“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” — John 16:33, NIV
In this world, we’ll face heartbreaking and sometimes terrifying circumstances. If that’s you today, hear this: You’re not alone. The Overcomer, Jesus, sees you and loves you. And as you believe the truth of his Word, you can overcome too.
Take a few moments to read these Bible verses for anxiety and depression. Save them. Write them down. Keep them close. Go back to them throughout the day. Remember: the Word of God is sharper than any double-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). The truth of his Word is your weapon, and you can use it to fight back.
If you’re struggling, we encourage you to reach out for help from your pastor, a family member, a counselor and/or a medical professional. You can also call or text 988 to get immediate support.
What’s Here:
- 10 Bible Verses for Anxiety
- 10 Bible Verses for Depression
- 4 More Things to Do When You’re Struggling
10 Bible Verses for Anxiety
1. 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
2. Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
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.
3. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV)
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
4. Matthew 6:34 (NIV)
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
5. John 14:27 (NIV)
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.
6. Psalm 34:4 (NIV)
I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.
7. Romans 8:38-39 (NIV)
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
8. Psalm 55:22 (NIV)
Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.
9. 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.
10. Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
10 Bible Verses for Depression
1. Psalm 42:5 (NIV)
Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.
2. Revelation 21:4 (NIV)
He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.
3. Matthew 11:28 (NIV)
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
4. Matthew 5:4 (NIV)
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
5. Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
6. Psalm 34:17-18 (NIV)
The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
7. Psalm 23:4 (NIV)
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
8. Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
9. Psalm 30:5 (NIV)
For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.
10. Psalm 3:3 (NIV)
But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.
4 More Things to Do When You’re Struggling
As John 16:33 says, in this world, we’ll have trouble. But Jesus loves us so much that he provides help when we need it. In addition to reading the truth in his Word, here are four more things you can do if you’re struggling with anxiety or depression.
1. Reach Out for Help
The Bible tells us to “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2, NIV). There are people in your life who have been placed there to help you carry the hard things. You don’t have to carry the weight on your own.
Call or text a trusted friend or family member. Reach out to a professional counselor or your doctor. Remember: All of us struggle. Don’t allow fear to stop you from admitting you need support. We all need help.
If you’re in need of immediate help, please call or text 988. This crisis and suicide lifeline will connect you to someone fast and is available 24 hours a day.
2. Pour Your Heart Out to God
“But you, Sovereign Lord, help me for your name’s sake; out of the goodness of your love, deliver me. For I am poor and needy, and my heart is wounded within me.” — Psalm 109:21-22, NIV
In Psalm 109, we hear David pour his heart out to God. He’s raw and honest, sharing with God just how heartbroken he is. We can be just as honest with our Father too. Instead of trying to go through our pain alone, we can invite him in.
When we do, he hears us. Jeremiah 29:12 (NIV) says, “Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” You can call on God any time, day or night, and he will hear you.
The good news doesn’t stop there. We can also have confidence that God will answer our cry for help. 1 John 5:14-15 (NIV) says, “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us — whatever we ask — we know that we have what we asked of him.”
Ask God to strengthen you. Ask him to move in your heart and mind. Ask him to relieve you from anxiety and depression. Your prayer doesn’t have to be pretty. Just be honest with him — he’s faithful to help you.
3. Worship
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. — Psalm 28:7, NIV
Remember that old hymn, “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus?” The chorus goes like this: “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in his wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of his glory and grace.”
When we worship, we turn our eyes from our circumstances and instead focus on Jesus. His goodness. His faithfulness. His love. And by turning our gaze, we might just find that the overwhelming things surrounding us pale in comparison to him.
Turn on some worship music or sing/hum your favorite worship song. Turn your focus to Jesus and who he is for a few moments.
4. Remember That You Don’t Have to Have It All Together
Burdens like anxiety and depression are often made even heavier by the lie that we should have it all together. Thoughts like, “I should be able to handle this” or “I shouldn’t struggle with this at all” might fill our minds. And sometimes, this leads to shame.
But know this: There’s no shame in your struggle. Romans 8:1 (NIV) says, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
Today, trade the shame for the truth that you’re loved and treasured by God, even in the midst of your struggle. Then, allow that truth to set you free.
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