25 Verses to Help You Overcome Worry

Do you worry?  Why?  What does the Bible say about worry, and how can we overcome the tendancy to do it?

My mom is an expert in worry.  Y’all, if worrying were an Olympic sport, she’d have a room full of medals.  She is good at it.

For example, we live several hours away from each other, but she knows if we’re having bad weather before I do.  Every time.

She stays on the lookout for what might go wrong.

I’m not quite that way.  I tend to take things one at the time…most of the time.

Still, I go through seasons when I really do struggle with worry.  Whether I’m concerned about my kids or anxious about a certain situation, I try to control things by imagining the outcome.  I often imagine all the things that could happen so I’m prepared for whatever actually does.

What a waste of time and energy!

Why?

Because God’s ways are higher than mine.  I can’t even imagine what He might do!  (Isaiah 55:8 and 1 Corinthians 2:9)

The problem with worry goes deeper than just wasting my resources though.  Worry  is sin.

What?  Why do I say that?

Because in His Word, God tells us NOT to worry.  When we do, we are acting in disobedience to him.

Period.

Don’t take my word for it though.

Jesus said, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear.” (Matthew 6:25)

Paul wrote, “Do not be anxious about anything.” (Philippians 4:6)

But, realistically, how can we do that?  How can we fight the fears that keep us up at night or the anxiety that asks for our attention as we go through our days?

Trust.

We have to know who God is and then trust him.

After all, He “is faithful to all is promises and loving toward all he has made.” (Psalm 145:13

If God’s word says it, you can trust God to do it.

That’s how I fight fear; that’s what I do with worry.

I rest in the love of a God who does what He says.

What about you?  Do you struggle to stop worrying?

You’re certainly not alone if you do.  I think all of us have days when Jesus could say to us like he said to Martha:  “You are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed – or indeed only one.” (Luke 10:41).

Today, I’d like to share with you some verses that help focus on that one thing and allow me to get off the roller coster ride of worry.  I’m hoping they’ll help you, too!

What Does the Bible Say About Worry?

“So do not worry, saying ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’  For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.  But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:31-34)

“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 minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

“Anxiety weighs down the heart.” (Proverbs 12:25)

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)

Promises from the Bible to Help You Overcome Worry

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)

“I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.” (Psalm 4:8)

“The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.” (Psalm 34:10)

“The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble.  He cares for those who trust in him.” (Nahum 1:7)

“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” (1 Timothy 6:17)

“You are my strength, I watch for you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely.” (Psalm 59:9-10)

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

“Who among you fears the Lord and obeys the word of his servant?  Let the one who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the Lord and rely on their God.” (Isaiah 50:10)

“Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him.” (Psalm 32:10)

“In him we were also chosen, having be predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity iwht the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.” (Ephesians 1:11-12)

“‘Though the mountain be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,’ says the Lord who has compassion on you.” (Isaiah 54:10)

“The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame.” (Isaiah 58:10)

“And when you pray, do not keep babbling ilke pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.  Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” (Matthew 6:7-8)

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7)

“If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him?” (Matthew 7:11)

“Your laws endure to this day, for all things serve you.” (Psalm 119:9)

“Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.  Take delight in the Lord; and he will give you the desires of your heart.  Commit your way to the Lord; trust him and he will do this:  He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.” (Psalm 37:4-6)

“Who, then, are those who fear the Lord?  He will instruct them in the ways they should choose.” (Psalm 25:12)

“No word from God will ever fail.” (Luke 1:37)

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” (Hebrews 10:23)

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” (James 1:5)

When I read these verses and meditate on them and others like them, my focus shifts from my problems to my provider, and as the verses in Philippian 4 promise, I find peace.

What about  you?  Are there any verses you would add to this list?  I’d love to hear them!  Leave a comment and let me know how you overcome worry.  Also share and pin this list to help others do the same!

Also, please join us for Encouraging Word Wednesday this week!  Leave one or two links to your recent faith-filled posts and be sure to visit some other bloggers and leave encouraging comments for them!