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14 Bible Verses To Overcome Fear and Anxiety

Life can be both beautiful and painful. And when uncertainty hits, it’s not uncommon for fear and anxiety to take hold.

Just like in "Legacy Peak," when father figure Jason and his girlfriend's children land themselves in some very scary and unpredictable situations, their first instinct is to be fearful and anxious. But once they come together under Jason's insightful guidance, including his use of scripture and Christian strength, they are able to safely navigate the turbulent scenarios they encounter.

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Bible Verses to Overcome Fear

Scripture is the best place to turn when you’re looking for answers, comfort and a path forward in the midst of pain and uncertainty. That’s why we’ve put together a list of Bible scriptures on fear — Bible verses about anxiety and fear that will help you overcome whatever you face.

Here are some Bible verses about anxiety and fear verses that will guide you along the way:

Psalm 46:1-3 (NIV)

“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.”

No matter what you face, God is there for you. Psalm 46:1-3 includes Bible verses about fear that remind us about the Lord’s ongoing presence in our lives — including during times of trouble. When uncertainty abounds, cling to God.

READ ALSO: 38 Powerful Bible Verses For Overcoming Life’s Struggles

holy bible on church pew

1 John 4:18 (NIV)

“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.”

God’s love can sustain us even in our darkest moments. As you consider Bible verses on fear, remember that “there is no fear in love.” God’s love can drive out fear or worry, as Bible verses about fear and anxiety proclaim. 1 John 4:18 is one such verse to reflect on.

In "Legacy Peak," Jason faces many terrifying situations with Sam and Ben as they make their way to their parents' cabin. Jason relies on the peace of God to keep him calm, cool and unafraid during these circumstances. He knows that no matter what, God will protect them from harm.

Isaiah 41:13 (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.”

God’s promise is to comfort and help us amid our worry. This Bible verse about fear holds the power to give us peace during the most uncertain of times. The Lord will take your hand and journey with you through the storm.

READ ALSO: 20 Bible Verses About Strength: God’s Word on Faith in Hard Times

In "Sun Moon," Kelsey is scared to take a leap of faith and commit to moving halfway around the world to Taiwan, alone. Past heartbreak has also made her scared to move forward and find love again. As Kelsey gets more comfortable in Taiwan, she learns that God is there for her, helping guide her into a place of peace. She realizes she need not to worry, because God is always there with her.

John 16:33 (NIV)

“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.”

We know we will face troubles in this life, but one of the Bible verses about fear that can sometimes be the most comforting is John 16:33. When you consider all Jesus faced — His torture and death — and how He overcame, it offers us profound comfort. Remember this among the Bible verses about fear and worry when you reflect on difficult times.

Bible Verses to Calm Anxiety

There are many times in life when we can get anxious. Sometimes, just thinking about certain situations or things, like our children, current events in the world, things going on in our workplace, health conditions, can send us spiraling and cause us worry. In those moments, we need to remember to place our troubles at the foot of the cross and ask for the peace of God to be with us.

These are some Bible verses to calm anxiety that say exactly that.

Psalm 23:4 (NIV)

“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.”

God will not abandon you. Bible verses about anxiety remind us that we do not need to fear evil or uncertain events, because God will walk with us through these valleys. He loves us and wants the best for us. The Psalmist knew that the peace of God would be with him wherever he went and whatever situations he encountered. Know that God is right beside you during those difficult times.

Philippians 4:6 (NIV)

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

When something painful or unexpected is happening it’s easy to become consumed by it. The worry and fear can overtake us, but the scriptures proclaim in Bible verses about anxiety that we should not be anxious and should, instead, take our prayers and requests to God. As hard as this can be, Bible verses on anxiety tell us we can never go wrong with invoking God in good times and bad.

