Verses to Read when Battling Big Emotions (Free Printable)

A reader sent me a message some time ago asking if I knew of anywhere she could download a list of verses to read when battling big emotions. She’d seen one before, but could no longer locate it.

I, too, had seen such a list years and years ago, back when I was a young girl in my teens, so I scoured the Internet as well, but was equally unsuccessful.

That’s when I decided to compile a similar list myself, and offer it to the world in a free printable format. I hope these verses will be a blessing and encouragement to you next time you find yourself battling big emotions of a strong and sundry sort. (Scroll to the bottom of the post to see and download complete list of verses to read when battling big emotions.)

Bible Verses to Read When You Feel…

AFRAID:

How many times does Scripture tell us not to give into fear? “Don’t be afraid.” “Fear not.” “Do not fear.” “Don’t let your heart be troubled.” It’s almost as if God knew what a knee-jerk reaction fear would be for the majority of human kind. Yet, as Paul reminds us in Romans 8:31, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” The ultimate antidote to fear is complete trust in God and in His ability to protect you.

• “When I am afraid, I will trust in Him.”  – Psalm 56:3
• “The LORD is on my side; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” – Psalm 118:6
• “Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will also help you, I will also uphold you with My righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10
• “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power & love & a sound mind.” – 2 Timothy 1:7

ANGRY: 

There are so many verses about dealing with anger, I could’ve filled an entire page with just those references alone. The book of Proverbs is replete with cautions against giving in to anger (Proverbs 14:17) — or even hanging out with people who cannot or will not control their temper.

• “‘Be angry, and do not sin’: do not let the sun go down on your wrath.” – Ephesians 4:26
• “Be angry, yet do not sin; on your bed, search your heart and be still.” – Psalm 4:4
• “He who is slow to anger is better than a warrior, and he who controls his temper is greater than one who captures a city.” – Proverbs 16:32
• “This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.” – James 1:19-20

ANXIOUS: 

Anxiety has become something of an epidemic in our modern age, yet it is a problem people have struggled with for millennia. Here again, the cure is a confident faith that God will do as He has promised. He will feed and clothe us just as surely as He feeds the birds of the air and clothes the lilies of the field. (Matthew 6:25-29) Moreover, God will work all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)

• “Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7
• “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” – Philippians 4:6
• “Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” – Matthew 6:34

BETRAYED: 

Are you feeling betrayed? Jesus can sympathize. He knows exactly what it feels like to be betrayed, having been sold by one of his closest followers for thirty pieces of silver. (Matthew 26:14-16)

• “Even if my father and mother abandon me, the LORD will hold me close.” – Psalm 27:10
• “Give the following instructions to the people of Israel: If any of the people—men or women—betray the LORD by doing wrong to another person, they are guilty.” – Numbers 5:6
• “Think of all the hostility He endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.” – Hebrews 12:3

BITTER: 

Bitterness is a gall that will ruin any hope of happiness in life if you allow it to grow unchecked in your heart (Romans 3:14), so root out every trace of bitterness and abolish it. Instead of nursing old wounds, try counting all your blessings instead and thanking the LORD for all He is trying to accomplish in your life. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

• “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.” – Ephesians 4:31
• “See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” – Hebrews 12:15
• “For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.” – Acts 8:23
• “Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up.” – Psalm 71:20

BURDENED: 

If your heart is weighed down with heavy burdens, I urge you to drop that load of care at the foot of the cross and leave it there! (Psalm 55:22)

• “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
• “Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
• “Jesus replied, ‘And you experts in the law, woe to you, because you load people down with burdens they can hardly carry, and you yourselves will not lift one finger to help them.'” – Luke 11:46

CONFUSED:

Feeling confused? Don’t know which way to turn? Proverbs 3:5-6 gives wonderful advice to anyone dealing with confusion and uncertainty: Trust God to direct your path as you purpose to make Him known in all your ways. Satan is the author of confusion. God gives clarity to those who ask. (Proverbs 2:6).

• “For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.” – 1 Corinthians 14:33
• “In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion.” – Psalm 71:1
• “Instead of your shame you shall have double honor, And instead of confusion they shall rejoice in their portion. Therefore in their land they shall possess double; Everlasting joy shall be theirs.” – Isaiah 61:7

DEPRESSED:

Depression is another mental health crisis that has lately reached epic proportions, yet God offers hope to those trapped in the pit of despair. (Psalm 113:7) Call upon His name, and put your trust in Him. (Romans 10:13) He is mightly to save. (Isaiah 63:1)

• “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted And saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18
• “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.” – Psalm 42:11

DISCONTENT: 

Discontentment is rooted in comparison, jealousy, and envy. Put an end to those bad habits, and you will have solved your problem with discontentment, as well. (James 3:14-16 and James 4:1-3 )

• “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” – 1 Timothy 6:6
• “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: ‘Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.'” – Hebrews 13:5
• “And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” – 1 Timothy 6:8
• “I am not saying this out of need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances. I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. I am accustomed to any and every situation—to being filled and being hungry, to having plenty and having need.” – Philippians 4:11-12

