Bible Verses for Teens with Anxiety
As a Christian counselor for teens, I interact with many adolescents who are wrestling with anxiety. As I walk alongside them through their difficult seasons, it’s important that I share places in God’s word where students can go to seek peace. Here are some of the verses I reference for students feeling anxious.
“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.”
Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
Some students wrestle with anxiety regarding things they cannot control. In these moments, I bring them to Philippians 4:6-7 to remind them who is in control. As they pray over these things and present them to God, they can release them into His hands. Then, their hands are open to receive the peace of God, which is greater than their current lack of understanding.
“Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”
Matthew 6:27 NIV
Similarly, worry plagues many students. Worry can be a teen’s effort to seek control over their circumstances, but it is rarely successful in achieving it. It’s important to establish the effects of worry and how it can only cause emotional distress. This knowledge doesn’t automatically take away the worry, but it can help the adolescents choose a different option.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (NIV)
Philippians 4:8 NIV
To replace the worry, I often encourage teens to think on Philippians 4:8. Giving students this verse encourages them to direct their thoughts towards God. Students often write this verse in easily accessible places to recite when they’re having a hard time.
“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.”
Psalm 23:4 NIV
I reference Psalm 23 when a teen is searching for peace within a rough patch in life. Adolescents often find difficulties within their relationships, and they can find comfort in knowing they have God with them always. This can be especially encouraging for students who have trouble finding consistency in the home as well as with their friends.
“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?” (NIV)
Psalm 27:1 NIV
This verse is referenced when talking with teens who have put their faith in Jesus. When we have made God our Savior and Lord, He becomes the solid foundation everything else is built on. When crises happen that involve those most important to them, they are able to cling to God to bring them through.
“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.”
Isaiah 42:10 NIV
I reference this verse when I want to encourage students with the Lord’s faithfulness. I remind them of how he kept his promises to the Israelites, which means He will keep His promises to them. The context of this verse is important to the weight of its meaning.
“For 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.”
Roman’s 8:38-39 NIV
Many teens worry about losing God’s love. This verse brings comfort because it reminds them that God’s love is different from human love, and there is nothing we can do to lose it.