Top 10 Bible Verses For Stress Relief In Hard Times
Last Updated: 15 February 2020
It goes without saying that we are living in a hectic and demanding world. We got our jobs, or businesses to run, or a family to take care of, bills to pay, problems to sort out, an uncertain future to deal with, bla bla bla – they are too many to mention. To live under such a pressure is obviously exhausting. But, thank God for the Bible.
This article is a compilation of the top 10 Bible verses for stress relief. May these sweet and comforting Scriptures renew your hope and remind you, that in Christ, better days are still ahead.
1. Psalm 9:9
Many people are suffering – crushed by the weight of their troubles. But the Lord is a refuge for them, a safe place they can run to.
Reflection
It is puzzling to realize how many stressful situations we have to deal with every single day. And this is just to survive – to put some food on the table, or to take care of our family, or to make the world a better place. Sometimes it feels like that we are carrying the whole world on our shoulder – overwhelmed by all kinds of thoughts and an overpowering urge to run away as fast as your feet can take you. And Yes! We should give in to that urge and escape. But, not from our problems – we should run to Jesus. Go in His presence through prayer and worship. Ask for peace, courage, strength and wisdom. Go back in the world and confront our problems.
Pray the verse
Dear God, I see suffering everywhere around me. Everyone is trying to make the best out of life. We all are passionately pursuing those happy moments. Thank you that we don’t have to walk in life alone. Thank you for being a refuge for everyone who needs it. Thank you that we can run to you and find strength to overcome our problems. Father, when the day comes that I have to run to you, please take me in, put me under your wings, embrace me, and give me strength to face those dark days. Amen.
2. John 16:33
I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have trouble; but cheer up! I have overcome the world.
Reflection
Jesus is our greatest example of how to live as a child of God in a wicked and troubled world. Needless to say that His time on earth was accompanied by numerous adverse circumstances. Yet, He overcame! He was victorious in the end. So, what’s one of Jesus’ legacy for every Christian: IT IS POSSIBLE. It’s possible to fall down and get back up again. It’s possible to confront Goliath and win. It’s possible to be broken, but not defeated. It’s possible that we can somehow manage the situation and end up on top.
Pray the verse
Sweet Jesus, I know that there’s nothing you don’t know. There are no trials or tribulations you don’t know how to overcome. Please, help me face all my challenges and responsibilities remembering that you overcame the world and that’s why I can do it too. Let me face them with the peace of mind that you are there with me every step of the way. Amen.
3. John 14:27
Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, I give to you. Don’t let your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful.
Reflection
In today’s society, people are eagerly looking for peace of mind. It’s understandable – because the world around us is hectic, chaotic and changing fast. There are indeed myriads of ways to find some peace and calm – we can travel, exercise, meditate, and so on. But, God’s peace is different. When we go in His presence and invite Him to take control, we can truly stop wrestling with our thoughts, rest and let Him work for us. With Jesus, we see and feel the storm, but our soul remains still and quiet – just like a weaned child with his mother.
Pray the verse
Lord God, I need your peace in my heart and my mind. Please, give me the peace that surpasses all understanding. Take me by my hand and bring me to calm waters. Embrace me with your loving-kindness and let me feel that you are walking by my side. Your Presence, Lord, will calm my heart and quiet my mind. Amen.
4. Psalm 94:19
In the multitude of my thoughts within me, your comforts delight my soul.
Reflection
If you ever had to deal with a stressful situation, you perfectly know how overwhelming that can be. Your mind start spiraling into negativity, doubt, panic, fear, and everything in between. In this Psalm, David said that the Lord gave him consolation when his mind was overwhelmed. Well. Guess what! If God can do it for David, He can do it for all His children. We need to seek His face, be still and know that He can work in us.
Pray the verse
Father in Heaven, all I need now is your love and grace. Let the rain of your Presence fall on me. Cast your Holy Fire and let it burn in my heart. Send your Holy Spirit, embrace me and allow me to feel your Presence and power overflowing my soul. Comfort me and make me happy. Amen.
5. 2 Thessalonians 3:16
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in all ways. The Lord be with you all.
Reflection
Do you remember Gideon in Judges 6? The Lord used him to save Israel from a fierce enemy. At that time, Gideon made an altar for God and called it: Jehovah Shalom – which means ‘The Lord is Peace’. Apparently, Gideon knew very well that it is only Jehovah God who is powerful enough to save His people and restore peace in the land. Let this remind us then that God is Peace. And if we remain in Him, He will eventually restore our peace in the midst of it all.
