Life can feel hard at times. When you feel anxious, overwhelmed, and ready to give up, the best cure is often just taking a moment to recenter. Rather than yielding to stress, anger, or other negative emotions, breathe slowly for a moment. Let the pressure melt away as you reflect on these Bible verses.

Matt 6:27

1. “And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?” Matt 6:27

Jesus says this to the Apostles right after pointing out how the birds are happy. They don’t stress. They know that God will provide for them. He points out that anxiety is futile. It doesn’t improve your life, and it doesn’t add time to your life.

When you’re under pressure, it can feel counterintuitive to relax, but you must. Jesus was clear that people shouldn’t be anxious.

Matthew 11:28-30

2. “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, 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.” Matthew 11:28-30

As you try to get rid of anxiety and worry, place your burdens on the Lord. Follow God’s word. He promises to give the weary rest. This doesn’t always take the form that you expect. But even just sitting quietly with the Bible or noticing God’s creations can help to lighten your emotional load.

Matthew 6:34

3. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Matthew 6:34

The only moment you have is right now. In this moment, you are safe even if stress is looming around the corner. Breathe. Enjoy the feeling of God’s creations — feel the wind against your body, touch the texture of your clothing, or notice how the sky looks. This will help ground you in the moment.

Then, remember that while you can prepare for tomorrow, you shouldn’t be anxious about it. Today and this moment are all you have and all you need to be concerned about for now.

Romans 15:13

4. Our hope comes from God. May He fill you with joy and peace because of your trust in Him. May your hope grow stronger by the power of the Holy Spirit” – Romans 15:13

It can be hard to feel calm when you’re worried about tomorrow or concerned about things that happened yesterday. As a human, you can’t understand God’s plan, but you must trust that he has one. Reflect on this Bible verse and remember that only your trust in God can help you through the hard times in your life. God made you, he loves you, and he has a plan for your life.

James 1:2

5. Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials. James 1:2

This particular verse applies to threats to your faith, but it can also apply to any trial. What can you learn from the stressful events in your life? If you’ve suffered pain and trauma, can you use your experiences to understand others better or improve how you treat people? A few verses later, James continues to write, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.” Keep this thought in mind as you navigate your life.