Discover how the Holy Bible offers a powerful defense against fear, providing peace and truth to calm the soul during times of anxiety. Explore twelve essential scriptures to meditate on, transforming worry into trust and strength with God's unfailing presence.
Fear attacks like a jungle cat leaping at its prey. A news headline, a word from the doctor, a phone call with bad news, or even specific thoughts can cause fear to flood our hearts. Panic hits us. With hearts racing, our minds go to the worst outcome.
Feeling fear is normal. And we can choose to give in to fear or take control of our thoughts.
Multiple actions can help alleviate sudden fear, including taking deep breaths, praying, talking to a friend, or reading the Bible, one of our most significant resources.
The Holy Bible is a living treasure from God. Scripture tells us, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12 ESV). God’s written word is supernatural and speaks into our hearts and souls. It reveals truth to our innermost being and sets us free. When we’re afraid, God uses His word to give us peace.
Fear of an upcoming medical procedure recently overwhelmed me. I clung to the truth of this verse: “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you” (Isaiah 26:3 ESV). Peace filled my heart as I meditated and prayed, trusting God to care for me. I repeatedly returned to this truth, and each time God calmed my spirit. Those who continually trust Almighty God are promised peace as they rest in His presence.
Here are twelve Scriptures to meditate on when fear attacks:
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” (Isaiah 41:10 ESV).
I love the image of God holding me in His hands. Almighty God’s unlimited power is incomprehensible. The One who created infinite galaxies beyond imagination and designed our DNA's intricacies easily handles our fears. We can trust we’re held in His hand; whatever happens, we won’t be alone.
2. “For God gave us a spirit not 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, Satan, wants us to be overwhelmed by fear and take our eyes off God. But God gives us power from the Holy Spirit to face our enemies and to overcome. He loves us and enables us to love others. We can act from love, not fear. His Spirit also helps us to control our thoughts, resulting in a sound mind. We use self-control to reject lies and focus on truth, freeing our minds from fear.
3. “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love” (1 John 4:18 ESV).
We don’t have to fear God punishing us for our sins. Jesus took all our punishment and paid for all our wrongdoing. We don’t have to fear death because Jesus has given us eternal life. The souls of believers are secure in the hands of our perfect Father.
4. “Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7 ESV).
God loves us with an everlasting love. He wants to take care of us and wants us to bring all our concerns to Him. When anxiety weighs on our shoulders, we can take that weight and throw it to Jesus. He 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, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4 ESV).
We all live under the shadow of death until the day we enter our permanent home in heaven, but God promises He’s always with us. Death and grief are part of life, but God comforts and guides us. Sooner than we think, He’ll lead us home, and death will never again be mentioned.
6. “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you” (Isaiah 26:3 ESV).
When we trust Jesus and continually bring our minds back to Him, He promises perfect peace. As we focus on our Father’s love and Jesus’s sacrifice, He calms our hearts.
7. “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” (Philippians 4:6-7 ESV).
We need to cry out in prayer the moment anxiety or fear hits our hearts. When we bring all big and small worries to our Father, while thanking Him for all He’s done, we receive His inexplicable peace. That peace secures our hearts and minds in Him.
8. “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you” (Psalm 56:3 ESV).
This verse is a declaration. It’s a wonderful verse to memorize, proclaim, and do when fear comes.
9. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27 ESV).
Jesus promised us peace despite the storms of life. Not a temporary peace like the world gives, but a serenity that calms our troubled souls. Our hearts can release fear and anxiety as we turn to our Savior, who gives us His perfect peace.
10. “Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea” (Psalm 46:2 ESV).
We can overcome fear even when the worst happens. I will not fear even though I lose my job, my spouse, or my health. I will not fear even if violence overtakes my country or disaster comes. Because Almighty God is Sovereign, in the end, He will make all things right.
11. “When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet” (Proverbs 3:24 ESV).
Fear most often visits us in the middle of the night when all is quiet and there are no distractions. The worst thoughts come at that time. But when we take control of those thoughts and bring them to God, praising and trusting Him, He helps us sleep in peace.
12. “Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD himself is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation” (Isaiah 12:2 NIV).
The LORD is our strength and defense, not our abilities, environment, government, police, or military. He may use those things, but He is the strength. He’s the only one who can genuinely help us.
We will face fear as long as we’re on this earth; some fear keeps us safe. But God always makes a way to escape being a slave to fear. When we walk in His Spirit and rely on Him, He gives us peace and courage.
Susan Aken writes devotions and articles for Wholly Loved Ministries, is an Oklahoma native who’s lived in Nebraska since 1987 and has been in public education for over thirty years. She and her husband have one son and a wonderful daughter-in-law. Besides writing she has a passion for special needs and prayer ministries. She enjoys time with family, reading, photography, movies, walking in nature, and a nice cup of tea. She believes life is a journey and we’re all in different places. Jesus is everything to her and it’s all about grace. Visit her at susanaken53.wordpress.com or on Facebook.
