We live in uncertain times. And uncertainty can open the door to fear. Fear about getting sick. Fear about finances. Fear over the general state of the world.
We try to shut out fear, but may not feel strong enough to barricade the door. Sometimes–when we watch news reports or close our eyes to sleep–fear pushes through. It plops down on the sofa in our minds and refuses to budge.
When that happens, here are 7 verses and prayers that can chase out fear.
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)
Gracious Father, when fear pushes its way into my heart, help me remember that You are there too. You never leave me and I find comfort in that thought. Your omnipotent strength can overcome any fear. Help me to rest in your hand.
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. (Psalm 56:3)
Lord, thank You that You are always trustworthy. Help me not to put my trust solely in governments and officials that are working to alleviate this crisis. Bless their efforts and give them wisdom, but help me to put my trust in You, the almighty, invincible God.
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6:34)
Jesus, thank You for these words! Sometimes fear enters my heart simply because I look ahead and start asking a million what-if questions about the future. Help me to focus on today. You will always give me what I need for this moment in time.
Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” (Mark 6:50)
Christ Jesus, I love this verse! You know my fear. You see the anxiety in my heart. But You invite me to “take courage” because You give it as a gift. Even when I can’t summon up any brave feelings on my own, I know I can turn to You and lean on You for the courage I need.
I am the Lord your God.
I am holding your hand,
so don’t be afraid.
I am here to help you. (Isaiah 41:13)
Lord God, how comforting to know that you are holding my hand–right here, right now. In the midst of this time of uncertainty, You reach over and grab my hand to reassure me of Your presence, Your help. Help me to remember this whenever fear tries to barge in again.
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)
Holy Spirit, Comforter, thank You for the invitation to dump all my anxiety in Your lap. You tell me not to harbor anxiety about anything–big or small. Help me to remember this in these stressful days. Whenever fear threatens to push its way into my heart, help me to turn to You again–and again. Thank You in advance for Your transcendent peace.
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)
Jesus, I rejoice in Your gift of peace. Right now it seems that the world gives only stress, anxiety, and fear. But You flood our souls with a peace that is available any time. I thank You that Your peace doesn’t depend on serene circumstances or tranquil surroundings. Fill my heart so full of Your peace that there is no room for fear.
If you need more help in pushing out fear, check out my posts “When You Feel Like You’re Straining Against the Wind” and “Why Are You So Afraid? Two Kinds of Fear.” If you want more guidance on how to pray during this coronavirus crisis, read “20 Prayers to Pray During This Pandemic” by Jen Pollack Michel.
Next step: Which verse will help you most today? Write it out a sticky note and post it where you will see it often. Share it with a friend!