10 Bible Verses to Help Calm Your Child Who Is Struggling with Anxiety
Anxiety is all too common among children today, even among those who have a foundation in church with Christian parents. Pressure to excel in school or in sports. Too many activities. No time for play or hobbies. Peer pressure. Bullying. Being exposed to “adult” things when they are too young to process them properly. Whatever the reason, anxiety can cause your child to lose sleep, become physically ill, or worsen into full-blown depression.
What can you do as a Christian parent? While medical intervention and counseling may be necessary, giving your children guidance through God’s Word should be the heart of any treatment plan. Here are ten verses with takeaways and sample prayers to help you get started. (All verses are from the English Standard Version).
Let's Look at Ten Bible Verses to Help Calm Anxiety and Worry
Scripture: Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Takeaway: Name what worries you. Pray about them. Thank God for hearing your prayer. Rely on the peace that He gives.
Prayer: God, I am anxious about _____________. You said I can come to You for anything. I’m coming to You now. Please take my worry about _________ and bring me Your peace. Thank You for hearing my prayer. Amen
Scripture: Casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.
Takeaway: “Casting” means “to throw.” Picture someone casting a fishing line. Where does the fishing line go? Toward the water. Away from you. God loves you so much that He wants you to throw your worries in His direction.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I am anxious about __________ and ____________ and ___________. (Fill in as many blanks as needed). Your Word says that I can give them to You. So here I go. I give _________ to You. Catch it and throw it away. (Repeat as many times as needed). You have them all now. I don’t want them back. When they try to come back, help me remember to throw them back to You. Amen.
Scripture: Have not I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Takeaway: Joshua had a huge job: lead the army of Israel as they took possession of the Promised Land. He took his fears to the Lord. God told him, “Don’t worry; I’ve got this.”
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, Your Word tells me that You are always with me. I have trouble remembering that sometimes. When I am anxious because of __________, help me remember that You are with me and You will give me the strength and courage to get through it. Just as You gave Joshua victory over Israel’s enemies, You will give me victory over ______________.
Scripture: Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Takeaway: God can handle what’s going on today. Trust Him for that. Worrying about tomorrow will not change anything today or tomorrow.
Prayer: Dear God, I know Your Word says to only worry about today, not tomorrow. But it’s hard for me not to worry about tomorrow. Help me remember that You are in control. You know what will happen tomorrow. Go before me and help me remember Your promises. Amen.
Scripture: When the cares of my heart are many, Your consolations cheer my soul.
Takeaway: “Consolation” means “comfort.” How has God comforted you in the past?
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I have a lot on my heart right now. (Name them). Thank You for the ways you have comforted me. (Name a few of them and how they have made him feel better). Please comfort me now. Amen.
Scripture: I sought the Lord, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears.
Takeaway: “Sought” is a form of the word “seek,” which can mean “request” or “ask.” When you ask the Lord to take away your fears, He will.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I am asking You to take my fears and worries. (Name them). Thank You for hearing my prayer. Amen.
Scripture: Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.
Takeaway: “Direct” means “to show the way.” If you want God to show you the way, you need to trust Him in all things.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, help me trust You with ___________. I have tried leaning on my own understanding, and You know what that has done to me. Show me the way through ___________ today. Amen.
Scripture: Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!
Takeaway: God knows your heart and your thoughts. Trust Him with them.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, You know my heart. You know my anxious thoughts. I trust You. Please take them today. Amen.
Scripture: When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. In God, in whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?
Takeaway: This passage may be best if your child’s anxiety comes from worrying about what other people think about him. God loves your child. He will protect him. Remind your child to praise God instead of other people.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I am afraid. I praise You because [give specifics]. I trust You with _____________. I know in my head that ______ cannot hurt me. Help me get that idea into my heart so that I can really believe it. Amen.
Scripture: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Takeaway: A refuge is a place of shelter or protection. God not only protects us in times of trouble, He is our source of strength during those times.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, please protect me today. Give me strength today. Amen.
As you share these bible verses to help calm your child struggling with anxiety, use them to guide his prayers. Write down his favorite one and help him to memorize it. May he find at least one to hold onto when anxiety threatens to take over.
Meet Our Guest Writer
Karen Robuck has worn many hats: librarian, teacher, homeschool mom, and wife. Even with all those hats, she has found time to be published in various children’s, writers’, and homeschool magazines, blogs, and websites. She joined Compel Pro in 2024 and has enjoyed delving into writing devotional and inspirational pieces. She lives in Northeast Mississippi with her husband, two young adult children, and eight cats. Connect with Karen on Facebook.
Download your free 15-Day Devotional, Grace for the Holidays, today!
Comments