20 Verses in Psalms to Help Anxious Thoughts

Updated Sep 21, 2021
20 Verses in Psalms to Help Anxious Thoughts
These go-to verse from Psalms help replace the lies that cause fear and anxiety with God's truth.

They say anxiety is on the rise. That more women are more anxious more often than we were even five years ago. Goodness knows there’s enough in the news and in our life to crowd our thoughts with fear.

Scripture is the cure for our anxious thoughts. Reading scripture isn’t the same as thinking happy thoughts. I can remember when I was young waking from a recurring nightmare and trying to fight my fear by thinking the happiest thoughts I could.

Those childhood wishes worked well enough then, but they aren’t enough to overcome the anxious thoughts that plague us as women and moms and wives and caretakers. And while positive thinking is helpful, not just any positivity will do.

We need to replace the lies of fear and anxiety with the truth of God’s Word. We need to fix our mind on God’s amazing promises rather than swim in the pit of what if’s. And we need to anchor our thoughts by remembering who God is.

The Psalms are filled with verses that help us fight anxiety. These are great verses to mark in your Bible, to write out and put on your mirror, to screen shot and pull up on your phone when you need them. Today I’m sharing some favorites.

20 Bible Verses from Psalms to Overcome Anxiety

I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8

But you are a shield around me, O LORD; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head. Psalm 3:3

The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:9-10

The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. Psalm 34:7

The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. Psalm 34:17

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way. Psalm 46:1-2

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. Psalm 23:4

Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fail. Psalm 55:22

When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me? Psalm 56:3-4

My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. Psalm 62:1-2

For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. Psalm 84:11
He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. Psalm 91:4

Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day. Do not dread the disease that stalks in the darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday. Psalm 91:5-6

When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul. Psalm 94:19

He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD. Psalm 112:7

The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. The LORD protects the simplehearted; when I was in great need, he saved me. Psalm 116:5-6

He will not let your foot slip – he who watches over you will not slumber. Psalm 121:3

The LORD watches over you – the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. Psalm 121:5

You hem me in – behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me. Psalm 139:5

Even the darkness will not be darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. Psalm 139:12

The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. Psalm 145:18

This post first appeared at LisaAppelo.com. If you'd like encouragement delivered right to your inbox, subscribe here and I'd love to send you my free 100 Days with Christ Bible study and journal.

Photo credit: iStock/Getty Images Plus/Tero Vesalainen

Bible verses anxiety | scripture to fight fear | overcome anxiety Bible verses