Scriptures & Songs for Fear/Anxiety

In a world where nearly anything can change or be destroyed, we each need to ask ourselves every day, What or who will my anchor be?

Many of us have sometimes chosen to dig our stakes into the grounds of our current good circumstances. But circumstances are temporary and can change. Therefore, our circumstances are not a trustworthy anchor for all times. If our jobs/financial securities, our physical health, our current good mood, or the people around us become the ground we stand on, then the rug can easily be pulled out from beneath us, as the saying goes. We can lose our jobs, get sick, feel negative emotions, or lose friends despite their promises otherwise. 

These flimsy anchors that seem secure can't keep us steady for long. 

This leaves us with a dilemma. We want something unchanging. We want something in our life that will never end or change. But here's the dilemma: everything in this physical world is temporary. Some people may believe that there is nothing that exists beyond the material world. And there is nothing in the material universe that will absolutely, without one doubt, remain infinitely. An asteroid could destroy the very earth we live on. Complications from a virus could end a life.

Even some seemingly-immaterial things can be temporary.

The human love that we often rely on for our sense of identity can fade. Feelings can change. The beauty of the present environment could be destroyed. We never know what will happen tomorrow. As Proverbs 27:1 says, "Do not boast about tomorrow,
For you do not know what a day may bring forth." This idea is repeated in James 4:13-17. 

Think of all the times that we've said, "In June, I'll do__." Or, "Next week, I'll go to _____." Little did we know about a virus that would shake even the plans we were sure about. This is a plot twist few - if any of us - saw coming just a few months ago. 

The uncertainty that you might be feeling may lead to anxiety. When things are questionable, we tend to worry about them, because we are used to thinking that we know what lies ahead. How do we deal with the "maybe"s and "could-be"s of life? We can deal with this by anchoring ourselves in the "yeses," "nos" "forevers" and "nevers" of God. 

In a world full of maybes, we need absolute truth. As Jesus says in Matthew 24:35, "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away." I've included some scriptures and songs for anyone dealing with anxiety. A lot of these truths and scripture-based lyrics have helped me in dark, uncertain times. I encourage you to dig your stakes into the unchanging truths.

                                                                Scriptures

Philippians 4:6

Isaiah 26:3

Isaiah 32:18

James 1:5

Ps. 139 (especially v.  2-3; 7-12)

Ps. 46

Romans 8:35-39

Isaiah 46:3-4

Ps. 27:1

Ps. 125:2*

Isaiah 40:11*

Psalm 91:4*

Ps. 103:6-19

Songs

"Psalm 46" (Shane and Shane)

"Look Up Child" (Lauren Daigle)**

"Leaning on the Everlasting Arms"

"Inevitable" (Lauren Daigle)**

"Sheltered In The Arms of God"

"You Carry Me" (Moriah Peters)

"Anchor of My Soul" (Josh Garrels)

EDIT: A podcast I recommend is Gentle and Lowly from Crossway by Dale C. Ortlund, based on his book by the same title. Although I've tended to be skeptical of resources that emphasize God's love and grace for fear that it might overemphasize these concepts, I have found that Crossway seems to be such a deep, theologically-sound resource, and the podcast is no different. I appreciate how it "lays on thick" the love of God while not underestimating His justice.

*These scriptures are mentioned in Dr. Thom Gardner's book, The Healing Journey, in the chapter on insecurity.

**I am aware that Lauren Daigle is kind of a controversial name in Christian music, but the lyrics in these specific songs are Bibliblically sound and should be judged based on their own merits, not by the person who wrote or sang them.

If you struggle with anxiety (or even if you don't), keep these scriptures with you. Maybe write them down on index cards and keep them in your purse or wallet. Try praying them and saying them out loud. Maybe even memorize them. As for the songs, you could make a playlist out of them if you want. Either way, I encourage you to listen to the lyrics, allowing the songs to get stuck in your head and the words to speak to your soul.

"Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah." (Psalm 46:7)

Are there any scriptures or songs that you could add to the list? Feel free to mention them in the comment section!