The bible says ‘do not worry’ almost 365 times. This is a reminder for every day of the year to not worry.

Easier said than done.

I am great at encouraging other people, and handing out scripture to other people when they need it. However, I am terrible at listening to my own advice. I had a friend tell me I needed to read Philippians 4, and it’s funny because it seems like I hand that scripture out like raffle tickets at a fair.

God really wanted me to remember the scripture for myself. Of course verses are meant to be shared, but we have to listen and take them to heart as well.

At college, it is so easy to get caught up in the week with classes, friends, and just the mundane. So here are 5 scriptures that are comforting in times of stress, worry, doubt, and fear.

1. Matthew 6

This scripture brings up not worrying about what we will eat or drink. God cares about us more than the birds, and we don’t see them worrying about their next meal. Even though a lot of us are blessed to have clothes on our backs, we can relate this to so many other things that bring us stress or anxiety. The point of this scripture is for us to not worry, God is in control.

2. Philippians 4

This is one of my favorites, I’ve had it memorized for several years now and it has been so comforting. Philippians 4, specifically verses 6 and 7, stress prayer. I challenge you to replace your stress and worries with praying.

3. Proverbs 3:5-6

This verse stresses trusting in the Lord. “In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” You cannot do anything on your own, for it says “lean not on your own understanding.” You may think you know what is best, but God knows what’s better.

4. Matthew 11:28-30

This is a verse that calms the heart in a stressful situation. It says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” This can mean literal rest, because we know that even God had to rest on the seventh day. However, rest can also mean peace.

5. 1 Peter 5:7

1 Peter 5:7 says, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” We do not have to let it fester, we can simply say ‘Jesus, take this off of my hands.’ It does not have power over us anymore. He wants us to lean on Him.

My friend gave me a great piece of advice the other week, and he told me I could share it with you all. So, I want you to think about the biggest worry or problem you have ever encountered. Or think of all the little things that have made you stressed or freak out. Now, think about how these times made you feel. In the moment, you were probably about to burst. You probably couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Fast forward to the present, are you still worried about that ACT score, or that one bad test grade? The answer is probably no. The fear that once was a huge circle on your wall, is now a tiny dot.

Remember this the next time are you worried.