When fear and anxiety unexpectedly come upon me, my thoughts immediately go to my loved ones and worry about their safety. I don’t know why, but it was my go-to response to most of my adult life.
But as I get older, I learn to deal with these feelings quickly. I resist worry and resist the practice of 2 Corinthians 10:5. “We capture every idea to destroy all arguments and all pretenses against God’s knowledge and to become obedient to Christ.”
One of the best ways to capture our thoughts is through the power of God’s Word. You know, our enemies love to throw arrows when we are the most vulnerable, anxious and obsessed. But once he recognizes his tactics, he can protect himself quickly and accurately. As Ibelieve writer Michelle S. Laurek puts it, “May the truth of God’s Word permeates your life and removes the lies of your enemies.”
Ephesians 6:10-17 details respectful armor as a way to confront the devil’s plan, one of the armor is the sword of the spirit, and that is the word of God. By swinging our swords around every day, we have all the power we need to defeat the terrible emotions and other arrows that come in our path.
If you are tired of the fear and anxiety of stealing your peace, here are 12 Bibles you can use in defense. It is recommended to write it on an index card and carry it around. Write them, pray, believe them. After that, watch the enemy arrows get defeated.
“Be strong and brave. Don’t be afraid or feared because of them, for your God will go with you.
Remember: God is with you in battle. He will protect you from any arrows. You are strong and courageous because God is your defense. Today I am in solidarity with my Savior.
Pray this out loud: Lord, give courage in the face of fear. I will not be afraid or afraid because you are with me!
“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why are you so disturbed within me? Put your hopes in God.
Remember: praise is one of your greatest weapons against fear and anxiety. Lifting your hand with praise unleashes the burden of fear, replacing it with God’s peace.
Pray this out loud: Lord, lift my expression and regain my hope for you. I still praise You, My Savior and My God!
“Throw your care to the Lord, and he will support you. He will never shake the righteous.”
Remember: You can mainly throw any care, even if it is multiple times a day. He is always your nutrition and stable.
Pray this out loud: Lord, I will cast all my care to you, believing that you will support me. I will never be shaken!
“You will trust you, and will keep people who are unshakable in perfect peace.”
Remember: Trusting in God is not an emotion, it is a decision. Even when doubt and fear try to live in your mind, you decide to trust him.
Pray this out loud: Lord, I will trust in your perfect peace and revise my heart to you today!
“So don’t be afraid, because I am with you, because I am your God. I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you.
Remember: When God is with you, fear and worry do not endure chances. You lean loudly towards him, trusting him to support you with your righteous right hand.
Pray this out loud: Lord, I know that you are with me. Therefore, I will not be disappointed. Today I’ll receive your strength and help!
“Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed, because his compassion never fails. They are new every morning. Your faithfulness is wonderful.”
Remember: Though feelings of fear may seem to consume everything, you are not consumed. God’s great love and compassion surrounds you every day.
Pray this out loud: Lord, I will not be consumed by fear, as your great love surrounds me. Thank you for your loyalty!
“But as for me, I look with hope for the Lord, I wait for God, my Savior, and my God will hear me.”
Remember: Don’t get tired of waiting for God. Patiently watch and wait as God acts on your behalf. He knows, he watches, he hears.
Pray this out loud: Lord, I am waiting for you, my God, my Savior!
“The Lord is good and a shelter in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust him.”
Remember: God is your shelter and a very present help in times of trouble. Ah, how does he care about you!
Pray this out loud: Lord, you are my shelter in times of trouble. Thank you for being a good, good father!
“I will leave with you. My peace will be given to you. I will not give to you as the world will give. Don’t bother your heart and be afraid.”
Remember: Jesus’ peace is different from the peace that this world has to offer. Today I receive peace that I cannot express in his words.
Pray this out loud: Lord, hide me in your peace, that is, peace that exceeds all understanding. I won’t bother my heart!
“May God of hope fill you with all joy and peace, as you trust him.
Remember: Hope defeats fear every time. Place your hopes in God, trust him, and fill you with joy and peace that will fill you with overflowing joy.
Pray this out loud: Lord, fill me with all the joy and peace of today. I trust you completely, and I am full of hope through the power of your spirit!
“So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper. I will not be afraid. What can mere man do to me?”
Remember: Your confidence is strong in Christ Jesus. If he is for you, who can oppose you?
Pray this out loud: Lord, you are my helper. I’m not afraid of what other people might do to me. I’m confident in your love and protection!
“Love has no fear, but perfect love drives out fear.
Remember: God’s love is doing everything in defeating feelings of fear. Rest in his perfect love today.
Pray this out loud: Lord, let your perfect love drive out all your fears. Perfect me in your love and beat all the feelings of fear!
More resources for your journey:
How to overcome anxiety with God
30 Prayers for anxiety to calm fear and worry
Watch the New Year with hope, not fear
Fear of unknown cause (what is it, how can I get rid of it?)
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Mangostar_studio
Jennifer Waddle is the author of several books, including the Prayer Warier. Turn all worries into powerful prayers and are regular contributors to Lifeway, Crosswalk, Abide and Christian Care International. Jennifer’s online ministry is mama.com, an encouragement to find her book and sign up for weekly posts. Disappointment doesn’t win. She lives with her family near the foot of the Rocky Mountains, her favorite place on earth.
