Anxious thoughts can arrive without warning: in the middle of the night, before a big day, or in the quiet moments when there's room to worry. In those moments, God's Word offers something steady to hold on to.
Here are 10 King James Version verses to read slowly, pray over and return to whenever your heart feels unsettled.
1. Philippians 4:6–7
"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
2. 1 Peter 5:7
"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."
3. Isaiah 41:10
"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."
4. John 14:27
"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
5. Psalm 46:10
"Be still, and know that I am God."
6. Matthew 6:34
"Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."
7. 2 Timothy 1:7
"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
8. Psalm 94:19
"In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul."
9. Psalm 56:3
"What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee."
10. Joshua 1:9
"Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."
How to keep these verses close
- Choose one verse a week. Read it each morning and say it aloud before bed.
- Write it out by hand. Journalling a verse slows you down and helps it settle in your heart.
- Put it where you'll see it. Your phone screen is the place you look most often.
- Pray it back to God. Turn the verse into your own words: "Lord, I cast my cares on You, because You care for me."
Resources for your quiet time
The Cast Your Cares: 30-Day Christian Journal for Anxiety & Peace walks you through scripture, prayer and reflection one day at a time. To keep God's Word in front of you, try the Peace Christian Wallpaper Bundle or the Faith Over Fear bundle.
Scripture is a beautiful source of comfort. If anxiety is affecting your daily life, please also reach out to a doctor, counsellor or someone you trust. Seeking help is an act of faith too.