Today I want to share with you 25 powerful Bible verses for anxiety and overthinking. Children, we all feel worried or nervous sometimes. Even grown-ups get anxious! But God has given us special verses in the Bible to help calm our hearts when we're feeling overwhelmed.

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These verses are like medicine for our minds when we can't stop thinking about our problems. Let's discover how God's Word can bring peace to our hearts and help us trust Him more!

God's Promises of Peace

Philippians 4:6-7 - The Peace That Guards Our Hearts

When you can't stop worrying about something, this verse is like a warm hug from God. Paul writes, "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).

I love how God doesn't just tell us not to worry—He gives us something to do instead! We can talk to Him about everything that's bothering us. And when we do, He promises something amazing: a special kind of peace that doesn't even make sense sometimes! This peace stands guard over our hearts and minds like a strong, kind soldier.

Lesson about anxiety: Instead of worrying, we can give our concerns to God in prayer, and He gives us His peace in return.

Isaiah 41:10 - God's Hand Holding Yours

When I feel scared about what might happen, Isaiah 41:10 reminds me that I'm never alone. God says, "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).

Can you picture God holding your hand? He's telling us, "Don't be afraid! I'm right here with you. I'll give you strength when you feel weak, help when you're stuck, and I'll hold you up so you won't fall." What a beautiful promise! God doesn't just watch from far away—He's right beside us, holding us steady.

Lesson about anxiety: God is always with us, giving strength and support when we feel afraid.

Matthew 6:25-27 - Learning from the Birds

Jesus gives us a wonderful picture of God's care in Matthew 6:25-27: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear… Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?"

Next time you see birds outside, watch how they're not stressed about having enough food! They just trust that they'll find what they need each day. Jesus says we're much more important to God than birds, so of course He'll take care of us too! And He makes an important point: worrying doesn't help us at all—it can't add even one hour to our lives.

Lesson about anxiety: Worrying doesn't solve our problems; trusting God's care for us is a better choice.

John 14:27 - Jesus Gives a Different Kind of Peace

When Jesus was about to leave His disciples, He gave them a special gift—not something they could hold, but something they could feel in their hearts. He said, "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).

The peace Jesus gives isn't like the world's peace, which depends on everything going well. Jesus' peace stays with us even when things are hard. It's deep inside, like a quiet stream that keeps flowing even during a storm. When Jesus says, "Don't let your hearts be troubled," He's giving us permission to choose peace instead of worry.

Lesson about anxiety: Jesus offers us a special kind of peace that remains even when our circumstances are difficult.

Psalm 56:3-4 - What To Do When Scared

David, who wrote many of the psalms, knew what it felt like to be afraid. He was chased by enemies and faced many dangers. But he found a solution that we can use too! "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?" (Psalm 56:3-4).

David doesn't say "if I am afraid" but "when I am afraid," because he knew everyone feels scared sometimes. The key is what we do with that fear. David chose to trust God instead of staying afraid. He remembered God's promises and decided that trusting God was stronger than fearing people.

Lesson about anxiety: It's normal to feel afraid sometimes, but we can choose to trust God instead of living in fear.

Verses to Stop Overthinking

Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust Instead of Trying to Figure Everything Out

Do you ever try to solve all your problems by thinking about them over and over? God gives us better advice in Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

This verse tells us that sometimes our own understanding isn't enough. We can tie ourselves in knots trying to figure everything out! Instead, God invites us to trust Him completely and recognize that His wisdom is greater than ours. When we acknowledge Him in everything we do, He promises to guide us on the right path.

Lesson about overthinking: We don't need to understand everything; we just need to trust God who does understand everything.

2 Corinthians 10:5 - Taking Thoughts Captive

Our minds can sometimes feel like a runaway train of worried thoughts. Paul gives us a powerful strategy in 2 Corinthians 10:5: "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."

Taking thoughts "captive" means we don't have to believe every worried thought that pops into our head! We can stop and ask, "Is this thought in line with what God says?" If not, we can replace it with God's truth. It's like being a doorkeeper for your mind, only allowing thoughts that are helpful and true to stay.

Lesson about overthinking: We can control our thoughts rather than letting them control us by comparing them to what God says.

Romans 12:2 - Renewing Your Mind

God knows that changing our thinking patterns takes practice. In Romans 12:2, He tells us: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."

The world often tells us to worry about the future, what others think of us, or whether we have enough. But God invites us to have our minds "renewed"—like giving them a fresh start! When we fill our minds with God's Word instead of anxious thoughts, we begin to see things from His perspective. This helps us understand His good plans for us.

Lesson about overthinking: Regular time in God's Word renews our minds and changes how we think.

Matthew 6:34 - One Day at a Time

Jesus gives simple but powerful advice for overthinking in Matthew 6:34: "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

I find this verse so practical! Jesus understands that when we start thinking about all the possible problems of tomorrow, next week, or next year, we can get completely overwhelmed. Instead, He encourages us to focus just on today. God gives us the strength we need for today's challenges, and when tomorrow comes, He'll provide what we need then too.

