Google defines anxiety as “a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome”. It feels like I'm always worrying about something or anxious about things to come. Especially during the semester, when I have 6 classes with 15-20 assignments due each week.

But I also worry when I'm out of school. Mostly about the way I'm perceived, my future, and a bunch of other random stuff. The funny thing is that I usually worry about things that don’t even happen. But nevertheless, I continue to worry. Sometimes I'm just sitting there and I'm all of a sudden filled with an overwhelming feeling of anxiety and uneasiness. I can’t explain why, it just happens. And when it does there are really only three things help me overcome it. One of those is to pray and read a few verses.

I know I'm not the only one who worries about everything, so I thought I would put a list together of the verses that help me. Even if you’re not religious or a Christian, you should read over these verses. I think these verses will also help you, if you let them.

1. 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?”

These verses remind me that if God takes care of flowers and birds, He will most definitely take care of me. His beloved daughter that he died for.

2. Jeremiah 29:11

“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.”

Just reading this reminds me that God has a plan for me. This thought instantly calms me. And makes all of my worries of my future dissipate.

3. Psalm 139: 13-14

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

Sometimes I worry that I'm not good enough or that others don’t like me because of how I am. These verses remind me that I am wonderfully made by GOD! That squishes all worries I have of inadequacy.

4. Deuteronomy 31:6

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."

God is with us! Always! He’ll never leave us!! So comforting!

5. Psalm 36:7

“How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.”

Refuge. Sanctuary. Protection. That is what our God is for us. Run to Him when you are overwhelmed.

6. Proverbs 3:5-6

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.”

These verses remind me that I don’t have to rely on myself and what I can do. When I trust in the Lord, He will help me and tell me what to do. This is a good reminder for when I worry about my future.

7. Hebrews 13:6

“So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”

This verse reminds me that the Lord is on my side and I don’t have to fear other people and/or the way they think about me.

8. Psalm 34:4

“I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.”

This verse tells me that whenever I look for God, He will be there and He will relieve me from my fears and anxieties. Any and all of them.

9. Proverbs 12:25

“Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.”

This verse reminds me to always be nice to others. Because receiving a kind word will cheer you up, but also saying nice words will cheer you up.

10. Psalm 121:1-8

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you— the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”

I know this is a long chunk, but this is my favorite Psalm. It tells me that the Lord-the one who knows me inside and out-is always with me, watching over me. Every time I read it I'm INSTANTLY calm. I hope it has the same effect on you.

I hope these verses are an encouragement for you!!