7 Biblical Steps to Overcoming Fear

When God designed our brains, he included the amygdala as a gift to keep us safe. The amygdala, which activates a fight-or-flight response without any initiative from us, is important for our survival.

Yet, in our fallen world, fear, which is the main emotion controlled by the amygdala, has become warped. Even the strongest and most resilient among us are prone to experience times of fear rather than trusting in God. No one is immune to this emotion, but how we recognize and manage this fear can define our lives and shape our future. 

When it comes to the Christian walk, the presence of fear can hinder our ability to effectively share the gospel and fulfill the Great Commission. From fear of rejection to fear of authority, this powerful emotion—a tactic oftentimes used by the enemy to distract believers—can negatively impact our mission as followers of Christ. 

If you study the scriptures, you’ll notice that fear is mentioned regularly throughout the Bible. Not only that, but God's Word clearly states what our response should be in the presence of fear. In fact, in Isaiah 41:10, God shares with us seven specific steps for overcoming fear: 

“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.”

Considering these words, I believe Isaiah 41:10 offers profound insights to help each of us confront the fears in our own lives. Therefore, when fear begins to creep in, take time each day of the week to reflect on the following seven truths:

"Fear not” – Overcoming Dismal Fear

We have all been gripped by fear at some point in our lifetime. Yet, God commands us to not be afraid. Have you ever noticed how often we are told to “fear not” in scripture? This repetition is proof that we need to fully surrender our worries to God. 

Fear is a silent form of atheism—the act of questioning God’s sovereignty. Why would we question God when we are promised hope and healing in his arms? The truth of the matter is that we serve a God who is beyond faithful. He will always show up for us in our most desperate hour of need.

Did you know that God is the only one who holds the power to banish our fears from existence? He can release you from your fear just as He did for the psalmist, who said, “I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears” (Psalm 34:4).

“For I am with you”: Overcoming Desolate Fear

The Lord our God is with us. What an amazing truth for us today. In Hebrews 13:5-6, Jesus promises to never leave or forsake His people. Regardless of our circumstances, He is there to comfort us in our most desolate state. Even when we encounter the evil one, God is there. Remember the words of King David:

“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.” Psalm 23:4. 

How can we remain fearful when the Lord promises good to us—when He promises to be with us in spirit? The fully realized presence of Christ is the secret to our release from the bonds of fearfulness. 

"Be not dismayed”: Overcoming Desperate Fear

To be dismayed is to be discouraged. This is a key tactic from the devil to harm us, put us down, and keep us down. In the same way, the “spirit of fear” is not from the Lord but from the one who seeks to steal, kill, and destroy. But we can take heart knowing that God is on our side, and even the demons tremble at his voice!

1 Samuel 30:6 says, “And David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in soul, each for his sons and daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.”

When everything was crumbling around him, David went straight to Lord in his greatest time of need. He avoided the distractions that were around him and went directly to the one who could bring him out of his misery. So, believer, if you are discouraged today, seek God and find refreshment and encouragement straight from the source. 

“For I am your God”: Overcoming Despairing Fear

Knowing that God promises to be with us should change our perspective as believers. In the same way, knowing who God is and that He is our Lord should have the same impact. If you are bruised and battered or broken by the trials and tests of life, listen to these words. They hold so much power and hope for our lives. We worship a personal God who is seeking an intimate relationship with us through His son, Jesus Christ. 

Amid uncertainty, God calls us by name and says, “I have called you by name, and you are mine” (Isaiah 43:1). Thank you, Lord, for this firm assurance. 

"I will strengthen you”: Overcoming Depressing Fear

When we encounter the demands of ordinary everyday life, the Lord is our support. He gives us grace upon grace, just like he told the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9). 

God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness. We know this to be Paul’s testimony in the New Testament—and countless others in the Bible. We are offered the same promise from the Lord. Trust that when you feel week, the Almighty God is there to hold you up and make you strong.  

"I will help you”: Overcoming Dreadful Fear

In Romans, we read, “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words” (Romans 8:26). While the immediate reference here is to prayer, we must not ignore the role of the Holy Spirit. When we are weak, the Lord comes alongside us to strengthen us. The Holy Spirit is near and indwelling within us. 

Whatever you are facing today, the Lord is right beside you, offering a helping hand. All you need to do is trust Him and fully submit your situation to Him. 

“I will uphold you”: Overcoming Defenseless Fear

The final and most important truth I want you to realize is this: God will uphold you. When we place our whole trust in Christ Jesus, we are promised an eternity in paradise by His side. Ultimately, we should have nothing to fear when scripture tells us, “to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). We have so much to gain beyond our temporary home. We are promised a seat in heavenly places next to the one true God. 

What are the simple steps to overcoming fear? Recognize the fear and what is causing the emotional reaction. Replace the fearful thinking with the promises of God. Realign your thinking to God’s Word. Release the fear and live by faith.  

So, when you feel overwhelmed or held captive to the emotion of fear, remember Isaiah 41:10, clinging to God’s promises. God has an amazing plan for your life, and He wants you to be involved in his great rescue plan for humankind. Will you answer His call to pursue a life free of fear and fully surrender to his mission?

Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/vchal 

Dr. James O. Davis is co-founder of Global Church Network, the largest pastors network in the world with more than 2,750 Christian ministries and 700,000 churches who are synergizing and mobilizing their efforts to help finish the Great Commission by 2030. Global Church Divinity School has helped train tens of thousands of Christian leaders since 2002. He is author of many titles, including The Joy Book, releasing Oct. 29.