How to Overcome Fear with Scripture

Fear grips many of us daily. It can feel like a chokehold on our emotions. It can paralyze us and really stop us from moving forward in our lives. It is no wonder that the Bible has over three hundred Scriptures that focus on fear. Whenever you become afraid, use these Scriptures to learn how to overcome fear as you hope in God. He is with you and He even goes before you.

Although fear may come, it does not have to control you. But God has great hope for us regarding how to overcome fear with His help. Use these verses to stand firm in your faith when fear arises in your heart and mind.  To get the most out of these verses, write them out and post them where you will frequently see them, then read them aloud when fear rises to focus your thoughts on God instead of your worries.

How to Overcome Fear Using God’s Word

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. – Isaiah 41:10

When we are afraid or dismayed, God promises to hold us close in His hand. He will lift us up over the situation to give us a new perspective, which will strengthen us and help us in our fight against fear

“Where can we go? Our brothers have made our hearts melt in fear. They say, ‘The people are stronger and taller than we are; the cities are large, with walls up to the sky. We even saw the Anakites there.’” Then I said to you, “Do not be terrified; do not be afraid of them.” – Deuteronomy 1:28-29

Our fears can be rooted in things or people that make us feel small. But in God’s power, we can find comfort in the way He made us and cling to the truth that our identity is rooted in Christ.

I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side. – Psalm 3:6

Though your fears may feel like a huge army coming against you, you can cast them aside when the Lord of Heaven’s armies are on your side. You can trust Him even in your fiercest battles.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. – Psalm 23:4

If you are afraid because you are going through a difficult time in your life, that’s understandable. However, God promises to be right beside you, protecting and comforting you as you journey through that valley of difficulty with Him.

The Lord is my light and my salvation –  whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid? – Psalm 27:1

Being reminded that God is on your side is so comforting. Remember that because you serve a big and powerful God, you are always at an advantage when the enemy attacks. God is the greatest problem solver. Seek Him for wisdom and guidance in the midst of them.

Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident. – Psalm 27:3

Your fears are part of a spiritual battlefield, with your thoughts and emotions as territories to be won. The enemy Satan wants to capture you, but your heart can rest in confidence if the Lord is on your side. He has already won the victory for you.

I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. – Psalm 34:4

God wants us to seek him in prayer when we are afraid. Pour out all your fears before him, and he promises to answer you and deliver you.

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. – Psalm 46:1-3

Even in the worst circumstances, God promises to be a safe place for you. He is your refuge, strength, and help that never ceases. He will help you stand firm in your faith during the most challenging temptations to fear.

Why should I fear when evil days come, when wicked deceivers surround me – those who trust in their wealth and boast of their great riches? – Psalm 49:5-6

You may feel afraid because wicked people are threatening you. However, they are not ultimately in charge. God is the one fully in charge, no matter how wealthy or powerful your offenders may be.

They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear; in the end, they will look in triumph on their foes. – Psalm 112:7-8

Are you constantly worrying that something bad might happen? Do you feel your fear rising when you watch the news? Then this passage is perfect for you. It will remind you to keep trusting God and handing your fear about the news over to him. You can exchange your fears for hope –- a feeling that something good will happen.

Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the Lord will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared. – Proverbs 3:25-26

Do you worry about potential disasters befalling you? Even if they happen, God will keep them from destroying you. He is always at your side, watching over you with love.

Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe. – Proverbs 29:25

Are your fears based on what other people might do or think? ? If so, put your trust in God first. He will keep you safe and protect you from falling into the traps other people plant.

Do not call conspiracy everything this people calls a conspiracy; do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it. – Isaiah 8:12

Have you ever fallen prey to a conspiracy theory? They abound on social media and on the news. However, as a believer, you are called to not be afraid of these things, but to put your trust in God alone.

Say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.” – Isaiah 35:4

If someone has wronged you, you may fear that they will get away with their bad behavior. But God promises to avenge them in His own way and timing. You don’t have to fear that he won’t show up for you. He has a perfect track record.

For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. – Isaiah 41:13

God paints this picture of a loving father taking a child by the hand and offering comfort and assurance. You can trust your Heavenly Father to take care of you.

They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit. – Jeremiah 17:8

People who trust in God and sink their roots into his truths do not waver in their faith. They have no fear even in hard seasons because they know God will be with them during those times and faithful to produce fruit through them.

The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” – Romans 8:15

God wants us to live as His beloved children, not as slaves to fear. When we are afraid, we can cry out to Him with the tender dependence of a small child, and He will welcome us.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind – 2 Timothy 1:7

The spirit of fear is what paralyzes us as a result of focusing on what this world is like absent of God’s help. But, we do have God and He has given us weapons that counteract fear –- power, love, and a sound mind.

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. – 1 John 4:18

You do not need to fear God’s punishment if you are a believer. Instead of fearing that God is out to get you, you can trust Him to show you unconditional love.

Are you still struggling with fear? A compassionate Christian counselor can help you learn how to overcome fear with biblical principles and practical guidance. Reach out today to learn how counseling can benefit you.