I've struggled with small forms of anxiety ever since I was twelve. However, when I started college and my emotionally abusive relationship got the best of me, so did my anxiety. I try to reflect in the Bible when I feel like my brain is spiraling and I start worrying about things that are probably pointless. So, these are my 6 favorite bible verses when I wait for God to help me take the anxiety out of my heart and replace it with courage and peace

1. When I am afraid; I will trust in you. -Psalm 56:3

I know that when anxiety is knocking on my door and I start being scared about things that are so out of reach. I can just look at Psalms and know that there is no reason to be afraid. God has this big crazy life planned out perfectly for me, and all I need to do is be still and listen for his whispers. I will trust in Him.

2. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and love, and a sound mind. - 2nd Timothy 1:7

This Bible verse really helps me come to the realization of what God has in store for us. He does not give us the spirit of fear, for we do not need to be afraid. He wants us to trust in Him and not be afraid. Therefore, He gives us good things such as the power to love and have a sound mind about the things that come for us in this crazy life.

3. He lays me down in green pastures, He leads me by still waters, He restores my soul. -23:2-3

This one is perfect for visuals when you are getting anxious. I can imagine Jesus laying me down in green pastures just to breathe, and be lead by still waters for Him to restore my soul. Therefore, I can feel calm and go about my day knowing that He is there to help me feel peace and know that I cannot control the situation, but I can relax and let Him handle it.

4. Goodness and Mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. -Psalm 23:6

I struggle with giving myself goodness and mercy. I give it to others and then I am very hard on myself. This verse reminds me that goodness and mercy follow me too, because of the Holy Spirit. So, that I should take a break and understand that just like the forgiveness, mercy, and goodness I am giving to others, I can give it to myself.

5. Cast your cares on Him, for He cares for you. - 1st Peter 5:7

You know the anxiety that makes your heart feel heavy and you find it hard to catch breathe. Those are the rougher anxiety attacks that make you feel heavy and helpless. That is when I lean on this verse to know that I do not have to feel heavy and I do not have to worry about the things that are making me feel that way. I can just cast what is worrying me and what I am caring about so much that is causing me to find it hard to breathe and He will care for me. He will do the worrying and fixing for me, that I should just calm down and know that He is God, and he has the power to fix all things in His perfect timing for your life.

6. Greater is He, who is in me than he who is in the world. -1st John 4:4

We all have to be reminded that our God is greater than the people of the world. He is way bigger than everything we fear. We are not powerful enough to ruin God's plan for us and there is nothing in this world that is. So, do not worry about the things of the world for our God is way greater.

Anxiety is crippling in some cases and can be very difficult to deal with. It can make you feel worthless and stupid for feeling the way you do. I know that is hard to climb out of the hole you dig yourself when dealing with anxiety, however we have to know that God is with us and He is watching as we break down, crying just wanting us to lean on Him and know that we are His children and we are going to be okay. So, next time life happens and the anxiety follows along with it, lean on these Bible verses and know that nothing is powerful enough for God to abandon you.

xoxo,

BP