What the Bible Says about Fear

We live in a crazy, chaotic world that daily presents us with situations and circumstances that give rise to fear. No one can escape it. Fear is a normal emotion that God wired our brains to experience in response to certain triggers such as the threat of harm. However, when you start imagining the future before it happens and allow fear to take over your mind, it can overwhelm and paralyze you. This was never God’s intent.

The Scriptures contain many Bible verses about fear and how to deal with it in God’s way. The phrase “fear not” appears 365 times. God is bigger than your circumstances. He wants you to bring your fears to Him so He can provide you with hope and an anchor during the storm.

What the Bible Says About Fear

…for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. – 2 Timothy 1:7, NIV

God did not give you a spirit of fear. He created you with a clear, sound mind, and the ability to stand fast in hard times.

The disciples went and woke him saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!” – Matthew 8:25-27, NIV

Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm and he guided them to their desired haven. – Psalm 107:28-30, NIV

No matter how scary things may look in the natural, God has the power to alter your circumstances and calm your fears. Cry out to Him and surrender your fears to Him.

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

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? – Psalms 27:1, NIV

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? – Psalms 56:3-4, NIV

The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? – Psalms 118:6, NIV

When you make Jesus Lord of your life you have nothing to fear. No matter what stage of life you may be in, He will always be at your side to comfort, strengthen, and guide you.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. – Psalm 46:1-3, ESV

He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. – Psalm 91:4-6, NIV

God is your refuge and your strength. No matter how terrifying the events around you may seem, if you keep your focus on Him, nothing will be able to shake you from your firm foundation in Him. He promises to protect you and shield you from all fear.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. – John 14:27, NIV

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7, NIV

Fear creates turmoil in your mind and heart. If you thank God for the things He has done and turn your fears over to Him, He promises to replace them with His peace that surpasses understanding.

Have not I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. – Joshua 1:9, NIV

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 4:10, NIV

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, NIV

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, NIV

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. – 1 Corinthians 16:13, NIV

God commands you to be strong and courageous. He promises to be with you wherever you go and to give you the strength and help you need to move forward without fear.

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, NIV

You came near when I called you, and you said, “Do not fear.” – Lamentations 3:57, NIV

When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. – Psalms 94:19, NIV

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

God hears you when you cry out to Him, and He tells you not to be discouraged or afraid.

The unknown can be frightening. Leave it in God’s hands and keep your focus on what He has given you to do today. You may not know what tomorrow will bring, but God does. He holds all your tomorrows in His hands.

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. – Matthew 6:34. NIV

When your heart is steadfast in the Lord, and you know that He is in control and that you can put your trust in Him, you do not have to be afraid of bad news.

Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. 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 112:6-8, NIV

The more time you spend contemplating God, and letting His love fill your heart, the less room there will be in your mind for fear. God is love. If you truly love and trust Him, you will not need to fear anything.

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, NIV

If you struggle with fear and feel you need more support than what this article on Bible verses about fear could provide, please give us a call today. We would be happy to answer your questions and/or set up an appointment with one of the faith-based counselors in our directory.