In dark seasons and uncertain days, as these recent times have been, many may find themselves daily battling feelings of great fear and anxiety.
We carry burdens too heavy to bear. We wrestle with struggles and feel alone in it all. We worry through the “what ifs” and may begin to wonder if God even cares.
There’s so much in this life we really can feel anxious about, even when we know the truth and believe He’s in control. Here’s a reminder for our hearts today, and every day still ahead: God is with us.
And He cares about all that we’re walking through — every, single thing. He knows our way, He has a plan, and He reminds us not to fear.
Praying God’s words back to Him, and meditating on them verse-by-verse, can help us remember His goodness, and be empowered by His Spirit.
No matter what we may be facing, we can choose to set our hearts and minds on His truth, believing that He’s with us and giving us strength every step of the way.
If you find yourself needing fresh hope during a hard season, or help fighting fear and worries that may feel overwhelming, here are a few verses to focus on today.
5 Powerful Verses for When You Feel Anxious and Afraid
1. “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).
This verse was found to be the most-searched-for Bible verse in 2020, according to research. And it’s no surprise that many were searching for reassurance in the midst of such unsettling times. Even in the dark seasons, especially in those seasons, God reminds us not to be afraid.
And reading this verse from Isaiah brings great peace and renewed strength. When we’re tempted to give way to fear, these powerful truths can hold us secure: God is with us, He is for us, He will strengthen us, He will help and uphold us.
2. 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).
The enemy will always lure us towards panic and worry if we focus on all that’s wrong in our lives or the world. But God offers us confident peace that can never be found in this life without Him.
He reminds us not to worry, but instead to pray, “with thanksgiving,” and to bring all our needs and cares to Him. It’s only in that place that true peace can come when we’re willing to let go and trust God with it all.
His peace never make sense to the world, it’s bigger than our own understanding, and sometimes we can’t even fully wrap our minds around it. But He promises to bring deep and abiding peace, and He will guard our hearts and minds in Him.
3. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).
No matter what we face, God holds the final victory, and we can trust Him no matter what may be happening around us. This Psalm calls us to live free from fear, to seek after a quiet and secure confidence in our God, who alone is able to save.
He is our refuge — our safe place. He is our strength and our deliverer. He is ever-present, always with us. Though God never promised us we’ll have a trouble-free life, He does remind us that He’ll be with us in it all — through every battle and difficult season.
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 (Psalm 23:4).
Though life is uncertain, and we may suffer from illness, loss, or pain, our God of comfort, our Lord who holds all power over death, darkness, and disease walks with us.
Always. He is the only One who can take us by the hand and faithfully lead us through life's most difficult moments of suffering.
He alone can bring freedom and healing from the pain of this life. He promises to lead us straight into glory and the hope of heaven that He has reserved for us when this life on earth is over.
We never have to fear, in life or in death, for He is with us, our constant strength and loving Shepherd.
5. “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”…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…For he will command his angels concerning you, to guard you in all your ways…“Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him…” (Psalm 91:1-16).
This powerful Psalm has often been referred to as the 9-1-1 call to God, the one we frequently go to when praying for God’s protection and help in time of need.
Sometimes, maybe unintentionally, in the busyness or difficulties of living, we might strive to survive on our own.
We may forget that what we need most, God’s protection and the comfort of His presence, are freely available to those who love Him and walk under His covering.
The entire chapter of Psalm 91 is filled with the goodness and power of God — great reminders that He faithfully works on behalf of those who love Him.
And at the end of it all, He promises to all those who acknowledge His name, to rescue us, to protect us, to answer our prayers, to be with us in trouble, and to bring deliverance and honor.
There is no more secure place to find safety and help than in the name and Presence of our Mighty God. It is there, we can find rest.
A Reminder: God Is Near
Whatever’s pressing on our minds and hearts today, may God give us the strength to lay it down...again. All our wrestling and the anxiety and stress we carry are useless.
We can confidently trust that He’ll take care of whatever concerns us. He holds the best plan, His timing is perfect, and He is able. Nothing is too difficult for Him.
We can find strength from the truth that His word never changes. We can find faith over the stronghold of fear that tries to defeat us in overwhelming worry. We have an anchor in Jesus to hold us secure in changing times.
Through the gift of Christ and the price He paid on the cross, we’re promised hope, deliverance, healing, and purpose for our lives. He alone is the One who can set us free from the stronghold of fear and anxiety. He alone holds the power to renew our days and give us peace.
A Closing Prayer
Dear God, thank you for your powerful reminders that we do not need to fear. We ask for your peace to cover us and for your freedom to break any trap of fear or worry over us. May your power fill us afresh; may your Spirit breathe strength and faith into our lives once again. We love you Lord; we need you today and every day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
For further reading:
What Does it Mean ‘Fear Not for I Am with You’?
What Does the Bible Say about Anxiety?
What Did Jesus Mean by ‘Let Not Your Hearts be Troubled’?
What Does it Mean That God Is Able?
Why Is Psalm 91 Important During COVID-19?
Should Prayers Always Be Positive?
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/dragana991
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Debbie McDaniel is a writer, pastor's wife, and mom to three amazing kids (and a lot of pets). Join her each morning on Fresh Day Ahead's Facebook page for daily encouragement in living strong, free, hope-filled lives. Find her also on Twitter and at her blog debbiemcdaniel.com.