Fear Doesn’t Have to Win

By Liza Proch

When I was little, I thought everything was out to get me. First, I was scared of the dark. Then I was afraid of leprosy, one of the diseases mentioned throughout the Bible. Then I was sure everyone was trying to kidnap me. Next I was scared that my parents were going to die or that I was going to die during the night. Fear was my biggest, strongest enemy, but one day an older woman gave me several verses to look up about fear and trusting Jesus. It changed my world! Fear can be a strong, persistent foe. If we let it, fear will eat away at us, devouring us from one anxiety or worry to the next. True, there are many frightening things in the world that could spark fear in our hearts, but God has given us truth to comfort our hearts and help us look to Him instead of obsessing over our fears. And when we allow fear or worry to engulf us, we become self-centered. Consider this: It’s rather difficult to selflessly think, I wonder what I could help my brother with this morning when we’re also fixated on bemoaning, But what if I never get married? What if I can’t have children? All my dreams will be destroyed! But we serve a God who created the universe, and He promises to be our Protector and Deliverer (Ps. 37:28, 140:7). There is nothing that scares Him. And as His daughters, we have His Spirit within us, so we can freely surrender our anxiety and worry, trusting fully in His care. When fear does come around, God has given us an incredibly effective tool to use, one that causes fear to run screaming—His Word!

10 Go-To Scriptures for Combatting Fear

These are my favorite verses for combatting fear. (I would highly suggest writing them down and placing them on your mirror, in your purse, or as a phone screensaver!)

  1. Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand (Isa. 41:10).
  2. When I am afraid, I put my trust in you (Ps. 56:3).
  3. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:6–7).
  4. For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control (2 Tim. 1:7).
  5. But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior (Isa. 43:1–3).
  6. I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears (Ps. 34:4).
  7. The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing (Zeph. 3:17).
  8. In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety (Ps. 4:8).
  9. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord (Rom. 8:38–39).
  10. You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you (Isa. 26:3).

Feeling Fearful? Grab onto Truth!

We need to learn to surrender our fears to our Savior. Lay them down at the foot of the cross, and give them over to Jesus. We have to constantly remind ourselves:

  • The God of the universe loves us more and wants the very best for us—even more than we want what’s best for us.
  • Nothing is ever out of His control!
  • God doesn’t intend for our hearts to be overrun by fear.
  • Truth overcomes lies. Fear is a liar, but we serve the God of perfect Truth.

Let’s ask Him to rule over our hearts, instead of letting fear run wild in us. With Jesus, we can have true, perfect peace. How have you overcome fear in your life? Which Bible verses have helped you cling to truth and comfort over fear?

About the Author

Liza Proch

As a Jesus-follower, blog-loving writer, and coffee-drinker, Liza is constantly looking for new ways to inspire and encourage other young women in their walk with Christ. She recently launched a hand lettering company and blog of her own, and lives in the sunny hill country of Texas where she's in a band with her three brothers.