As someone who’s naturally an overthinker, reading soothing bible scriptures for encouragement and hope is imperative for me. Meditating on God’s word helps shift my mindset from fear to faith during moments of uncertainty.

Life is often unpredictable. And realizing that many circumstances are beyond our control can leave us feeling powerless and anxious. Concerns about family, finances, the future, health—these are everyday worries that can take control of our minds and diminish our peace.

Maybe it’s just me, but the world we’re living in is increasingly becoming scarier by the day. But the more I reflect on God’s promises of peace, the more I find comfort in a world I can’t control.

Although worry is a normal part of life, excessive worry can be critical to our health. Here’s a list of 15 bible scriptures for encouragement—to help you give your mind a rest when you’re feeling unsettled.

Let go of your concerns! Then you will know that I am God. I rule the nations. I rule the earth.

Psalm 46:10

1. Jeremiah 29:11

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

2. John 14:27

The peace I give is a gift the world cannot give, so don’t be troubled or afraid.

3. Psalm 94:19

When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.

4. Matthew 11:28-29

Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

5. Joshua 1:9

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for God is with you wherever you go.

6. 1 John 4:4

You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.

7. 1 Peter 5:7

Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.

8. Isaiah 46:4

Even to old age I am He, and even to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear. Yes, I will carry, and will deliver.

The righteous cry, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles.

Psalm 34:17

9. Psalm 107:28-30

Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and He guided them to their desired haven.

10. John 16:33

I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

11. Romans 8:31

What, then, shall we say about these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

12. Psalm 91:14-15

Because he loves Me, I will deliver him; because he knows My name, I will protect him. When he calls out to Me, I will answer him.

13. Romans 8:28

We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to His purpose.

14. Exodus 33:14

The Lord replied, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

15. Numbers 6:24-26

The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; The Lord turns His face toward you and give you peace.

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Things happen beyond our control—that’s the reality of life. But another reality is that we’re not as powerless as we sometimes feel, because we’ve been given power through Christ Jesus.

Read these scriptures for encouragement, peace, or for a little boost of faith. And remember, instead of focusing on your problems and all the things that can go wrong, focus on God’s promises and all the things that can go right!