APPENDIX E: BIBLE VERSES FOR WHEN YOU’RE FEELING WORRIED OR ANXIOUS
AT ONE POINT OR ANOTHER, all of us experience stress. Though a little stress can be a good thing—it keeps us moving and working—too much can have a negative effect on our brains and can cause worry and anxiety.
In Matthew 11:28-29, Jesus encourages us to let go of our burdens and rest in Him. There is no better way to do that than to spend time praying and quietly meditating on His Word. As you meditate on the following verses, focus on the goal of opening yourself up fully to the calming and restorative presence of God.
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
Say to those with fearful hearts,
“Be strong, and do not fear,
for your God is coming to destroy your enemies.
He is coming to save you.”
Humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
Worry weighs a person down;
an encouraging word cheers a person up.
Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
I know the LORD is always with me.
I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.
Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.
Don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.
The LORD is my helper,
so I will have no fear.
What can mere people do to me?
Give your burdens to the LORD,
and he will take care of you.
He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.
If you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!
I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours.
Ask me and I will tell you remarkable secrets you do not know about things to come.
The LORD hears his people when they call to him for help.
He rescues them from all their troubles.
Pray like this:
Our Father in heaven,
may your name be kept holy.
May your Kingdom come soon.
May your will be done on earth,
as it is in heaven.
Give us today the food we need,
and forgive us our sins,
as we have forgiven those who sin against us.
And don’t let us yield to temptation,
but rescue us from the evil one.
We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose.
In my distress I prayed to the LORD,
and the LORD answered me and set me free.
The LORD is for me, so I will have no fear.
What can mere people do to me?
Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.”
This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.
God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
There is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.