Anxiety is a heavy burden many of us carry. Whether it’s brought on by financial pressure, fear of the unknown, health concerns, family struggles, or personal insecurities, it can feel like a weight too great to bear. In today’s fast-paced and uncertain world, anxiety affects people across all walks of life, often leaving them feeling alone and overwhelmed. But the Bible, especially the book of Psalms, offers profound comfort to those wrestling with worry and fear.
The Psalms are a unique collection of songs, prayers, and poems written by people who experienced deep emotional highs and lows. These sacred texts don’t shy away from raw human emotion.
Instead, they bring our fears into the light and place them before a God who is powerful, loving, and ever-present. Through these verses, we see that anxiety is not a modern issue—it has always been part of the human condition, and God has always been the answer.
More than simply poetic writings, the Psalms are spiritual lifelines. They give voice to our pain and point us toward healing. In their words, we find permission to be honest with God about our fears, and we also discover His faithful response. Whether you’re dealing with sleepless nights, racing thoughts, or an overwhelming sense of dread, the Psalms offer gentle reminders that God is near, He understands, and He is our refuge in times of trouble.
Below are 25 comforting Psalms that speak directly to the anxious heart. Each one is accompanied by a thoughtful reflection to help you meditate on God’s truth and find peace in His promises.
25 Powerful and Comforting Psalms About Anxiety 2025
1. Psalm 3:3-6
“But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. I call out to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy mountain. I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me. I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side.”
Psalm 3 was written during one of the most distressing times in King David’s life—when he was fleeing from his son Absalom, who sought to overthrow him. The sense of betrayal and fear could have crippled him, yet David clung to God’s promises.
Reflection: Despite facing betrayal and danger, David proclaims God as his shield and sustainer. Anxiety often comes when we feel defenseless, but this passage reminds us that God surrounds us with His protection. It encourages us to rest, knowing that God is watching over us even when we sleep.
2. Psalm 4:8
“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.”
This short yet profound verse comes from a prayerful Psalm where David appeals to God’s righteousness and trustworthiness. He speaks from a place of confidence in God’s ability to bring peace.
Reflection: Insomnia is often a companion to anxiety, yet David confidently declares he can sleep peacefully because of his trust in God. This verse is a powerful affirmation that true rest comes not from the absence of problems but from the presence of God. It encourages us to release our fears to Him and rest in His safekeeping.
3. Psalm 9:9-10
“The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.”
This Psalm is a song of thanksgiving for God’s justice. It recognizes that even in dark times, the Lord remains a place of shelter and strength for those who suffer.
Reflection: God is portrayed as a stronghold—a place of safety and stability in life’s storms. These verses remind the anxious heart that seeking God leads to assurance, and that He has a history of faithfulness to all who put their trust in Him.
4. Psalm 13:1-6
“How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?… But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.”
This heartfelt cry from David captures the rawness of emotional suffering. The opening verses show the depth of David’s despair, making it relatable for anyone battling anxiety or depression.
Reflection: This Psalm starts with deep anguish but ends with praise. David honestly expresses feelings of abandonment and sorrow, a state many who suffer from anxiety can relate to. But his choice to trust in God’s unfailing love, even when emotions suggest otherwise, is a powerful example of faith in action.
5. Psalm 16:8-9
“I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure.”
Psalm 16 is a declaration of confidence and joy in the Lord’s presence. David reveals the secret to unshakeable peace—keeping our focus on God. These verses are a reminder that peace is not found in the absence of trouble but in the presence of God.
In a world that offers countless distractions and solutions that never truly satisfy, David points us to a simple but profound truth: when our gaze remains fixed on God, anxiety loses its grip. With God at our right hand—our position of defense and honor—we are not easily moved by fear. These verses provide a calming assurance for the anxious soul.
Reflection: Anxiety shakes our inner stability, but this verse reminds us that fixing our focus on God anchors us. When we prioritize God’s presence, we gain inner security, joy, and rest.
6. Psalm 18:2-6
“The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer… In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help… He heard my voice.”
Psalm 18 is a song of deliverance, written after David was rescued from his enemies. It praises God’s strength and His ability to respond to cries for help.
Reflection: This Psalm describes God’s power and responsiveness. When anxiety feels like a trap, God is our deliverer. We are reminded that no cry goes unheard and that God is quick to rescue.
7. Psalm 23:1-4
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing… Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.”