Lesson about overthinking: Focus on today's needs instead of worrying about future problems that may never happen.

Colossians 3:2 - Setting Your Mind on Higher Things

Overthinking often happens when we focus too much on our problems. Colossians 3:2 gives us a different focus: "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."

This doesn't mean we ignore our responsibilities, but we keep them in perspective. When we focus on God's character, His promises, and the eternal things that really matter, our earthly worries often shrink to their proper size. It's like looking at the stars—they help us realize our problems aren't as big as they feel when they're the only thing we see.

Lesson about overthinking: Focusing on God and eternal values puts our earthly concerns in proper perspective.

Verses for Times of Fear

Psalm 34:4 - Delivered from All Fears

King David knew what it was like to be terrified. He was hunted by King Saul and faced many enemies. Yet he could say: "I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears" (Psalm 34:4).

Notice that David actively "sought" the Lord—he made an effort to turn to God when he was afraid. And God's response was complete deliverance, not from some fears but from ALL his fears! When scary thoughts crowd my mind, I like to imagine God collecting all my fears like balloons and releasing them into the sky, one by one.

Lesson about anxiety: When we actively seek God in our fear, He can free us completely from what terrifies us.

2 Timothy 1:7 - God Gives Us a Different Spirit

Sometimes we might wonder if our anxious feelings mean something is wrong with our faith. But 2 Timothy 1:7 reassures us: "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind" (NKJV).

This verse tells us that fear doesn't come from God—He gives us something much better! He gives us power to face difficult situations, love to focus on others instead of our own worries, and a "sound mind" (or self-discipline) to control our thoughts. When anxiety tries to take over, we can remember that God has given us these tools to overcome it.

Lesson about anxiety: Fear isn't from God; His gifts of power, love, and a disciplined mind help us overcome anxiety.

Isaiah 26:3 - Perfect Peace Through Focus

Isaiah shares a beautiful promise for worried minds: "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you" (Isaiah 26:3).

The key to "perfect peace" is where we fix our attention. When our minds stay focused on God instead of our problems, He keeps us in peace. It's like walking on a balance beam—if you look down at your feet or at distractions around you, you're likely to fall. But if you keep your eyes fixed on one steady point ahead, you can walk confidently. God is that steady point for us!

Lesson about anxiety: Keeping our minds focused on God brings a special kind of peace that stays even in difficult times.

Psalm 23:4 - God's Presence in Dark Valleys

David's most famous psalm reminds us that God is with us in scary situations: "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me" (Psalm 23:4).

We all face "dark valleys" in life—times that are frightening or sad. But we don't walk through them alone! God is right there with us, like a good shepherd who protects his sheep. His "rod and staff" represent His protection and guidance. Just knowing God is beside us can help us face our fears with courage.

Lesson about anxiety: God's presence with us in frightening situations gives us courage and comfort.

1 Peter 5:7 - Giving Our Worries to God

Peter gives us a practical way to handle anxiety: "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7).

The word "cast" is active—it means to throw or toss something away from yourself. God invites us to toss all our worries onto His strong shoulders! Why? Because He genuinely cares about us and what concerns us. No worry is too big for God to handle or too small for Him to care about. What a relief to know we don't have to carry the heavy weight of anxiety by ourselves!

Lesson about anxiety: We can actively give our worries to God because He cares deeply about us.

Finding Rest for Troubled Minds

Matthew 11:28-30 - Jesus' Invitation to the Weary

When our minds are exhausted from worry, Jesus offers a beautiful invitation: "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).

Anxiety is exhausting! It's like carrying a heavy backpack everywhere we go. Jesus invites us to come to Him and exchange our heavy load for His lighter one. The "yoke" was a wooden frame that connected two oxen so they could work together. Jesus doesn't offer us no work at all, but rather to work alongside Him, letting Him take the heavier part of the load.

Lesson about anxiety: Jesus offers rest for our exhausted minds when we come to Him and let Him share our burdens.

Philippians 4:8 - Filling Your Mind with Good Things

Paul gives us practical advice for managing our thoughts in Philippians 4:8: "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

This verse gives us a filter for our thoughts! When anxious thoughts come, we can ask: Is this thought true? Is it noble and right? Is it pure and lovely? If not, we can choose to redirect our thinking to things that are. It's like changing the channel when something scary comes on TV—we have the remote control for our minds!

Lesson about overthinking: We can choose what we allow our minds to dwell on, focusing on positive truths rather than worries.

Psalm 94:19 - God's Consolation in Anxious Thoughts

The psalmist honestly admits to having many anxious thoughts, but also shares what helps: "When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy" (Psalm 94:19).

I find it comforting that even people in the Bible experienced "great anxiety"—it's a normal human feeling! But the psalmist discovered that God's "consolation" (His comfort and encouragement) brought joy right in the middle of anxiety. God doesn't always immediately remove our anxious feelings, but He does come alongside us, comforting us through His Word, His Spirit, and often through other people.

