If you’ve been a little more anxious than usual lately, no need to be ashamed of it. Whether we would admit it or not, just about all of us are feeling the silent squeeze of anxiety on our hearts and minds right now, like a python trying to squeeze the life out of us.

Personally, every time I scan the headlines on my phone it has a strange effect on me. I get overcome by a sensation of fear and dread. So, I have finally decided to pull back on my screen time and to be more careful about what I’m reading. I don’t want to bury my head in the sand like an ostrich does when it senses a threat, but I also don’t want to unnecessarily immerse myself in the mire of negativity.

My heart can’t take it.

But something that always helps is the Word of God. More often than not, after slowly and prayerfully reading some Scripture, I find relief. My head clears up and the anxious thoughts are chased away, at least for a while.

In case you might need some direction on where to look in the Bible for a good word right now, here are some of my favorite passages when I’m feeling anxious:

10. Say to those who have an anxious heart, “Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.”-Isaiah 35:4

9. From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed.
Lead me to the towering rock of safety – Psalm 61:2

8. There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.-Romans 8:1

7. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.-Psalm 23:1-2

6. But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”-Luke 10:41-42

5. Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. -Jesus, John 14:1

4. And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.-Mark 4:39

3. You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. -Isaiah 26:3

2. And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?-Jesus, Matthew 6:27

1. do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Paul, Philippians 4:6-7

There’s a whole lot more where these came from, but when you’re feeling anxious, take these verses to heart. Read them. Listen to them. Receive them. Repeat. Pretty soon, you’ll be singing “It is well with my soul” once again.

It’s a new day with God. Run with it.