DISCOURAGED: 

It’s easy to become discouraged when things don’t go according to plan, but take heart. God is with you and will equip you with everything you need to do the good works He has prepared beforehand for you to do. (Ephesians 2:10)

• “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous.” – Joshua 10:25
• “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” – Joshua 1:9
• “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13

DISRESPECTED: 

Modern society has no respect for God, so it should come as no surprise when we do not receive respect either. (John 15:20)

• “So do not be surprised, brothers, if the world hates you.” – 1 John 3:13
• “If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first. If you were of the world, it would love you as its own. Instead, the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.” – John 15:18-19
• “And while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously,” – 1 Peter 2:23
• “Study to show yourself approved to God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” – 2 Timothy 2:15

DOUBTFUL: 

One of the best ways I’ve found to combat doubt is by enumerating all the times God has proven Himself faithful in the past. Keep a running list and go over it every time your faith needs a boost. (Psalm 103:2)

• “…stop doubting and believe.” – John 20:27
• “We are often troubled, but not crushed; sometimes in doubt, but never in despair.” – 2 Corinthians 4:8
• “Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done.” – Matthew 21:21
• “But let him ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.” – James 1:6

ENVIOUS:

Envy and jealousy go hand-in-hand, but both are bad news. Instead of spending your time focusing on what others have or are doing, attend to using wisely the gifts and resources God has entrusted to you. (see Matthew 25:14-30)

• “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” – Proverbs 14:30
• “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice.” – James 3:16
• “Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander.” – 1 Peter 2:1
• “For resentment kills a fool, and envy slays the simple.” – Job 5:2

HATEFUL:

Jesus said that others would know we are His followers by our love. (John 13:35) There is no room for hate in the life of a Christian. We are to love our neighbors as ourself (Mark 12:31), and we’re expected to love our enemies, as well. (Luke 6:35)

• “If anyone says, “I love God,” but hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.” – 1 John 4:20
• “Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers all transgressions.” – Proverbs 10:12
• “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor’ and ‘Hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you….” – Matthew 5:43-44
• “You must not harbor hatred against your brother in your heart. Directly rebuke your neighbor, so that you will not incur guilt on account of him. Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.” – Leviticus 19:17-18

HOPELESS: 

Proverbs 13:12 tells us, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick.” That is so true. I’m not sure which is worse, dashed hopes or misplaced hopes. Ultimately, the only One we can safely pin our hopes upon is Jesus Christ. The same yesterday, today, and forever, Christ will never let us down. (Hebrews 13:8)

• “My soul, wait in silence for God only, for my hope is from Him.” – Psalm 62:5
• “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful” – Hebrews 10:23
• “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13
• “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11

IMPATIENT: 

I you pray for more patience, you should expect to have your patience tested. According to James, increased patience and endurance is one of the benefits of undergoing trials — and a good reason to rejoice when we encounter hardships of any kind. (James 1:2-3)

• “And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:14
• “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” – Colossians 3:12
• “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4
• “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us….” – Hebrews 12:1

INFERIOR:

Whenever Satan tries to make you feel unworthy or “less than,” console yourself with the knowledge that “He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it.” (Philippians 1:6) For it is none other than “God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:13)

• “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.” – 1 Corinthians 1:27
• “Listen, my beloved brothers: Has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him?” – James 2:5
• “Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.” – 1 Timothy 4:12

LAZY:

The book of Proverbs has a lot to say about slothfulness. And in Matthew 25:26-30, Jesus condemns laziness, as well.

• “Laziness brings on deep sleep, and an idle soul will suffer hunger.” – Proverbs 19:15
• “The slacker craves yet has nothing, but the soul of the diligent is fully satisfied.” – Proverbs 13:4
• “A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and your poverty will come in like a vagabond, and your need like an armed man.” – Proverbs 6:11
• “If anyone is not willing to work, neither should he eat.” – 2 Thessalonians 3:10

LONELY:

You may feel lonely, but as long as you are in Christ, you are never alone. Isn’t it a comfort to know He is with us through good times and bad?

• “The LORD Himself goes before you; He will be with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.” – Deuteronomy 31:8
• “Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” – Matthew 28:20
• “God sets the lonely in families, he leads out the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.” – Psalm 68:6
• “The LORD God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.'” – Genesis 2:18

MISTREATED:

Christ was mistreated, as were countless saints throughout the ages. Yet He bids us to not repay evil with evil, but rather to turn the other cheek, and to do good to those who hate us, and to pray for those who persecute us. (Luke 6:27-28)

• “Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” – 2 Timothy 3:12
• “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.” – Matthew 5:11-12
• “If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.” – 1 Peter 4:14

MISUNDERSTOOD:

The God who created you knows and understands you better than you do yourself. (Jeremiah 17:9-10)

• “The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.” – 1 Corinthians 2:14
• “Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD comprehend fully.” – Proverbs 28:5
• “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” – 1 Corinthians 1:18

NEEDY: 

Did you know there is no need that you could ever have that is too great for God to supply? He owns the cattle on a thousand hills, and He has all the resources He needs to take care of you. (Psalm 50:10)

• “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19
• “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” – 2 Corinthians 9:8
• “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.” – 2 Peter 1:3
• “The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.” – Proverbs 34:10

PROUD:

Proverbs 8:13 tells us that the LORD hates pride and arrogance. And Proverbs 6:16 adds “haughty eyes” to the list, as well. So guard your heart against such off-putting traits and cultivate a spirit of humility.