Psalm 23 is perhaps the most beloved Psalm, often quoted in times of fear and mourning. It provides a beautiful metaphor of God as a shepherd who cares for and protects His sheep.
Reflection: God’s role as our Shepherd means He guides, protects, and provides for us. Even in our darkest moments, His presence brings peace. The promise of not lacking anything and being led beside still waters assures us of divine care.
8. Psalm 27:1-3
“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 Psalm is a declaration of fearless confidence. Written by David, it affirms that even in the face of enemies and danger, God is our light and salvation.
Reflection: Fear loses its grip when we remember who God is. These verses confront our anxiety head-on with declarations of divine power and protection. When God is our stronghold, anxiety has no lasting claim.
9. Psalm 27:13-14
“I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”
David ends this Psalm with a hopeful outlook rooted in trust. In times of anxiety, waiting can feel like agony, but this Psalm teaches us the power of hopeful endurance.
Reflection: Anxiety often stems from impatience and uncertainty about the future. David encourages us to trust in God’s timing and goodness, reminding us that waiting on Him renews our strength and builds courage.
10. Psalm 30:5
“Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.”
This Psalm celebrates God’s deliverance from distress and sickness. It acknowledges the reality of sorrow but highlights God’s ability to transform mourning into joy.
Reflection: This verse offers hope in the midst of sorrow. Anxiety may overwhelm us temporarily, but it will not have the final word. God promises joy and renewal with each new day.
11. Psalm 31:22-24
“In my alarm I said, ‘I am cut off from your sight!’ Yet you heard my cry for mercy when I called to you for help. Love the Lord, all his faithful people! The Lord preserves those who are true to him… Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.”
Psalm 31 reveals a soul in deep turmoil, expressing feelings of abandonment, fear, and urgency. David, overwhelmed by distress, thought he was forgotten by God. Yet in a moment of clarity and mercy, he realized that God was indeed listening all along.
Reflection: These verses remind us that even when our emotions scream that we’re alone, God is still near. Anxiety can deceive us into thinking we’re beyond help, but God’s mercy pierces through that darkness. Our cries do not go unheard, and God calls us to hold fast to hope, to be strong, and to remember His unwavering love.
12. Psalm 32:7
“You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.”
Psalm 32 is a declaration of the blessings of forgiveness and God’s protection. After acknowledging sin and receiving forgiveness, the psalmist proclaims that God becomes a personal refuge—a safe and quiet place.
Reflection: When anxiety strikes, it’s easy to want to run and hide. This verse reminds us that we don’t have to hide from God—we can hide in Him. He not only protects us from external trouble but also from the internal storms that rage in our minds. His presence surrounds us with songs of peace and rescue.
13. Psalm 34:4
“I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.”
Psalm 34 is a hymn of praise that celebrates God’s faithfulness and provision. David testifies that when he sought the Lord, his fears were replaced by divine intervention.
Reflection: This verse provides a clear formula for finding relief from anxiety: seeking God. When we intentionally turn to Him, He responds. This doesn’t mean our circumstances immediately change, but it means our inner world is transformed as fear is exchanged for faith.
14. Psalm 37:7-9
“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him… do not fret—it leads only to evil. For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.”
Psalm 37 contrasts the fate of the wicked with the reward of the righteous. It encourages us not to be anxious about the prosperity of others but to remain calm and hopeful in God’s timing.
Reflection: Anxiety often drives us to compare our lives with others or grow impatient with our progress. This passage reminds us to slow down, be still, and wait for God. Fretting, the cousin of anxiety, only leads to more harm. Trusting in God brings lasting peace and promises fulfilled.
15. Psalm 40:1-3
“I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit… he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.”
Psalm 40 begins with a powerful image of rescue. The psalmist had been in a place of despair—like sinking in mud—but the Lord responded with compassion and strength.
Reflection: When anxiety feels like quicksand, this Psalm assures us that God hears and responds. He lifts us out of the pit, sets us on solid ground, and even gives us a new song of praise. Waiting on God isn’t passive; it’s an act of trust that ends in deliverance.
16. Psalm 42:5-6
“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.”
Psalm 42 captures the voice of someone speaking directly to their soul in the midst of despair. The psalmist recognizes the internal conflict and emotional turmoil but also reminds themselves where their hope truly lies.
