Calm is a state of freedom from storm, wind, or rough water. We see this calm in Matthew 8:26 when Jesus calms the storm on the lake : “He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.”

Calm can also be freedom from excitement or disturbance. This is a peaceful stillness where all seems as it should be. This is the calm we see in Psalm 131 where David is describing His contentedness in the Lord:

“My heart is not proud, Lord,
    my eyes are not haughty;
I do not concern myself with great matters
    or things too wonderful for me.
 But I have calmed and quieted myself,
    I am like a weaned child with its mother;
    like a weaned child I am content.”

In this world, we will always have trouble, there isn’t much calm, but in Jesus, we can rest and know that He has overcome. This is gives us a supernatural calmness we can lay claim to even in the midst of chaos.

Let’s focus on some scriptures that calm our hearts and minds in the midst of the storms and disturbances in life.

30 Scriptures to Calm Your Heart and Mind

I have divided these scriptures under some truths that we can hang on to when turmoil comes our way. Closing each section is a guided prayer to help claim this promise as our own. I am praying it encourages hearts and minds to rest in Christ Jesus.

Truth #1: Stay Calm, God is in Control.

• There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord. Proverbs 21:30 NIV

•  I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’ Isaiah 46:9-10 NIV

• Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21

• No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. 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 a way out so that you can endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV

• The Lord Almighty has sworn, “Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will happen.” Isaiah 14:24 NIV

Prayer: Lord, I trust that You are in control. There is none like You. All of Your plans and purposes will prevail. I will be calm knowing a good and gracious God is working all things out.

Truth #2: God is with us.

• Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NIV

• God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 NIV

• Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV

• The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means “God with us”). Matthew 1:23 NIV

• I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.  Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.  On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.  John 14:18-20 NIV

Prayer: God, I believe you are with me. Help me to be courageous because of Your strong presence in my life. I can calmly have strength in You.

Truth #3: God Provides Wisdom to Those Who Ask.

• If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5 NIV

• The one who gets wisdom loves life; the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper. Proverbs 19:8 NIV

• Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe. Proverbs 28:6 NIV

• Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12 NIV

• Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise,  making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16 NIV

Prayer: Lord, I need Your wisdom. In your wisdom, there is life and prosperity. I will be calm and seek your understanding and discernment for my present and future. Guide my way.

Truth #4: Keep Calm, Ask for Peace.

• You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Isaiah 26:3 NIV

•  Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. 2 Thessalonians 3:16 NIV

• Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. Psalm 34:14 NIV

• Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 NIV

• I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33 NIV

Prayer: Lord of Perfect Peace, I ask for Your calming peace. Show me how to seek and pursue after your peace and guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus.

Truth #5: We Do Not Have Anything to Fear if We Trust God.

• So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 NIV

• The Lord is my light and my salvation- whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life- of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1 NIV

• There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18 NIV

• Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes. Psalm 112:6-8 NIV

• Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 NIV

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I have faith that Your perfect love can cast out my fears. You are my light and salvation, so I will hold on to your love and peace over the troubles of this world.

How to Remain Calm Under Pressure

Truth #6: God is Working It All Out For Our Good.

• And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 NIV

• 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 NIV

• 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 NIV

• May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 NIV

• Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17 NIV

Prayer: Everything works for the good of those who love you, Lord. I have faith in Your good and perfect nature. I will keep asking, keep giving, and keep trusting knowing that You want the best for me.

More Encouragement Help Calm Your Heart and Mind in Christ Jesus:

How To Focus On God’s Goodness

How to Remain Calm Under Pressure

What the Bible Says About Suffering

A Deeper Trust: Jeremiah 17 Devotional

Encouraging Bible Verses for the Worried Mom