Lesson about anxiety: God's comfort can bring joy even while we're still experiencing anxious thoughts.

Isaiah 43:1-2 - God Knows Your Name

When we feel overwhelmed, this verse reminds us how personally God knows and cares for us: "But now, this is what the Lord says—he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: 'Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you'" (Isaiah 43:1-2).

God knows your name! He doesn't just see you as one person in a crowd—He knows you personally. And He promises to be with you through difficult times (the "waters" and "rivers"). You belong to Him, and He won't let the challenges of life overwhelm you completely. This personal connection with our Creator gives us confidence when anxiety tries to sweep us away.

Lesson about anxiety: God knows us personally and promises to be with us through life's challenges.

Psalm 62:8 - Pouring Out Our Hearts

David gives us a beautiful picture of honest prayer in Psalm 62:8: "Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge."

"Pouring out our hearts" means being completely honest with God about our feelings, fears, and worries. We don't have to use fancy words or pretend everything is fine. God is our safe place—our "refuge"—where we can express every anxious thought. There's something healing about getting all our worries out in the open with Someone who completely understands and has the power to help.

Lesson about anxiety: We can be completely honest with God about our anxieties, holding nothing back.

God's Strength in Our Weakness

Joshua 1:9 - Command to Be Strong

When Joshua faced the enormous task of leading Israel after Moses died, God told him: "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).

Notice that God doesn't just suggest courage—He commands it! But He doesn't leave Joshua to find courage on his own. The reason Joshua could be strong was that God promised to be with him everywhere he went. The same is true for us. God's presence is the source of our courage when anxiety tries to make us afraid or discouraged.

Lesson about anxiety: God commands us to be courageous based on His promise to be with us, not based on our own strength.

Psalm 46:1-2 - God Our Refuge When Everything Shakes

Psalm 46 begins with a powerful statement of faith: "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea" (Psalm 46:1-2).

This psalm describes the most extreme situations—mountains falling and earth giving way—yet still declares "we will not fear"! Why? Because God is our refuge (safe place), our strength when we feel weak, and He's "ever-present" (always there) when troubles come. No matter how unstable the world around us feels, God remains unshakable.

Lesson about anxiety: Even in the most extreme circumstances, God provides safety and strength that overcomes fear.

Isaiah 40:31 - Renewed Strength Through Waiting

Isaiah shares a beautiful promise for those who feel exhausted by anxiety: "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 40:31).

The word translated "hope" also means "wait for" or "expect." When we place our expectation in God rather than in our own ability to solve problems, He gives us fresh strength. The image of soaring eagles reminds us that God can lift us above our circumstances to see from His perspective. Sometimes we need eagle strength to soar, sometimes runner's strength to keep moving forward, and sometimes just enough strength to walk without giving up.

Lesson about anxiety: Placing our hope in God renews our mental and emotional strength when anxiety has drained us.

2 Corinthians 12:9 - Strength in Weakness

Paul shares a profound lesson he learned through his own struggles: "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me" (2 Corinthians 12:9).

When anxiety makes us feel weak and inadequate, this verse reminds us that our weakness is actually an opportunity for God's strength to shine through! Paul learned to be glad about his weaknesses because they created space for Christ's power to work in his life. Our anxious moments can become doorways to experiencing God's grace and strength in new ways.

Lesson about anxiety: Our moments of anxiety and weakness are opportunities for God's power to work more visibly in our lives.

Zephaniah 3:17 - God Singing Over Us

This beautiful verse shows God's tender feelings toward us: "The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing" (Zephaniah 3:17).

When anxiety makes us feel unloved or alone, Zephaniah reminds us that God is both powerful ("Mighty Warrior") and tender (rejoicing over us with singing). Can you imagine God singing a song of joy because of you? When we're caught in anxious thoughts, we can remember that the Creator of the universe delights in us and surrounds us with His love-songs.

Lesson about anxiety: Even in our anxious moments, God delights in us and surrounds us with His love.

Trivia Quiz: Bible Verses for Anxiety

1. Question: According to Philippians 4:6-7, what should we do instead of being anxious?
   Answer: Pray with thanksgiving and present our requests to God
2. Question: In Matthew 6, Jesus tells us not to worry by pointing to which creatures that God cares for?
   Answer: Birds of the air
3. Question: According to 2 Timothy 1:7, God has NOT given us a spirit of fear, but what three things instead?
   Answer: Power, love, and a sound mind (or self-discipline)
4. Question: In Psalm 56:3-4, what does David say he does when he is afraid?
   Answer: He puts his trust in God
5. Question: Complete this verse from Isaiah 41:10: "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will _ you and help you."
   Answer: Strengthen

Would you like to learn more about finding peace in God's Word? Check out our collection of 25 Bible Stories About Perseverance, where each story reveals how faith, resilience, and trust in God’s plan lead to triumph.