9 Quick Scriptures For When You Feel Overwhelmed

We are entering what is arguably the most magical time of year. And while Thanksgiving and, especially, Christmas are meant to be celebrated, they are often overwhelming. I remember the magic of the holidays as a kid—preparing for Santa, decorating the tree, cooking, wrapping gifts with shiny paper, and attending school parties.

And while it is barely November, the pressure to make every moment count has already begun.

What we don’t realize during childhood is that the keepers of holiday magic are the grownups in our lives who love us. As such, the holidays hit different now that I am the mom in charge of holiday magic.

It is so easy to lose sight of the true meaning of the holidays, let alone become overwhelmed. Here are nine scriptures that I find helpful when I feel anxious or overwhelmed.

It is my prayer that these verses will help quiet your mind and fill you with peace when life feels too heavy to carry.

Uncommon Peace

As a generally anxious person, I find great comfort in Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV). In fact, it is my favorite verse. It says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

The core theme in this scripture is to trade anxiety for peace through prayer and trust.

Strength and Help

Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) tells us, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

When life feels too heavy, God wants us to let Him carry us. This scripture is lovely because God offers a direct promise of His divine presence and strength in our lives.

Be Still

Psalm 46:10 (NIV) is meant to remind us as Christians that our Heavenly Father wants us to “‘Be still, and know that [he is] God; [He] will be exalted among the nations, [He] will be exalted in the earth.'”

In moments of stillness, we can see God’s might more clearly. The scripture serves as an essential mandate for us to pause and recognize His sovereignty. If He is in charge, we have nothing to fear as the God of nations has everything under control.

Lay the Burden Down

Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV) invites us as followers of Christ to lay down our heavy burdens and to let Him carry them for us so that we can accept and experience true rest.

Specifically, Jesus says, “Come to me, all you 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. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

The Spirit of God Gives Us Power

The theme of 2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV) is what the Spirit of God offers humanity in terms of clarity and self-control. He gives us power and energy when we have none. “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”

God’s Love Equals Renewal

Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV): “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

This scripture encourages us to shift our focus from being overwhelmed to looking to God for a sense of renewal.

In All Things God Works for Our Good

Romans 8:28 (NIV) tells us, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

This scripture helps me find hope and peace. It’s a foundational truth that reminds us that God is our redeemer. He works for our ultimate good, regardless of the circumstances.

Nothing to Fear

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4, NIV).

This verse is meant to assure us that our Shepherd is immediately present, even when we find ourselves in way over our heads.

Peace Beyond This World

When I’m overwhelmed, I tend to get tunnel vision. The more I concentrate on whatever is at the helm of my anxiety, the more it takes over. This cyclical effect robs me of my peace.

This is why I love John 14:27 (NIV). It says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

This verse is fantastic because it is designed to remind us that the worldview is not from God. He and He alone can fill you with peace, making life much lighter to carry.

Notably, the peace we receive from God lasts, unlike the temporary relief that is sometimes achieved in this world.

How to Use Go-To Verses

There are many ways to use these verses, as well as any other ones that you find helpful and want to either submit to memory or have handy when anxiety and overwhelm begin to set in. You can write them on a card or keep them on your phone. I really like the Notes app for saving my notes.

The important thing is to remember that peace is a practice, not a one-time fix. Regular prayer and meditation in the Word are the most effective means to quieting a busy mind when the noise of the world creeps back in.

It’s not uncommon for anxiety to sneak up on you even when you think you have it under control, and that is okay. Revisiting your list of comfort scriptures and spending time in prayer with God are a necessary reset..

God as an Anchor of Peace

Remember, when life gets too heavy to carry. Anxiety and overwhelm can swoop in and take over your mind. It is in these moments that we can turn to God and ask for His divine intervention.

God is our anchor. To feel his peace, we must seek it by remaining steadfast, as it says in Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)–”You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”