There are times when we all struggle to live with emotional ease through difficult times. Overcoming fear with faith may even seem unrealistic under the weight of our worries and cares, but God’s word never fails. Sometimes we need a gentle reminder of how much we are loved and what has been provided for us. God’s kingdom is one of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit – which is a present reality as well as our future hope!
What Does the Bible Say About Fear?
Fear and anxiety are on the increase in our society today, and we are not exempt as Christians. We will all, at some time in our lives, be challenged spiritually to face our fears and deal with anxiety. After all, they are emotions and part of our humanity.
“Anxiety and fear are cousins but not twins. Fear sees a threat. Anxiety imagines one.”
LESS FRET MORE FAITH, MAX LUCADO
Feeling fearful, or anxious, is not the enemy of our faith. Fear and faith can coexist there may be times for various reasons when we feel fearful. It is a natural reaction, our response to the unknown, to potentially threatening situations. There may be moments of fear, and times to confront our fears. But, if fear and anxiety take hold, and begin to restrict our lives, then we are in danger of allowing the enemy to steal our destiny.
The Bible is full of examples of God encouraging His people not to be afraid – because He knows there are times when we are!
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Deuteronomy 31:6
I don’t know what you are going through right now, and what shape your fears may take, but God does. Whether they are for finances, family members, health issues, bereavement, isolation, or loneliness, God knows. If our fears are large or small, real or irrational, whatever they are based on, God is able to bring us through. He has already made the way to bring us life, and life to the full!
Faith Overcomes Fear
We cannot measure the strength of our faith, it is not quantifiable, and it does not grow in storage! It is only when we put our faith into action that God will cause that tiny seed of faith to grow and provide us with all that we need.
Our faith is strengthened when we are willing to step into the unknown. The times when we are afraid but obedient. When we choose to trust in the Lord and the promises of His word. It is then that we develop a resilient faith – through those hard and difficult times. This is when we come to know the truth of God’s word by our own experience of His faithfulness.
Overcoming the spirit of fear and anxiety
So often in the middle of difficult situations, we become fixated on why this has happened. And often, it can become why has this happened to me…. But if we stay in that place of hurt, anger, resentment, or even self-pity, we can miss the spiritual grace that God is working in our hearts.
God will allow situations and circumstances to shape and mold us. Although we may find that hard to understand, it is the point where we are called to trust in Him. When the circumstances are too big for us and beyond our working out, we give it all to God. It is in the trusting, the waiting, and the depending on Him that we honor God.
“God does what is necessary to help secure a place for us with Him in eternity.”
freedom from fear, emma stark
The first step in overcoming fear with faith is to acknowledge our fears. If we are not self-aware anxiety can creep up on us and start to impact our lives. For we are all in a spiritual battle, and the battle so often starts in our minds. We have an enemy who wants to snatch and steal the peace and joy that Jesus has won for us!
Related Post: Take Every Thought Captive
Once we have recognized our anxieties and fears we can take them to God in prayer. It is through prayer, and the truth of God’s word, that we activate our faith. Overcoming fear with faith is simply believing in the One who has overcome for us. And accepting what Jesus has done and won for us!
10 Bible Verses for Overcoming Fear
There are times when we need to strengthen ourselves with Scripture. To find a psalm or a verse that we can connect with and that speaks into our situation. Then we can pray and meditate on that verse until we receive the truth from our heads into our hearts.
The word of God is powerful when we not only know what it says but we believe what it says. This is when we make it our own for our circumstances, and we hold onto that truth, walking out our faith.
There’s a list here of ten Scriptures that I have found helpful to read, pray, and declare. May they bless you with the peace and joy of the Holy Spirit today…..
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.
Psalm 46:1-2
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
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
John 16:33
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise – in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?
Psalm 56:3-4
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
Isaiah 43:1
Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.
Psalm 27:14
Do not be afraid, for I am with you.
Isaiah 43:5
Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from Him. Truly He is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress; I will never be shaken.
Psalm 62:1-2
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
I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13
Free printable of ten scripture verses for overcoming fear:
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