Pray the verse
Jehovah Shalom, draw me into your Presence and calm my soul. Remove negative thoughts. Deliver me from all my fears, worries and anxieties. Give me your peace that surpasses all human understanding. And allow me to enjoy life in freedom. Amen.
6. Matthew 11:28
Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest.
Reflection
Stress is the result of an adverse or demanding circumstance. We often have to deal with these circumstances whether we like it or not. Therefore, let’s go in His presence and praise Him, worship Him, and ask Him to deliver us from the burdens of life. Going alone through a dark tunnel can be scary. But, going in knowing that you are shielded by God will give you courage to carry on.
Pray the verse
Lovely Father, you know me and you know how hard I have to work to take care of myself and my family. I ask you to give me strength to carry my load on life’s road every single day. Help me overcome every obstacle on my way. Fill my life’s ride with joy and happiness. When I broke down on the way, draw me close to your Presence and allow me to rest in your peace. Amen.
7. Psalm 55:22
Cast your burden on the Lord and he will sustain you. He will never allow the righteous to be moved.
Reflection
It seems like that our mind has a constant need to remind us about our problems. Sometimes, it could be helpful to figuratively cast those problems on God. Like, writing them on a paper, pray over them, and then burn the paper. And every time the mind tells us about a particular problem, literally tell the mind: be quite, I don’t know about that. If you want to know ask God.
Pray the verse
Lord of All, in accordance to your Word, I cast now my burdens, fears, stress, uncertainties, worries, anxieties, and depression on you. Carry me in your hands and bring me to calm waters. Give me a peace that is beyond my understanding, and direct my thoughts towards what is pure and noble. Amen.
8. 2 Corinthians 12:10
Therefore, I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, and in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then am I strong.
Reflection
Bodybuilders know that the only way to get more muscles is to do strength training – lifting heavy objects and putting your body under immense stress. The more weight you lift; the more muscles you build. You have to go through that pain to become fit. We could use this analogy when it comes to difficult times. Going through trials and troubled times is not funny. But, one thing is certain: every painful situation could become an opportunity to learn something new. Many times, in the aftermath of a stormy period in your life, you’ll find that you’ve become more strong, determined, confident, wise, or whatever it is you achieved. Problems are sometimes blessings in disguise.
Pray the verse
Holy God, I thank you for every trail and tribulation that I’m going through right now. Give me strength to carry my cross with patience and joy – knowing that my perseverance will result in success in this life and great blessing in the eternal life to come. Lord, help me maintain a positive attitude towards life while I reach my goals. I trust that your hand of mercy and grace is on my life. Amen.
9. Psalm 118:5
In my distress I prayed to the Lord, and the Lord answered me and set me free.
Reflection
We may search and keep looking for eternity, but we will always find that the loving-kindness and faithfulness of our Lord is incomparable. From generation to generation, people prayed and sought His face for guidance. The gates to God’s Presence are open for us all – Jesus made that possible through his sacrifice on the cross. We should not hesitate, wait or doubt. Let’s us boldly approach His throne and ask Him for His favor, and God who is faithful will show us His mercy and help us in times of need.
Pray the verse
Dear Lord, this stress in my life is just too heavy to bear. I don’t know how to handle my situation, but I know you can. I don’t know a way out, but I know you can make a way or straighten those that are crooked. I don’t know how to untangle myself from my problems, but I know that you have the power to deliver me and set me free. Help me, Lord. Unleash your power in my life. Amen.
10. Psalm 61:2-3
From the end of the earth, I will call to you when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been a refuge for me, a strong tower from the enemy.
Reflection
There are no doubts that stress, along with worry and anxiety, can be exceedingly overwhelming. It could become extremely hard to pray, because in that moment the pressure hinders our ability to think straight. Yet, it is in those pivotal moments of emotional distress that we need to draw closer to God. Therefore, every time we got the chance, let’s ask God to help us find the way to His throne in the midst of our trials and tribulations.
Pray the verse
Lord of my heart, when my heart is overwhelmed and my thoughts are out of control, lead me to your throne – which is a strong tower of refuge for my soul. Remind me that you are the Lord of the Universe and that nothing is impossible for you. Draw me into your Presence and give me peace. Amen.