Scripture collection
Ten Scriptures for anxiety
Passages to read slowly when your mind will not settle. Each one opens in the Bible.
Philippians 4:6–7
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
The peace comes after the handing over.
Matthew 11:28–30
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
An invitation before an instruction.
Isaiah 26:3
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
Peace tied to where attention rests.
1 Peter 5:7
Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
The reason given is care, not capability.
Psalm 34:18
The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
Near, specifically, to the ones who are breaking.
Psalm 46:10–11
Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
Stillness first, then knowing.
Joshua 1:9
Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
A command with a reason attached to it.
Psalm 23:1–4
[A Psalm of David.] The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Through the valley, notably, rather than around it.
Isaiah 41:10
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.
The reason given for the courage is presence, not safety.
Psalm 121:1–2
[A Song of degrees.] I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.
A question, then an answer that is not the hills.
These are worth reading slowly, one at a time, rather than working through as a list. One passage sat with for five minutes will do more than ten skimmed.
A note worth making
Scripture is not a substitute for medical care. Anxiety that is persistent or severe deserves a doctor as well as a Bible, and asking for help is not a lapse of faith.