Looking for Bible verses for panic attack treatment? The Bible is full of promises and reminders about what is truly important in life. But first, what are panic attacks, and how are they treated?
What is a panic attack?
A panic attack is a sudden feeling of intense anxiety. This may correlate with physical symptoms such as shaking, feeling disoriented, and an irregular heartbeat. Other physical signs of a panic attack may be struggling to breathe deeply, sweating, and dizziness.
The onset of a panic attack can be frightening and disarming. Typically lasting from five minutes to a half-hour, these sudden attacks may feel like they last forever because of their intensity.
Some doctors treat panic attacks with medication. Others try to use lifestyle cues to help patients stay calm during them. Still others use a mixture of treatments and encourage patients to see a trained Christian Counselor for talk therapy. For believers, another treatment option is to arm yourself with Bible verses that can calm you.
Bible verses for panic attack treatment.
Reading and meditating on Bible verses can distract you or keep your mind occupied so that your anxious thoughts don’t continue to build. Reminding yourself that the attack is short-lived and that you are okay helps. Here are some of the Bible verses that could add to your treatment plan.
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. – 1 Peter 5:7, NIV
Reminding yourself in the moment that God cares for you can be an added comfort as you lean into the Father’s love.
When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. – Psalm 34:17, ESV
The sacrifice of Christ is what makes a person righteous, not the person’s deeds or life choices. This is good to remember so that you can be assured of the Lord’s faithfulness to you in your time of need. He hears you as you cry to Him for help.
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. – 2 Timothy 1:7 ESV
Being reminded of how God has equipped you, His child, is both comforting and empowering. You are not resting on your own abilities to overcome the panic attack. Instead, you are resting on the gifts of God, His power, His love, and His self-control.
And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? – Luke 12:25-26, ESV
Putting our fears into perspective underneath the all-capable hands of a loving God is calming. It reminds us that He is the one who is leading and guiding our lives.
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. – Matthew 11:28-29 NIV
Understanding that the simple act of coming to God will result in rest is comforting. It applies not just to physical rest but also to spiritual, emotional, and mental rest.
Even more so, it’s crucial to understand that the yoke in this verse is not a burdensome one. Jesus was referring to the burdens placed upon the Israelites by the Pharisees, the law-keeping that insisted they do everything just right. God has promised that this type of burden is now obsolete for the believer.
You don’t have to wonder or be anxious about making the right choice, because God promises soul rest, which is something that can’t be relieved by attaining to rules by the letter of the law.
Cast your burden upon the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved. – Psalm 55:22, ESV
David acknowledges in this psalm that he has been hurt not physically, but emotionally. Someone with whom he was once close has betrayed him. We can all relate to heightened feelings due to fears or real betrayal on some level. In verse 22, after crying out and acknowledging how he felt, David encouraged his own heart to trust God, his sustainer. It’s important to know that God can sustain you through anything.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. – John 14:27, ESV
In this verse, we are reminded that the peace Jesus gives isn’t like the peace that comes from having a stress-free day. In fact, it’s a peace that transcends your troubles, fear, and anxiety. This transfer of peace is possible because of the
Holy Spirit who lives within true believers.
I can do all things through him who gives me strength. – Philippians 4:13, NIV
Relying on one’s own strength will usually net exhaustion, doubt, and fear. However, remembering in the time of a panic attack that God has given you His strength is crucial. This can also help you wait out the attack and remember that you are going to be okay.
Treatment for panic attacks.
Do you want a holistic plan for your panic attacks? If you’re looking for additional, well-rounded treatment beyond these Bible verses for panic attack episodes, feel free to contact me or one of the other therapists in the San Diego Christian Counseling online counselor directory. We can help you identify where the anxiety is rooted in your life, how to develop coping mechanisms, and who to ask for help when you are going through a panic attack.
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