6 Bible Verses to Calm Anxiety and What They Really Mean
Spiritual Life
Audio By Carbonatix
8:00 PM on Monday, January 12
By Jaime Jo Wright, Spiritual Life
1. Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)
"You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you."
This is a clear reference that supports the concept that we need not doubt God's promises in His Word. Isaiah declares that the Lord will keep those who stay focused and devoted to fixing their minds on the reality and supremacy of God in perfect peace. This means exercising our instincts so we remain firmly rooted in our trust. Who is our trust in? Remember the attributes of the God you remain founded on. His sovereignty, omnipotence, omniscience, and so on are irrefutable truths that bring amazing peace. But steadfastness is key to the concept of peace. This means that even when anxiety tumbles into our souls, we cling to the truths of who God is. We exercise our spiritual muscles so that we do not lose grip in the hours of dark anxiety.
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2. Romans 8:38–39 (NIV)
"For I am convinced that neither death nor life… nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
This is no small reality! Paul the Apostle writes that he is convinced. There is no argument that could shake his conviction that neither death nor life nor anything else could separate him from the love of God. Dwell on that truth! Our belief in the saving grace of Jesus, in his conquering of death through his resurrection, is a miraculous bringing of us into intimacy with God! This intimacy is promised to us regardless of the circumstances waging war around us. There is no power great enough to rip us from the grip of His love.
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3. Psalm 94:19 (NIV)
"When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy."
Sometimes, when we're anxious, it comes with a heaping side of guilt for feeling like we don't have enough faith. Unfortunately, as believers, that is often the very first thing we question, not only in ourselves but in others around us who are also suffering from anxiety. While there's no argument that faith plays a critical role in our relationship with the Father, it is also vital to note that just because we experience anxiety does not mean our faith has lessened or become non-existent!
This verse tells us that in our anxiety, God brings us consolation! Not guilt. Not criticism. Not reprimand. But reassurance. Comfort. Solace. Even relief! We do not need to add to our anxiety by being afraid to go to the Lord in the admission of our anxious hearts, fearing censure and judgment. Instead, run to the Lord and be held by his powerful arms that shield us. Admit your anxiety and fears to Him and allow the Father to surround you with his comfort and everlasting love.
4. Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
This Scripture reminds us of God's strength that He infuses within us. When we are weak, we are made strong by the Lord, and He holds us up. That upholding is a picture of being carried and reinforced with power. Consider the armor of God in this picture. Without it—without Him—we are weak and at a severe disadvantage when warding off anxiety and fear. But it's in recognizing our weakness that we pick up the armor of God—we hold onto the Sword of the Spirit—and we are then made strong. In short, our weakness is what allows His strength to not only be seen but to empower us. He strengthens us. He upholds us. Because of this, fear has no place, and dismay can be conquered.
5. 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)
"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."
Have you ever practiced throwing a ball? Consider what happens. You draw back your arm, use your body and forward motion to give velocity to the ball as your hand releases it, and the ball flies forward. If thrown well, it goes a far distance away from you.
Think of your anxieties in this way. As Peter says, "Cast all your anxiety on Him." Picture the Father and launch your anxieties in his direction. Use all your spirit to give velocity to the force with which you cast them on the Lord. He cares for you! He wants to carry them for you—to catch them as you cast them away. The wonderful thing about this word picture is that He doesn't throw them back. This isn't a game of catch. It's a picture of release. Maybe it's time to play a little ball with your anxiety.
6. Matthew 6:34 (NIV)
"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
Corrie ten Boom—a survivor of the Holocaust and an amazing woman of faith—once told a story that occurred between her and her father.
"Father sat down on the edge of the narrow bed. "Corrie," he began gently, "when you and I go to Amsterdam—when do I give you your ticket?" I sniffed a few times, considering this.
"Why, just before we get on the train."
"Exactly. And our wise Father in heaven knows when we're going to need things, too. Don't run out ahead of Him, Corrie." ― Corrie ten Boom, The Hiding Place: The Triumphant True Story of Corrie Ten Boom
This wisdom speaks into this verse. Tomorrow is its own journey. Today is where you are at. Live this moment. Did you make it through by His strength? Yes! Now, live this moment. Did you make it through again? All right! Now, live this moment. It sounds and even feels a bit ridiculous, but that is living moment by moment. Trust that God's grace will meet you when you need it. Not before and not too late. His timing is perfect, His strength is complete, and His ability to manage your anxieties far surpasses anything you may offer yourself.
Scripture is full of promises that can minister to an anxious heart. While it may not remove anxiety, it will provide you with the strength that you need to move forward. Allow yourself the quiet moments to reflect on it. Don't shame yourself for repeating the same words over and over in succession, even out loud, until the peace of God finds you.
Remember, it is often in our darkest moments that we feel God the closest. It is in our deepest hour that He is shaping us, molding us, and caring for us. So, while you seek to live a life of faith and strength, never forget that it lies solely in the hands of a gracious God—a God who has promised us peace.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
