As a child, I can remember feeling anxious about the “little things” in life. If I flunked a test, I feared disappointing my teacher. If I wore an old, out-of-style pair of shoes, I feared judgment from my friends. If I made a mistake on the soccer field, I feared letting down my teammates.

But as I think about these anxiety-provoking events, I realize that I'm not that much different than the eleven-year-old version of myself.

Today, I don't fear disappointing my teacher, but I do fear my coworkers' opinions of my skills and work ethic. I don't fear what my friends think of my shoes, but I do fear what my friends think of my apartment, job and success in life. I don't fear letting down my teammates, but I do fear letting down my wife. I want to provide for her and my future family—and I want her to see me as a dependable husband.

Each of these situations leaves me with a pit in my stomach. And each of these situations leaves me overwhelmed with anxiety, just as those trivial events left me feeling so many years ago.

Are we similar?

Maybe you're like me and you fear not stacking up in life. Maybe you've moved more times than you can count and you fear never settling down and making friends. Maybe you're struggling to make ends meet, and you fear missing rent for the second month in a row.

Regardless of your circumstances, the pit in your stomach doesn't seem to be going anywhere. Where can you turn?

In these moments, I find encouragement in 1 Peter 5:7, which reminds me to bring my fear, anxiety and uncertainty to the Lord: "Leave all your worries with him, because he cares for you” (GNTD).

If you’re struggling with anxiety today, I encourage you to open your Bible and meditate on God’s promises for hope, peace and perseverance. These five Bible verses will get you started:

1. Psalm 94:19 (GNTD)
   Whenever I am anxious and worried, you comfort me and make me glad.
2. Matthew 6:34 (GNTD)
   So do not worry about tomorrow; it will have enough worries of its own. There is no need to add to the troubles each day brings.
3. Philippians 4:6-7 (GNTD)
   Don't worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. And God's peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus.
4. Psalm 55:22 (GNTD)
   Leave your troubles with the Lord, and he will defend you; he never lets honest people be defeated.
5. Psalm 121:1-2 (GNTD)
   I look to the mountains; where will my help come from? My help will come from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.