Bible memory verses · 22 verses
Bible Verses to Memorize for Anxiety
These Bible verses to memorize for anxiety are for the moments when worry will not stop, fear grips you, sleep will not come, or everything feels like too much. They are grouped by those moments, so you can learn first the verses for the kind of anxiety you know best. Each one is short enough to say in a single slow breath or two.
A verse you know by heart is there at 3 a.m. and in the middle of a hard meeting, when you cannot open a Bible. Learn one a week: press Practice, let the words disappear, and say it until it is yours. Then, when anxiety rises, say it slowly and turn it into a prayer. Every verse is from the Berean Standard Bible.
When worry won’t stop
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 · 37 words
Turn each worry into a request, with thanks. God’s peace then stands guard over your heart and mind.
Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7 · 11 words
Cast means throw. Hand each worry over to God, because He cares.
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:34 · 19 words
Jesus’ word to the mind that races ahead: today is enough.
When anxiety overwhelms me, Your consolation delights my soul.
Psalm 94:19 · 9 words
Nine words for when anxiety overwhelms you.
Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken.
Psalm 55:22 · 19 words
Cast the burden on the LORD, and let Him carry you.
When you’re afraid
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 · 35 words
Five promises for fear: I am with you, I am your God, I will strengthen, help and uphold you.
When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.
Psalm 56:3 · 10 words
Not if I am afraid but when. David knew fear, and he knew where to take it.
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.
2 Timothy 1:7 · 16 words
A spirit of fear is not from God. He gives power, love and self-control.
I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.
Psalm 34:4 · 15 words
David sought the LORD, and He delivered him from all his fears.
The LORD Himself goes before you; He will be with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.
Deuteronomy 31:8 · 25 words
The LORD goes before you into what you fear.
When you can’t sleep
I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
Psalm 4:8 · 18 words
Say it slowly with your head on the pillow.
I lie down and sleep; I wake again, for the LORD sustains me.
Psalm 3:5 · 13 words
David wrote this while running for his life, and still he slept.
When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you rest, your sleep will be sweet.
Proverbs 3:24 · 17 words
A promise about rest for those who walk in God’s wisdom.
He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber.
Psalm 121:3 · 13 words
You can sleep, because God does not.
When everything feels like too much
Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28 · 16 words
Jesus’ invitation to the weary and burdened.
Be still and know that I am God.
Psalm 46:10 · 8 words
Stop, breathe, and remember who is in charge.
In God alone my soul finds rest; 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 · 29 words
Rest is found in God, not in solving everything.
You will keep in perfect peace the steadfast of mind, because he trusts in You.
Isaiah 26:3 · 15 words
Perfect peace for a mind that stays on God.
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Psalm 73:26 · 19 words
When your strength fails, God is the strength of your heart.
The peace Jesus gives
Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid.
John 14:27 · 32 words
Jesus’ peace is not the world’s kind. It holds when circumstances don’t.
In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!
John 16:33 · 15 words
Trouble is real, and Jesus has already overcome it.
The LORD your God is among you; He is mighty to save. He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you with His love; He will rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17 · 33 words
God is with you, mighty to save, and He will quiet you with His love.
How to use memory verses when you’re anxious
- Learn them before you need them. Practice on calm days, so the words are ready on hard ones. Anxious minds struggle to read but can recall.
- Breathe with the verse. Say the first half as you breathe in slowly and the second half as you breathe out.
- Pray it back. Turn the verse into your own words to God: Lord, I am afraid, and I put my trust in You.
- Keep it in sight. Print the flashcards and keep one in your pocket, on your desk or by your bed.
- Tell someone. Share your verse with a friend who will ask you about it, and pray together.
More Bible memory verses
- Bible Memory Verses for Adults · 50 verses
- Bible Verses for Spiritual Warfare · 22 verses
- Bible Memory Verses for Teens · 34 verses
- 52-Week Scripture Memory Plan · 52 verses
- Prayers for anxiety
- Pray with me: an anxious heart
- Psalm 4:8, a prayer for sleep
- Read the Psalms in 30 days
Questions
What is the best Bible verse for anxiety?
Philippians 4:6-7 is the one many Christians reach for first: it tells you what to do with anxiety (pray about everything, with thanksgiving) and what God gives in return (His peace guarding your heart and mind). 1 Peter 5:7 and Isaiah 41:10 are close behind.
Is it wrong for a Christian to see a doctor or counselor for anxiety?
No. God often helps through doctors, counselors and medicine, and praying and memorizing Scripture go well alongside them. If you are thinking about ending your life, please call or text 988 in the US, or your local emergency number; you can pray and reach out for help at the same time.
Does memorizing Scripture help with anxiety?
Many Christians find it does: a verse you know by heart can interrupt anxious thoughts and turn them toward God, especially when you pray it. It is a spiritual practice, not a replacement for medical care when anxiety is severe.