READ ALSO: 15 Comforting Bible Verses for Stress Relief

In "Eleanor's Bench," Eleanor becomes increasingly worried and anxious about Drayvon's future in the foster care system. Her anxiety sends her spiraling and taking extra measures to see that Drayvon indeed has a secure future and a safe home. It's only when Eleanor's best friend reminds her to pray to God for Drayvon's safety and that she gives God control of the situation when she finds herself free.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NIV)

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”

Bible verses about anxiety tell us to fix our eyes on what is unseen — on God’s undying love and the pease He provides. Rather than losing heart, we’re told in bible verses for anxiety to be renewed and to grow inside our hearts. No matter what’s happening in our lives, there’s a greater plan and a more powerful love that can sustain and guide us through the storm.

Bible reading verses about anxiety

Luke 12:25-26 (NIV)

“Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?”

Luke 12:25-26 poses a unique challenge to us all, as it asks what worry and fear can add to our lives. It's easy to get caught up in worrying about our lives and the little things, but this BIble verse tells us to stop, take a step back and remember what's important in life. In the end, Bible verses for anxiety remind us that life isn’t really in our control and that we should turn our attention to God, who holds the reins of power and comfort.

READ ALSO: 10 Bible Verses to Build Perseverance of Faith

Isaiah 40:29 (NIV)

“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.”

When we feel weak or pained, it’s often easy to feel helpless, but Bible verses for anxiety affirm that God can give us more power to overcome what we face. There are times when we don't feel like we have the strength to go through the trials that God is asking of us. But this Bible verses for anxiety reminds us that He supplements strength when we feel like we don't have enough.

Romans 12:21 (NIV)

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

When someone else hurts you or causes pain, remember the words present in Romans 12:21: “overcome evil with good.” No matter what you face, this scripture — one of the more fascinating Bible verses for anxiety — will help guide you through.

Psalm 94:19 (NIV)

When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.

Even when we feel all alone, God is always with us. There are times when our own thoughts consume us and we feel like we’re stuck on a hamster wheel with no exit. But if we calm our thoughts, silence the noise and focus our attention on God and His promises, just like this Bible verse for anxiety tells us, we welcome the peace only God can offer. 

John 14:1 (NIV)

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.”

This Bible verse about fear comes directly after Jesus tells His disciples that one of them will betray Him and that Peter will publicly deny Him. That was some dreadful news for the men who loved Jesus. But, as always, Jesus brings encouragement and peace and reminds the disciples to place their trust in God and in Him. This Bible verse for anxiety is a reminder that all of us need when we are facing stressful situations.

Romans 8:38-39 (NIV)

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

We all face struggles, uncertainties, fear and anxiety. But this Bible verse for anxiety reminds us that none of our worldly problems can separate us from the love God has for us.

In "God's Not Dead: A Light in the Darkness," Reverend Dave's church is burned down and his ministry is tested and questioned by the community. It's easy in those moments when we're going through persecution to feel separated from God. When we're dealing with those situations, we can feel anxious and feel like God has abandoned us. Rev. Dave stood up to those who persecuted him, though, because he knew that even their judgments and accusations could not separate him from God's love and protection.

Psalm 56:3-4 (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?

This Psalm was written by David, a man who intimately knew fear and anxiety. In this Bible verse for anxiety, not only does David acknowledge that he is fearful, but he immediately hands his fear to God and places his trust in the Lord.

These Bible verses about fear and worry will help guide you through difficult times, though there are many other encouraging scriptures worth exploring. We hope these Bible verses for anxiety help calm you when you feel overwhelmed, stressed or in need of the Lord's presence. In addition to these Bible verses for anxiety, here’s a list of 20 scriptures that can guide you through tough times.

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Billy Hallowell

Billy Hallowell has been working in journalism and media for more than a decade. His writings have appeared in Deseret News, TheBlaze, Human Events, Mediaite and on FoxNews.com, among other outlets. Hallowell has a B.A. in journalism and broadcasting from the College of Mount Saint Vincent in Riverdale, New York and an M.S. in social research from Hunter College in Manhattan, New York.

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