A few summers back, I dealt with a lot of stress and anxiety.

At the time, I didn’t tell many people. To be honest, I didn’t really understand what was happening. I went to the doctor, because I thought something was wrong with my heart. As it turned out, it was stress. I was having anxiety attacks.

Even though I didn’t feel particularly stressed, I was going through a big transition. I had just finished my last semester of college and I was about to leave for an internship in Peru. I had no idea what was next in my life after the internship.

Stress and anxiety are nothing to be ashamed of. Many, many people struggle with these things, including Christians, and it can take a physical toll on your body.

I have a couple of friends who have more severe anxiety, and they agree that faith is essential in fighting the crippling effects of damaging thoughts. They recommend prayer, worship music, reading scripture, journaling, breathing exercises, and physical exercise as some of their best methods of coping.

But, there is a time to see a doctor. Like with any sickness, there is a time to seek help.

In the meantime, here are a few Bible verses to help fight stress and anxiety. My prayer is that as you meditate on these verses, Jesus would speak to you and breathe peace and joy into your heart.

Psalm 34:4-5

“I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.”

Psalm 56:12-13

“I am under vows to you, my God; I will present my thank offerings to you. For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.”

Isaiah 35:3-4

“Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts, ‘Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.’”

Isaiah 43:1-2

“But now, this is what the Lord says—he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: ‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.’”

Matthew 6:25-27

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”

Matthew 11:28-30

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

John 14:27

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

2 Corinthians 4:16-17

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”

Philippians 4:4-6

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

1 Peter 5:7

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

I pray these beautiful truths from God’s word uplift you and ease any stress or anxiety you are facing this week.

And never forget… you are onederfully created.

Love,
Becca