Every morning I’m greeted with the news of how bad the economy is getting. Daily reports of senseless deaths, heinous crimes, and an ongoing barrage of a world that seems topsy-turvy.

I don’t watch the news (on purpose), but I hear these things from family, neighbors, and friends. I’m not trying to bury my head in the sand; however, the news feed runs 24/7, and I have no desire to be fed from a source whose sole purpose is to capitalize on sensational stories that make us fear and divide us.

What about you? Do you hear reports of crime, pandemics, and government goofs that leave you worried, fearful, or anxious?

If you are, please turn off the news, open your Bible, and let’s discover together what we can do about gaining control over our minds as this world seems to spin out of our control.

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What Does the Bible Say About Anxiety?

Do you know what the Bible says about anxiety, worry, and other things that rattle our minds? 

Everyone faces fear, anxiety, and worry sometime in their life. Some are prone to these feelings daily, but the Bible has good news for us all.

In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, he concludes with an encouragement to them to “stand firm in the Lord.” 

In Philippians 4:4, he encourages them to rejoice in the Lord always–not once but twice. “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.”

As Christians, we should not shrug off this command but choose to obey it. 

Does that mean when we are feeling anxious or overwhelmed, we are sinning? Absolutely NOT!

We will have trouble in this world. People will hate us. Problems will come. And all the feelings we humans feel will be felt by all of us. However, we are not to stay at that party. 

We are overcomers, just like Jesus, so we choose to find a way out of our thoughts of fear, worry, and anxiety.

This is no easy feat, but most of us can do it with practice. But let me insert here that some depression and feelings of anxiety are so overwhelming that we may need to ask for help from a Christian counselor. Please don’t be intimidated to ask for help when needed.

All of us need help from others. God made us that way. We need Him and others. Even as Paul was sitting in prison writing his letter to the Philippians, he reached out to help others and encouraged others to help someone else. (Philippians 4:1-2)

In verse 6, he tells us the secret of not feeling anxious. Pray.

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

You have heard the saying, “Don’t worry. Be happy”. Great advice, but better advice is what Paul is saying, “Don’t worry. Pray.”

Peter tells us in his first letter to humble ourselves and give our worries to God because He loves us. 

Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 

And then back to Philippians, where Paul continues his encouragement to the church. 

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 

So, the Bible tells us not to worry but to pray, and God will guard our hearts and our minds. This is an ongoing process. We need to practice it again and again as each attack comes from the world, our thoughts, or the devil.

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

What Does Jesus Say About Anxiety and Worry?

Jesus gives a whole lesson on worry and anxiety in Matthew chapter 6.

In Matthew 6:25, He says, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life.”

And then He lists the basic needs

• what you will eat
• what you will drink 
• what you will wear

Jesus explains that life is more than what we put in it and our body more than what we put on it. These are things that we never need to be anxious over.

In verse 31, He tells us that our heavenly Father knows our needs and will meet every one of them. So, what do we have to worry about? Have faith, and trust that God is in control.

Our part is found in verse 33:

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33

And then, in Matthew 11, Jesus assures us that all who come to Him and put their trust in Him, those people will find rest.

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:18-30

We are to seek God, learn about Jesus, and allow the Holy Spirit to teach us how to walk by faith.

What Does Psalm 27 Say?

In Psalm 27, David lists everything that could (or did) go wrong in life and comes up with the same conclusion over and over.

God is his light and his salvation!

In verse 1, he asks, “Whom shall I fear?”

And although David was a king and a great ruler of Israel, he had plenty of enemies. His closest acquaintances, namely King Saul, turned out to be his enemy and ran him ragged in the wilderness, trying to kill him.

His son Absalom turned against him and tried to take his place as king.

And then there were other enemies of the nation of Israel that began wars to overthrow his kingdom.

But David also lists the enemies that many of us fight in our lives. 

• fear
• trouble
• abandonment
• betrayal
• violence

As he lists these fears, he begins to recognize where his help comes from–from the Lord.

• “The Lord is my light and my salvation.”
• “I will dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.”
• “He will hide me in His shelter in the day of trouble.”
• “He will conceal me under His tent.”
• “He will lift me high upon a rock.”

Over and over, David brags about the Lord’s provision for him. As you read Psalm 27, you hear his confidence in the Lord soar as he trains his mind to think upon God.

10 Bible Verses About Staying Calm and Trusting God

1. Say to those who have an anxious heart, “Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.” Isaiah 35:4
2. For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.” Isaiah 41:13
3. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
4. Because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. Luke 1:78-79
5. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! Luke 12:24
6. Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. 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.” John 16:32-33
7. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13
8. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Colossians 3:14-15
9. Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all. 2 Thessalonians 3:16
10. So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” Hebrews 13:6

10 Psalms That Will Calm Anxiety

1. In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8
2. I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Psalm 16:8
3. 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. Psalm 23:4
4. I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4
5. When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. Psalm 34:17
6. Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved. Psalm 55:22
7. When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. Psalm 56:3
8. When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul. Psalm 94:19
9. I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2
10. If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,” even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you. Psalm 139:11-12

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I hope these verses bless your heart as you read them as much as they blessed mine as I wrote them down.

If you want to print these out and keep them close by, I have made a free printable for all the verses here. One printable has the ten verses from the Old and New Testaments, and one printable has the ten verses found in Psalms.

Click the image below to be taken to my Printable Page.

Comfort Beside Still Waters is a devotional for those going through a difficult time or seeking direction. This guided journal will lead the reader into 31 days of Bible reading, thoughtful questions, and prayer. A thoughtful gift for someone going through times of uncertainty, grief, or prolonged illness. 

Order your copy on Amazon.