When someone you love is struggling with anxiety or depression, it can be hard at times to know what to say when all you desire is to lift their spirits and calm their heart.
It is important to remember that many times they don’t need you to say anything but would rather you listen to them and acknowledge the difficult feelings they are experiencing.
However, there may be times when you are unable to provide a listening ear or comforting hug, and finding some comforting words to share with them would be helpful. We are blessed that God has already given us many comforting words through the Holy Spirit-inspired words of the Bible.
In hopes that you may find these helpful, below I’m sharing some Bible passages that I’ve found very comforting when I’ve struggled with anxiety and depression throughout my life. These are short, comforting verses that you can easily send via text or email or even mention over the phone or in person when you are with your loved one.
I’ve also created some images (shared at the bottom of this post) with a few of these Bible verses. Feel free to download and save them so that you may share them as well.
“Keep me safe, O God;
Psalm 16:1
in you I take refuge.”
“Whoever clings to me I will deliver;
Psalm 91:14–15
whoever knows my name I will set on high.
All who call upon me I will answer;
I will be with them in distress.”
“Show me the path I should walk,
Psalm 143:8
for to you I entrust my life.”
“They that hope in the Lord will renew their strength,
Isaiah 40:31
they will soar as with eagles’ wings.
They will run and not grow weary,
walk and not grow faint.”
“My soul, be at rest in God alone,
Psalm 62:6
from whom comes my hope.”
“For your name’s sake, Lord, give me life;
Psalm 143:11
in your justice lead me out of distress.”
“Have no anxiety at all, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6–7
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, then I will enter his house and dine with him, and he with me.”
Revelation 3:20
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has similarly been tested in every way, yet without sin. So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help.”
Hebrews 4:15–16
“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.”
James 4:8
“Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you.”
2 Peter 5:7
And here’s a comforting Bible verse for you:
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of all compassion and God of all encouragement, who encourages us in our every affliction, so that we may be able to encourage those who are in any affliction with the encouragement with which we ourselves are encouraged by God.”
2 Corinthians 1:3–4
May you and your loved ones rest in His peace now and always!
*All Scripture taken from the St. Joseph Edition of the New American Bible.
Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional or licensed therapist. I am speaking from my perspective and human experience and as someone that has struggled with anxiety and depression since childhood.
God is good and has given us the gift of medical and therapeutic treatment options when basic self-care isn’t enough to help us overcome our struggles with anxiety and depression. If you feel your loved one needs professional support, don’t hesitate to encourage them to reach out for this support when they need it. It’s a gift from God that will to help them to recover so they can live their life to the fullest — which is God’s desire for them!
Thank you. God bless you.
God bless you as well!