5 Bible verses when you’re anxious about your health

We all know how physical ailments – even routine colds or flu – can make us feel vulnerable and anxious. Not knowing what the doctor will say, waiting for test results, or coping with persistent aches can stir up real fear. In those moments, God’s Word can be like a gentle companion, reminding us that we are not alone.

Thankfully the Bible offers many verses about God’s care, strength, healing and presence. Here are five comforting passages and why each one can bring peace to a worried heart.

“Do not fear: I am with you; do not be anxious: I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you; I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.”

When we face scary news about our health or feel overwhelmed by the uncertainty of cold and flu season, these words from Isaiah are a warm embrace from God. He is telling us directly, “Don’t be afraid, because I am right here with you.” For someone feeling weak or scared, knowing that God strengthens and upholds us can be incredibly reassuring.

Spiritually, it reminds us that God cares enough to stand by our side -- emotionally, He shares our burden so we don’t carry it all alone. Practically, this verse can help us breathe a little easier: it’s a promise that a loving, powerful hand is ready to lift us up when we feel like we might fall.

“Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

St. Paul’s advice feels like a healing balm for a worried mind. Instead of letting fear spiral, he urges us to bring our concerns to God with prayer and gratitude. For someone worried about symptoms or a diagnosis, this verse encourages a simple practice: pray about what’s worrying you.

When we tell God exactly what’s on our mind (petitions) and thank Him for the good in life, He offers His special peace in return. That peace is often described as beyond what we can explain, gently guarding our hearts. In practical terms, this might look like pausing before bed to pray about your health or even journaling your fears and thanks. Emotionally, it helps replace a cycle of worrying with a cycle of trusting prayer.

“Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you.”

This simple command from Peter carries deep comfort. When illness looms, we can be tempted to carry every worry ourselves — about bills, family, or “what ifs.” But here God tells us we don’t have to carry it all alone. We are invited to “cast” or throw our worries onto God, trusting that He wants to hold them.

The verse reminds us why we can do this: “because he cares for you.” In other words, the God of the universe cares about your pain and fears. That thought can bring real relief: it means our fears are not too small for God. Practically, whenever anxiety strikes, we can literally pray, “Lord, I’m giving this worry to you,” and feel God’s caring love take its place.

“God is our refuge and our strength, an ever-present help in distress.”

This Psalm paints a picture of God as a safe stronghold. When illness shakes our world, we can imagine running into a shelter built by God himself. It’s comforting to think of God as a refuge – a place we hide in when troubles come. The verse adds that He is our strength and a “help in distress” always present.

Spiritually, this reminds us that God never sleeps on the job; He is nearby even in our weakest moments. Emotionally, it reassures us that we do not need to rely on our own shaky strength. In practical terms, reciting or meditating on this verse during hard moments can calm us. It’s like wrapping ourselves in a warm blanket of God’s protection, knowing He won’t abandon us when we’re afraid.

“He heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their wounds.”

The toll of illness is not only physical; it can break our hearts with worry or sadness. Psalm 147:3 speaks directly to that pain. It paints God as a compassionate healer of our deepest hurts. When health issues leave us feeling broken or discouraged, this verse reminds us God is in the “doctor’s office” with us too.

Emotionally, it means we can cry out to God with our heartache, and He will mend those invisible wounds. Spiritually, it shows that even if we feel shattered, God has the power to restore us. In practical life, clinging to this promise can help a person see beyond current pain – trusting that God’s healing touch extends to our emotions as well as our bodies, slowly sewing our pieces back together with loving care.

Each of these passages shows a different facet of God’s tender care. Whether it’s the strength and presence of God (Psalm 46:1, Isaiah 41:10), the peace He provides (John 14:27, Philippians 4:6–7), or His gentle healing (Psalm 147:3), God’s Word offers encouragement for every anxious moment. As the cold or flu season comes, or as any health concern arises, we can turn these verses into prayers or reminders. They reassure us that our concerns are heard and that we are supported by a loving God in whom we can find true comfort.