. Will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?… But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Matthew 6:25-34)

Be Honest and Direct with your Anger

"Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor... `In your anger do not sin:' Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry." (Ephesians 4:25-26)

Pray About your Anxieties, Ask for What you Need, and Give Thanks

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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 minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)

Come to Jesus

"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)

Remember what Matters Most: You're Loved!

"For I am convinced that… [nothing] in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39)

Receive God's Care

"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7)