10 Calming Bible Verses When You’re Overwhelmed

As a mom with chronic illness, I get overwhelmed a lot. Living with chronic pain means I have to be very selective about what I say yes to and since I still have kids at home, there always seem to be too many things that need a yes.

As a special needs mom, I’ve often been overwhelmed by many diagnoses among four kids, hospital visits, therapy needs, financial concerns, school issues, dietary needs and more.

The older I get, the more I understand just how much I’m powerless over. It’s scary. But when I dwell on it all too much, and let the worries of life begin to distract me from what I should be doing fear, depression and discouragement become a constant presence.

Much of the time the overwhelmed feeling comes from not spending quality time in prayer and Bible reading and thinking I could do things in my own strength. Time in the Word is essential to my spiritual maintenance. Too many times I’ve rushed through it or pushed it aside in favor of social media so that I didn’t have to think too hard in the morning when I’m foggy.

I’m still learning how to live intentionally and learning not to let my monkey mind run the show. One of the most important things I can do is meditate, even if it’s just one verse.

Here’s 10 calming Bible verses when you’re overwhelmed.

1. The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1)
2. Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. (1 John 4:4)
3. Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. (John 14:1)
4. When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears, and rescues them from all their troubles. (Psalm 34:17)
5. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. (Psalm 32:7-8)
6. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)
7. You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you. (Isaiah 26:3)
8. Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world. (Psalm 46:10)
9. No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow–not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. (Romans 8:37)
10. Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands…(Isaiah 49:15-16a)

Do you have a favorite verse about being overwhelmed not listed here? I’d love to hear it!