Fear attacks like a jungle cat pouncing on its prey. A news headline, a word from a doctor, a phone call with bad news, or even a particular thought can flood our hearts with fear. Panic grips us. Our hearts race and our minds move toward the worst possible outcome.
It’s normal to feel fear. And we can choose to succumb to fear or control our thoughts.
Several actions can help alleviate sudden fear: taking deep breaths, praying, talking to a friend, and reading one of your most important sources of information, the Bible.
The Bible is a living treasure given to us by God. The Bible tells us:For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to divisions of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intents of the heart. ”Hebrews 4:12 ESV). God’s written word is supernatural and speaks to our hearts and souls. It reveals truth to our innermost being and sets us free. When we are afraid, God uses His Word to give us peace.
Lately I have been overwhelmed with fear about upcoming medical procedures. I clung to the truth of this verse.You keep him in perfect peace because he trusts you.Isaiah 26:3 ESV). Peace filled my heart as I meditated and prayed, trusting that God would care for me. I returned to this truth many times, and each time God calmed my heart. Those who continually trust in Almighty God are promised peace as they rest in His presence.
Here are 12 scriptures to meditate on when fear strikes.
1. “Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you, and with my righteous right hand I will uphold you” (Isaiah 41:10). ESV).
I love how God holds me in His hands. The infinite power of Almighty God is incomprehensible. The One who created the infinite galaxy beyond imagination and designed the complexity of our DNA handles our fears with ease. We can believe that we are in God’s hands. No matter what happens, we are not alone.
2. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7). ESV).
The spirit of fear does not come from God. our enemy, Satanwants us to be so overwhelmed with fear that we turn away from God. However, God gives us the power to confront and overcome our enemies through the Holy Spirit. God loves us and enables us to love others. We can act out of love rather than fear. The Spirit of God also helps us control our thoughts, resulting in a healthy mind. We use self-control to reject lies, focus on truth, and free our minds from fear.
3.”There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear involves punishment, and those who fear are not perfected in love. ”1 John 4:18 ESV).
We don’t need to fear that God will punish us for our sins. Jesus took all our punishment and paid the price for all our wrongdoings. There is no need to fear death because Jesus has given us eternal life. The souls of believers are safe in the hands of our perfect Father.
4. “Cast all your cares on him, for he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). ESV).
God loves us with an eternal love. God wants to take care of us and wants us to bring all our concerns to Him. When anxiety weighs heavily on our shoulders, we can cast that weight on Jesus. God takes it for us because He loves us.
5.”Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. Because you are with me. Your staff and your staff comfort me. ”Psalm 23:4 ESV).
We will all live under the shadow of death until the day we enter our eternal home in heaven, but God promises to be with us always. Death and sorrow are part of life, but God comforts and guides us. Sooner than we think, God will lead us home and death will never be mentioned again.
6.”You keep him in perfect peace because he trusts you.Isaiah 26:3 ESV).
Jesus promises perfect peace when we trust Him and always return our hearts to Him. When we focus on His love and Jesus’ sacrifice, He calms our hearts.
7.”Don’t worry about anything. In everything, by prayer and supplications with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. ”Philippians 4:6-7 ESV).
The moment anxiety and fear invade our hearts, we need to cry out in prayer. When we bring all our worries, big and small, to Him and thank Him for all He has done for us, we receive His indescribable peace. That peace secures our hearts and minds in the Lord.
8. “When I fear, I put my trust in you” (Psalm 56:3) ESV).
This verse is a declaration. This is a great scripture to remember, proclaim, and act upon when fear arises.
9.”I leave you peace. I give you my peace. I do not give you the same as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid.”John 14:27 ESV).
Jesus promises us peace despite the storms of life. Not the temporary peace that the world gives us, but the calm that soothes our troubled souls. When we look to our Savior who gives us perfect peace, our hearts can release fear and anxiety.
10.”Therefore, even though the earth should crumble and the mountains be moved into the center of the sea, we will not be afraid. ”Psalm 46:2 ESV).
Even if the worst happens, we can overcome our fears. Even if I lose my job, my spouse, my health, I will not be afraid. Even if violence attacks my country and disasters come, I will not be afraid. Almighty God is sovereign and will ultimately make everything right.
11. “Lie down and you will have no fear; lie down and you will sleep peacefully” (Proverbs 3:24). ESV).
Fear most often visits us in the middle of the night, when everything is quiet and there are no distractions. That’s when the worst thoughts come to mind. But when we control those thoughts, bring them to God, praise Him, and trust Him, He helps us sleep in peace.
12.”Indeed, God is my salvation. I believe and am not afraid. The Lord Himself is my strength and my protection. he became my salvation”(Isaiah 12:2 NIV).
The Lord is our strength and protection, not our abilities, environment, government, police, or military. God may use those things, but God is the strength. He is the only one who can truly help us.
As long as we are on this earth, we will face fear. Some kind of fear keeps us safe. But God always provides a way to escape from the bondage of fear. The Lord gives us peace and courage as we walk in His Spirit and rely on Him.
Susan Aiken writes devotions and articles for Wholely Loved Ministries. Originally from Oklahoma, she has lived in Nebraska since 1987 and has been involved in public education for over 30 years. She and her husband have one son and a wonderful daughter-in-law. In addition to writing, she also has a passion for special needs and prayer ministry. She enjoys spending time with her family, reading, photography, movies, walking in nature, and enjoying a good cup of tea. She believes that life is a journey and we are all in different places. To her, Jesus is everything and everything is grace. Visit her at susanaken53.wordpress.com or on Facebook.