• “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” – Proverbs 16:18
• “But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: ‘God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’” – James 4:6
• “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” – Luke 14:11
• “When pride comes, disgrace follows, but with humility comes wisdom.” – Proverbs 11:2

RESENTFUL:

Resentment is the opposite of gratitude. It is selfish and entitled and should never be given a place in our hearts.

• “Resentment kills a fool, and envy slays the simple.” – Job 5:2
• Do all things without complaining and disputing.” – Philippians 2:14
• “Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Colossians 3:13
• “Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: ‘Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.’” – Romans 12:19

SICK: 

God is the great physician and the first one we should appeal to when we are ill, even if we head to the doctor or the emergency room even as we are praying. (Mark 2:17)

• “Heal me, O LORD, and I will be healed; save me, and I will be saved, for You are my praise.” – Jeremiah 17:14
• “Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him. Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed.” – James 5:14-16
• “O LORD my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me.” – Psalm 30:2
• “He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases.” – Psalm 103:3

SINFUL:

Our sin separates us from God, but He has provided a way for us to be reconciled to Him through the death, burial, and resurrection of His beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 1:7-8)

• “Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away.” – Acts 3:19
• “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all
• unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9
• “He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.” – Proverbs 28:13
• “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” – Romans 6:1-2
• “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” – Romans 8:1

STUPID:

Satan may try to make you feel foolish, but remember that God chose the foolish of this world to confound the wise. (1 Corinthians 1:27) Look to Him for wisdom, and He will freely bestow it upon you. (James 1:5)

• “Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” – James 1:5
• “Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for they are always with me. I have more insight than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation.” – Psalm 119:98-99
• “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you.” – John 14:26

TEMPTED: 

Satan has not varied his tactics in more than 6000 years of trying to trip humans up. The temptations he sends our way almost always fall into one or more of three broad categories: “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life.” (1 John 2:6)

• “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” – Matthew 6:13
• “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it.” – 1 Corinthians 10:13
• “Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone.” – James 1:13

UGLY:

When Satan tries to convince you that you’re ugly, counter that lie with this truth: God does not make mistakes. You are fearfully and wonderfully made, for it is the LORD Himself who knitted you together in your mother’s womb. (Psalm 139:13-14)

• “Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.” – Proverbs 31:30
• “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair or gold jewelry or fine clothes, but from the inner disposition of your heart, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight.” – 1 Peter 3:3-4
• “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” – Ecclesiastes 3:11

UNAPPRECIATED: 

Even if there is not another soul on earth who notices or appreciates all you do, you can be certain that God sees. He knows. Nothing is hidden from Him or escapes His notice. (Hebrews 4:13) So do your work cheerfully, not for the accolades of man, but for His glory, and the Father who sees in secret will reward you. (Matthew 6:18)

• “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.” – Colossians 3:23-24
• “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.” –
  2 Timothy 4:7-8
• “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’” – Matthew 25:21
• “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.” – Revelation 22:12

UNLOVED:

One of the very first verses children learn is John 3:16, “For God so loved the world…” So if ever Satan tries to convince you nobody loves you, please throw that false accusation right back in his face. It’s a lie. God loves you more than you can imagine, so much so that He sent His Son to pay this price for your sin so that you can spend eternity with Him. (1 John 4:9)

• “The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: ‘I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.'” – Jeremiah 31:3
• “But from everlasting to everlasting the loving devotion of the LORD extends to those who fear Him, and His righteousness to their children’s children….” – Psalm 103:17
• “But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8
• “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? …No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 8:35, 37-39

WEARY: 

Have you ever felt so bone tired, you don’t know where you’ll ever find the strength to carry on? The Bible has the answer for that quandary, too, as we read in verses like these:

• “I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.” – Jeremiah 31:25
• “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.” – Matthew 11:28-30
• “He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.” – Isaiah 40:29-31
• “”Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9

Done-for-You Bible Memory Program

One of the best ways of battling big emotions — and of rooting them out before they ever become a problem — is by committing God’s Word to memory. As the Psalmist wrote, “Thy Word have I hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” (Psalm 119:11)

Not only does knowing God’s Word protect us from falling into sin, but it also guards us against Satan’s lies, both about ourselves and about God. I highly recommend learning as much Scripture by heart as you can — especially verses that deal directly with areas and attitudes in which you’ve been particularly vulnerable in the past!