Bible Verses About Worry and Anxiety

Introduction

Worry is part of being human, and the Bible speaks to it directly. Jesus talks to people anxious about food, clothes and tomorrow; Paul tells a church to bring every anxiety to God in prayer; the psalms are full of people who were afraid. Matthew 6:25 · Philippians 4:6

These passages do not promise that reading a verse will make anxiety disappear. They offer words for prayer, reasons for trust, and the knowledge that you are not the first to feel this way.

Passages to read

What each passage addresses in its own setting, and why it is relevant here. Read the surrounding verses too.

1. Matthew 6:25–34 Central teaching

   What it addresses: In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus speaks to people anxious about daily needs: food, drink and clothing.

   Why it is relevant: He points to God’s care for birds and flowers, asks his hearers to seek God’s kingdom first, and to live one day at a time: “Don’t be anxious for tomorrow.”

2. Philippians 4:4–9 Central teaching

   What it addresses: Paul, writing from imprisonment, encourages a church under pressure.

   Why it is relevant: He invites bringing everything to God in prayer with thanksgiving, speaks of God’s peace guarding the heart, and turns attention to what is true and good.

3. 1 Peter 5:6–7 Central teaching

   What it addresses: Peter writes to believers facing suffering and hostility.

   Why it is relevant: “Cast all your worries on him, because he cares for you.” The invitation is to hand anxiety over, not to pretend it is not there.

4. Matthew 11:28–30 Central teaching

   What it addresses: Jesus invites all who are weary and burdened.

   Why it is relevant: He offers rest and a lighter yoke to people worn down.

5. Psalm 23:1–6 Supporting passage

   What it addresses: A psalm of trust picturing God as a shepherd who provides, guides and stays near in the darkest valley.

   Why it is relevant: It gives words for trust when the way ahead is frightening.

6. Psalm 94:18–19 Supporting passage

   What it addresses: A psalmist crying out about injustice and his own slipping foot.

   Why it is relevant: “In the multitude of my thoughts within me, your comforts delight my soul.” Racing thoughts are named honestly before God.

7. Luke 10:38–42 Narrative example

   What it addresses: Martha is distracted by much serving while her sister Mary listens to Jesus.

   Why it is relevant: Jesus speaks gently to Martha: “you are anxious and troubled about many things.”

People in Scripture who faced this

• Martha

  Jesus speaks to Martha about being anxious and troubled. Luke 10:41

Connected themes

• Peace

  Philippians 4:7 promises God’s peace guarding the heart. Philippians 4:7

• Prayer

  Prayer with thanksgiving is the response Paul suggests to anxiety. Philippians 4:6

• Faith

  Jesus links worry with little faith and trust in the Father’s care. Matthew 6:30

A short reading plan

1. Day 1: Don’t be anxious for tomorrow Matthew 6:25–34
2. Day 2: The Lord is my shepherd Psalm 23
3. Day 3: Bring it to God in prayer Philippians 4:4–9
4. Day 4: Cast your worries on him 1 Peter 5:6–11
5. Day 5: Come to me and rest Matthew 11:28–30 · Psalm 131

Ticks are kept on this device only.

Related situations

• Exams and Academic Pressure

  For anxiety before exams. Philippians 4:6

• Work Stress

  Worry connected with work. Matthew 6:34

• Fear

  Worry and fear are close companions. Isaiah 41:10

• Financial Difficulty

  For money worries. Matthew 6:34

• Unemployment

  Worry about the future. Matthew 6:34

Longer reading plans

• Bible Readings for Difficult Times

  A fourteen-day plan for hard seasons.

Study guides

• Studying Psalm 23

  Psalm 23 is often read in anxious times. Psalm 23:4