Fear is a universal human experience, and the Bible addresses this emotion with profound wisdom and assurance. The scriptures offer solace, encouragement, and guidance for overcoming fear, reminding believers of the strength found in faith and trust in God. This compilation of 20 Bible verses for fear explores the diverse facets of fear, providing insights into the source of courage and peace in times of distress.
Isaiah 41:10
“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’s words serve as a powerful reminder of God’s constant presence and support. In times of fear, believers can find reassurance in the promise of divine strength and guidance.
Psalm 23:4
“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.”
This verse from the Psalms illustrates the unwavering trust the psalmist places in God’s protection and comfort, emphasizing that divine presence dispels all fear.
Philippians 4:6-7
“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.”
Paul’s counsel encourages believers to turn to prayer instead of succumbing to anxiety. The promise of God’s peace surpassing understanding provides a powerful antidote to fear.
2 Timothy 1:7
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
Timothy’s letter emphasizes that fear is not of God, but rather, believers are endowed with a spirit of power, love, and self-control. Trusting in this divine spirit can overcome fear.
Joshua 1:9
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
God’s directive to Joshua echoes throughout the ages, urging believers to be strong and courageous in the face of fear. The assurance of God’s presence brings courage and dispels dismay.
Psalm 34:4
“I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.”
The psalmist’s testimony underscores the transformative power of seeking the Lord. God’s response brings deliverance from all fears, illustrating the efficacy of turning to Him.
Psalm 56:3
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”
This simple yet profound declaration encapsulates a powerful approach to fear – placing trust in God. The psalmist’s choice to trust God serves as a model for believers facing fear.
Matthew 10:28
“And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”
Jesus’ words provide perspective on the proper object of fear. Fear of God, rather than worldly threats, aligns believers with an eternal perspective.
Psalm 27:1
“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?”
This psalm exudes confidence in the Lord’s protection. The imagery of light, salvation, and stronghold dispels fear and instills trust.
Deuteronomy 31:6
“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”
Moses’ exhortation emphasizes divine companionship as the antidote to fear. God’s presence provides the strength needed to face any challenge.
Psalm 118:6
“The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”
The psalmist’s acknowledgment of God’s support leads to a declaration of fearlessness. The realization that God is on our side diminishes the impact of human threats.
John 14:27
“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.”
Jesus’ gift of peace transcends worldly understanding. Believers are encouraged to reject troubled hearts and fear, embracing the divine peace offered by Christ.
Psalm 46:1-2
“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.”
The psalmist extols God as a refuge and source of strength, instilling confidence that even in the face of upheaval, believers need not succumb to fear.
Isaiah 43:1-2
“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.'”
Isaiah’s prophecy underscores the intimate relationship between God and His people. The imagery of passing through trials with divine protection reassures believers facing fear.
Psalm 91:4-6
“He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.”
The psalmist poetically portrays God’s protection as a sheltering wing, assuring believers that in His faithfulness, fear is dispelled, whether in darkness or daylight.
Matthew 6:34
“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
Jesus’ teaching on anxiety serves as a pragmatic guide for overcoming fear. Focusing on the present and entrusting the future to God alleviates undue anxiety.
Romans 8:38-39
“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.”
Paul’s profound declaration affirms the unbreakable bond between believers and God’s love. The certainty of God’s love serves as a bulwark against any fear-inducing circumstance.
Psalm 94:19
“When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.”
This verse acknowledges the prevalence of cares but highlights God’s consolations as a source of soul-cheering comfort amid life’s challenges.
Luke 12:32
“Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”
Jesus’ words convey the paternal care of God, dispelling fear and affirming His delight in granting the kingdom to His children.
1 John 4:18
“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.”
John’s theological insight emphasizes the connection between love and fearlessness. Perfect love, grounded in God, expels fear, as fear is incompatible with the fullness of divine love.
Conclusion: These 20 Bible verses for fear offer a diverse array of perspectives on overcoming anxiety, worry, and apprehension. Grounded in the assurances of God’s presence, protection, and love, believers are encouraged to face fear with faith and trust. As the scriptures unfold, the repeated message emerges: fear not, for the Lord is with you. May these verses be a source of strength and comfort for all who grapple with fear, pointing them towards the enduring hope found in God’s Word.