Reflection: This is a beautiful example of preaching truth to yourself. When anxiety clouds our thinking, we must be intentional about turning our focus to God. Encouraging our souls to hope in the Lord is a powerful step toward peace. Praise becomes both a weapon and a remedy for our troubled hearts.
17. Psalm 46:1-3
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea…”
Psalm 46 paints a picture of utter chaos—natural disasters and instability—yet in the middle of it all, God is described as a strong refuge and an ever-present help.
Reflection: Even when the world feels like it’s falling apart, we are not without hope. This Psalm reminds us that God’s presence is our stability in a world that constantly shifts. No storm, literal or emotional, is stronger than His protection.
18. Psalm 55:22
“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”
This Psalm is a heartfelt cry for help in the face of betrayal and internal distress. The writer pleads with God, overwhelmed by fear and trembling. In the middle of this emotional storm, he offers a powerful piece of wisdom: give your burdens to God.
Reflection: Anxiety often comes from carrying too much on our own. Psalm 55:22 reminds us that we don’t have to bear the weight alone. Casting our cares on the Lord is not just poetic language—it’s a practical step toward peace. God doesn’t just take our burdens; He replaces them with His strength.
19. 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?”
This Psalm was written during a time when David was captured by his enemies. Fear was a very real and valid emotion, yet David declared his trust in God despite his circumstances.
Reflection: Fear and faith can coexist, but faith leads us out of fear’s grip. These verses teach us that trusting in God’s word and remembering who He is can overpower even our most paralyzing fears. When we focus on God’s strength rather than people’s threats, anxiety loses its power.
20. Psalm 61:1-3
“Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe.”
Psalm 61 captures the voice of someone crying out from a distant place—emotionally and spiritually. Overwhelmed and fainthearted, the psalmist asks God for a safe and higher ground.
Reflection: When anxiety makes us feel distant from God or out of reach, this Psalm reminds us that God still hears. He is our rock and strong tower. Lifting our eyes to Him lifts our hearts above our fears. He places us on higher ground, where we can breathe again.
21. Psalm 62:5-8
“Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation… Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.”
Psalm 62 is a declaration of quiet confidence in God. The psalmist repeatedly calls God his rock, salvation, and fortress, encouraging the reader to do the same.
Reflection: Anxiety thrives in silence and isolation. This Psalm invites us to pour out our hearts to God—to vocalize our fears and rest in His promises. When we do, our souls can finally breathe and find peace.
22. Psalm 63:6-8
“On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. I cling to you; your right hand upholds me.”
Psalm 63 reflects a deep yearning for God during a time of wilderness and loneliness. The psalmist meditates on God even during the night hours, finding comfort and security in His presence.
Reflection: Sleepless nights are familiar territory for the anxious heart. This Psalm offers a remedy: meditating on God’s faithfulness. In the dark, when fears whisper loudest, God’s presence becomes our shelter. Clinging to Him brings stability and song even in the silence.
23. Psalm 91:1-2
“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’”
Psalm 91 is often called the soldier’s Psalm, offering powerful promises of protection for those who trust in God. It speaks of divine shelter and unwavering safety.
Reflection: True rest comes not from a lack of problems but from the presence of God. This Psalm paints a picture of spiritual security—where we are shielded, not shaken. When we dwell in God’s presence, fear fades under His shadow.
24. Psalm 94:18-19
“When I said, ‘My foot is slipping,’ your unfailing love, Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.”
This Psalm speaks to a time of personal weakness and overwhelming anxiety. Yet, instead of falling, the psalmist is held up by God’s love and comforted by His presence.
Reflection: We all have moments where we feel like we’re slipping—emotionally, mentally, even spiritually. But God’s unfailing love holds us steady. His comfort doesn’t just soothe us; it revives us with joy in the middle of our pain.
25. 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.”
Psalm 121 is a song of ascent, sung by travelers on their way to Jerusalem. It reflects a deep assurance that help doesn’t come from the mountains, but from the Creator who made them.
Reflection: In anxious moments, we often look for help in all the wrong places. This Psalm redirects our gaze upward—not just to the mountains, but beyond them to the Maker. He is the one who sustains, strengthens, and never sleeps.
Conclusion
Anxiety may be part of our journey, but it does not have to be the end of our story. The Psalms invite us to experience God’s presence in the middle of our fear, to cry out, to remember, and to trust. As you meditate on these 25 Psalms, may your heart find rest, your mind find clarity, and your spirit find strength in the God who never leaves your side.
