Anxiety is a challenge that affects many, and it can leave us searching for relief. For those of faith, this might lead to questions about the role of medication and where it fits in a life of trust in God. What does the Bible really say about balancing faith with practical help for our mental health?
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Depending On God
What Does The Bible Say About Anxiety Medication
Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
This verse reminds us that instead of being anxious, we should bring our concerns to God through prayer. By presenting our requests with thanksgiving, we can experience the peace of God that surpasses all understanding, which will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
1 Peter 5:7
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
This verse reassures us that we can cast all our anxiety upon God because He cares for us. We are not meant to carry our burdens alone, but rather, we can trust in His love and care for us.
Psalm 94:19
“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.”
This verse highlights the comforting presence of God during times of anxiety. When we turn to Him, His consolation brings us joy and peace, even in the midst of great anxiety.
Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Jesus invites those who are weary and burdened to come to Him for rest. By taking His yoke upon us and learning from Him, we can find rest for our souls. His yoke is easy and His burden is light, providing relief from anxiety.
Psalm 55:22
“Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”
In this verse, we are encouraged to cast our cares onto the Lord, knowing that He will sustain us. When we trust in Him, we can find the assurance that He will not let the righteous be shaken, easing our anxieties.
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?”
Jesus reminds us in this passage not to worry about our basic needs, as God, our heavenly Father, will provide for us. He illustrates this by pointing to the birds of the air, emphasizing that if God takes care of them, He will surely take care of us, alleviating our anxieties.
Psalm 34:4
“I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.”
This verse testifies to the faithfulness of God in answering our cries for help. When we seek Him, He delivers us from our fears and anxieties, showing His loving care for us.
Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
In this verse, God reassures us that we should not fear or be dismayed, for He is with us. He promises to strengthen, help, and uphold us with His righteous right hand. This assurance can provide comfort and peace in times of anxiety.
Psalm 27:1
“The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?”
This verse declares that when we have the Lord as our light and salvation, we have no reason to fear. He is the stronghold of our lives, protecting us from anxieties and fears.
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.”
This verse speaks of the unwavering trust in God even in the darkest times. We need not fear any evil because the Lord is with us, providing comfort and guidance through every valley, including the valley of anxiety.
Proverbs 12:25
“Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.”
This verse acknowledges that anxiety can weigh down our hearts, but it also emphasizes the power of a kind word to bring cheer. Showing compassion and offering encouragement can provide relief for those struggling with anxiety.
Psalm 56:3-4
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise— in God, I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”
In moments of fear and anxiety, this verse encourages us to place our trust in God. By praising His word and anchoring ourselves in His faithfulness, we can find the confidence and freedom from fear that comes from placing our trust in Him.
John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Jesus offers His peace to us, a peace that surpasses the peace that the world offers. With His peace, we can refuse to let our hearts be troubled or allow anxiety to grip us with fear.
Luke 12:22-24
“Then Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap; they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!'”
Jesus reminds us once again not to worry about our basic needs, highlighting that life is more than just food and clothing. He draws our attention to the care God provides for the birds, emphasizing how much more valuable we are to Him, showing that we can trust Him to care for us and soothe our anxious hearts.
Psalm 121:1-2
“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.”
This verse points us to the source of our help, which is the Lord Himself. When we look to Him, we find the reassurance that He is the Creator of heaven and earth, capable of providing the help we need in times of anxiety.
Matthew 6:34
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Jesus teaches us not to worry about the uncertainties of tomorrow but rather to focus on the present. He reminds us that each day has its own challenges, and by entrusting our anxieties to Him, we can find strength to face each day with greater peace and trust.
2 Timothy 1:7
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
This verse reminds us that fear does not come from God. Instead, He has given us a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind. With His empowering presence, we can overcome anxiety and embrace His peace.
Psalm 139:23-24
“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
This verse invites God to search our hearts and reveal our anxious thoughts. It acknowledges our need for His guidance and asks Him to lead us in the way everlasting, trusting that as He does, He will bring healing and peace to our anxious souls.
Isaiah 35:4
“Say to those with fearful hearts, ‘Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.'”
In this verse, we are encouraged to speak to those with fearful hearts, reminding them to be strong and not give in to fear. We can assure them that God will come to save and provide justice, giving them the strength and courage to overcome anxiety.
Psalm 118:6
“The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”
This verse declares the presence of the Lord with us, instilling confidence and dispelling fear. When we recognize His nearness, we can boldly face anxiety, knowing that mere mortals hold no power over us.
Psalm 56:11
“In God I trust and am not afraid. What can man do to me?”
With an unwavering trust in God, we can conquer fear and anxiety. This verse expresses the assurance that when we place our trust in Him, no harm or intimidation from man can shake us.
Psalm 62:8
“Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.”
This verse urges us to trust in God continually, even during times of anxiety. We are encouraged to pour out our hearts to Him, recognizing that He is our refuge, a safe place where we can find comfort and solace.
Psalm 46:1
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
This verse reminds us that God is not only our refuge but also our strength, providing help in times of trouble. His constant presence offers us a reliable source of strength and comfort, dispelling anxiety and fear.
Psalm 94:19
“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.”
In moments of overwhelming anxiety, this verse illustrates the power of God’s consolation. His comforting presence brings joy and peace, even in the face of great anxiety.