5 Verses from Psalms for Anxiety

It is estimated that over 270 million people worldwide have anxiety. That’s a lot of people, and a lot of time spent feeling anxious. Luckily, there are multiple verses in Psalms for anxiety that can help ease your troubled spirit through prayer.

Anxiety is something that I personally have dealt with since I was a child; and I’m sure much like anyone else who has this same problem – I have good days, and I have bad days. While most of my anxiety tends to stem from social situations or environments with a lot of stimuli, I never truly know when an anxious episode is going to strike.

Luckily, I’ve learned that I am stronger than my anxiety. That it doesn’t define me, it’s just something that I have. And the more open to talking about it that I’ve become, the easier it’s been to deal with and to grow from.

Over the years, when my anxiety has been at its highest, I have learned to lean on prayer and God to help settle my nerves and get me through. Here are five of my favorite Psalms for anxiety – and I hope that in knowing them they will bring you peace, as well.

5 Verses from Psalms for Anxiety

Psalm 23:1-6

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head wit oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

This was a scripture my grandmother wanted me to memorize as a child. I remember being so annoyed when I would have to sit and memorize line after line after line (sorry!) but looking back, this is one that has stayed with me my entire life, and it’s usually the scripture I go to first when I’m feeling uneasy about any situation. It often brings me comfort and it stands as a great reminder that through everything; God is on our side.

Psalm 27:1-3

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.”

I love this reminder because it solidifies the fact that God is our defender. What possible reason do we have to be fearful or anxious about anything? Because when the world attacks, we will remain protected by God. It doesn’t mean we won’t experience hard times, but it means that through everything, we have one almighty power that is looking after us and will pick us back up whenever we fall.

Psalm 61:1-3

“Here my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.”

Psalm 61 is written by David when he was far from home and safety. He cries out to God desperately; feeling lost and exclaiming that his heart is overwhelmed. Stop for a minute and think – in the last year alone, how often has your heart felt overwhelmed? For me it’s a feeling I know all too well.

It can be natural sometimes, to sit in our sadness. To look at the world around us and feel like there is no hope in sight. Wondering when the light will outshine the darkness. David felt this same way and he called out to God through prayer; knowing that peace and safety come from the Rock of Salvation and the only way there is through Christ.

Next time you are feeling overwhelmed, cry out to God. Ask that God restore our peace and place us high on the rock.

Psalm 91:2

“I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust.”

Think of the literal meaning of these words:

Refuge: “a condition of being safe or sheltered from pursuit, danger, or trouble.” – Oxford Dictionary

Fortress: “a military stronghold, especially a strongly fortified town fit for a large garrison,” or “a person or thing not susceptible to outside influence or disturbance.” – Oxford Dictionary

Now think about how comforting it is to know that God is both those things for us. A refuge, and a fortress. He will keep us safe from danger. He will provide a stronghold not susceptible to outside influence or disturbance. When we seek those things from the Lord, He will provide. He is the ultimate bodyguard (move over, Kevin Costner). Nothing shall harm us.

Psalm 91:14-15

“Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.”

It’s as simple as this: God promises to protect those who love Him. When we seek a relationship with God, we are receiving everlasting life. Meaning we have entered into this eternal relationship with the one who loves us more than we can ever understand; He will be there for us through it all. So when we feel weary, or afraid, or overwhelmed, all we have to do is call on the one who has promised to protect us – and He will deliver us from trouble.

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