If you're Catholic like me, you've probably been told before that worry and anxiety are signs that your trust in God is lacking. As someone who suffers from an anxiety disorder, it's always irked me when I hear things like that. God created me this way, anxiety and all. Worry is natural because we as humans are perpetually unsure of our future. We worry because we are not like God; we don't know what's going to happen, and we don't know if we'll be able to handle what's coming our way. I've stopped beating myself up over my anxiety and instead started breaking out my bible whenever I'm feeling worried or overwhelmed. These are my favorite bible verses for when you're feeling the burdens of worry and anxiety.
Romans 8:38-9 — "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."
It's easy to get so overcome with our personal problems and issues that we forget how powerful God's love is. I like this verse because it's an excellent reminder that no matter what we are facing, nothing on earth can separate us from the love and protection God provides. Our earthly worries pale in comparison with His glory.
Psalms 56:3 — "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you."
I love this one. It's so simple, yet so powerful. Fear, another intensely human experience, can only be overcome with trust in God. When you are afraid, learn to put trust in God. The feeling of security you get when you give up your worries to God is unparalleled, I promise.
Psalm 23:4 — "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. "
I know — everyone knows this one. But that doesn't make it any less significant. Through all our trials and tribulations, we as Christians, chosen by God, are protected. I love this verse because it teaches that even when we face our greatest obstacles, we need not fear because Christ is always with us.
Matthew 6:25-27 — “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?"
The key words here are so important: "Do not be anxious." This verse is so powerful, because it reminds us that all God's creation relies on God, and that He provides for everything — even the smallest creature. How can we be worried for our future when we know that God will provide?
Philippians 4:6-7 — "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
This passage shares a chapter with another of my favorite verses, Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Both these verses are so comforting in the most troubled times of our lives, when we feel we might not pull through in a difficult situation. If we put our trust in Jesus, he will give us peace in Him. While it's so easy to get bogged down with fear and worry, it is during our hardest times that God lifts us highest. Give up your trials to God and you'll reap the rewards of peace, love, and hope.