When we’re anxious, upset, or scared, it’s common for our brains to loop certain negative thoughts relating to what we’re anxious, upset, or scared about. Even though we may know in our heads that what we’re thinking isn’t true, in the moment it can feel impossible to get our hearts and our bodies to catch up to what we know is true.
The best thing to do in times like these is lean back into the loving arms of the Father, rest in His presence, and let Him remind us, through His Word, of the truth that never changes, regardless of our circumstances.
Here are 5 Scriptures to read and prayers to pray to calm your nervous system and recenter your focus on the goodness and faithfulness of God and His everlasting love for you.
God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. – Psalm 46:1-2 NLT
God, my mind is running all over the place and I can’t seem to get my thoughts under control. I know what’s true about my identity in You, but my anxiety and fear feel so much louder. Please be my comfort, refuge, and strength in this moment. In Jesus’ name, amen.
“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” – John 14:27 NLT
Jesus, thank You for the peace You give me. I know all of Your gifts are as good as promises and that I can rely on them when I’m feeling down. I ask for Your promised peace to fill my body, my mind, and my heart right now. Help me not let these troubling thoughts consume me, but instead point me back to You. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.
“And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” – Matthew 28:20b NLT
Heavenly Father, what a comfort it is to know You’re always with me. In moments where I feel completely alone and trapped in my own head, help me remember that You are there, closer than my very breath. I can surrender all my thoughts, worries, and emotions to You and trust that You will redeem every single one of them. Help me to feel Your presence right now, Jesus. In Your name, amen.
Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean He no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death?...No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. – Romans 8:35, 37 NLT
God, I struggle with feeling like my burdens aren’t worthy of Your attention. I get discouraged when I keep falling into the same patterns over and over, and I convince myself You must be sick of dealing with me. But I know that’s not true. I know that in Christ I have victory over anxiety, depression, worry, and fear. Would You help me believe it? Would Your truth—that I am Your beloved child—sink deeply into my being right now? I give You all my praise. In Jesus’ name, amen.
For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. – 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 NLT
Almighty God, in this moment of intense anxiety, I choose to believe Your truth over the lies filling in my mind. I know that my troubles are temporary, and that You are using them for a greater purpose. Quiet all the voices that would ever try to convince otherwise. I surrender to Your will, Your power, and Your authority over my life. Thank You for Your everlasting love for me. Thank You for all the ways You care for and comfort me. You are my Good Father, and I rest in You now. I love You, Lord. Amen.
