Bible Verses About Fear
Fear is a universal human experience, but God's Word offers comfort, strength, and perspective when anxiety overwhelms. These verses remind us of God's protection and perfect love that casts out fear.
Featured Verse
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."Joshua 1:9
20 Powerful Scripture Passages
Joshua 1:9
God's Presence"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
Application:
God's presence is your source of courage. He goes with you into every situation.
Psalm 23:4
God's Protection"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."
Application:
Even in life's darkest moments, God is present to guide and protect you.
Isaiah 41:10
God's Strength"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."
Application:
When fear overwhelms, remember God's promise to strengthen and uphold you personally.
2 Timothy 1:7
God's Gift"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, of love and of sound mind."
Application:
Fear doesn't come from God. He gives you power, love, and clarity instead.
Psalm 27:1
God as Protector"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?"
Application:
When God is your stronghold, no earthly threat can ultimately harm you.
1 John 4:18
Love Conquers Fear"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."
Application:
God's perfect love for you eliminates fear. Rest in His love when anxiety attacks.
Deuteronomy 31:6
God's Faithfulness"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
Application:
God's promise to never leave you is your foundation for courage in any situation.
Psalm 56:3
Trust in Fear"When I am afraid, I put my trust in you."
Application:
Fear is natural, but it's what you do with fear that matters. Turn to God in trust.
Isaiah 43:1
Identity in God"But now, this is what the Lord says—he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: 'Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.'"
Application:
You belong to God. This relationship is your security against all fears.
Psalm 118:6
Confidence in God"The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?"
Application:
With God on your side, human threats lose their power to intimidate you.
Proverbs 3:25-26
Protection from Disaster"Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the Lord will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared."
Application:
God protects you from both sudden disasters and the gradual traps of life.
Matthew 10:28
Eternal Perspective"Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell."
Application:
Keep eternal perspective. Fear God reverently, not people temporarily.
Psalm 34:4
Deliverance from Fear"I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears."
Application:
God hears your prayers about fear and actively delivers you from them.
Isaiah 35:4
God's Coming Salvation"Say to those with fearful hearts, 'Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.'"
Application:
God is coming to your rescue. His intervention is certain, even when delayed.
Hebrews 13:6
Divine Help"So we say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?'"
Application:
God is actively helping you right now. This truth should fill you with confidence.
Psalm 91:5-6
Comprehensive Protection"You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday."
Application:
God's protection covers all times and all types of threats - visible and invisible.
Isaiah 54:14
Established Security"In righteousness you will be established: Tyranny will be far from you; you will have nothing to fear. Terror will be far removed; it will not come near you."
Application:
Your position in God's righteousness creates a barrier against fear and terror.
Matthew 6:26
God's Provision"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?"
Application:
If God cares for birds, how much more will He care for you? Trust His provision.
Psalm 112:7-8
Steadfast Heart"They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes."
Application:
A heart anchored in God remains steady even when receiving frightening news.
Romans 8:15
Spirit of Adoption"The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, 'Abba, Father.'"
Application:
You're not a slave living in fear - you're God's beloved child with full access to Him.
Zephaniah 3:16-17
God the Warrior"On that day they will say to Jerusalem, 'Do not fear, Zion; do not let your hands hang limp. The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves.'"
Application:
God fights for you as a mighty warrior. You can rest while He battles on your behalf.
Daniel 3:17-18
Faith Over Fear"If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty's hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."
Application:
Trust God's ability to deliver, but be willing to remain faithful even if He chooses not to deliver in the way you expect.
Psalm 46:1-2
Refuge in Chaos"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."
Application:
Even when everything seems to be falling apart, God remains your safe refuge.
Luke 12:7
God's Intimate Care"Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."
Application:
God knows you intimately and values you highly. This detailed care should calm your fears.
Psalm 139:23-24
Surrendering Anxiety"Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
Application:
Bring your anxious thoughts directly to God. He can transform worry into trust.
Matthew 14:27
Jesus' Presence"But Jesus immediately said to them: 'Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid.'"
Application:
Jesus' presence changes everything. When He's near, fear must flee.
Jeremiah 1:8
God's Rescue"Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you, declares the Lord."
Application:
God promises to rescue you. His deliverance may not look like you expect, but it will come.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bible Verses About Fear
How can Bible verses help with anxiety and fear?
Scripture reminds us of God's character, promises, and presence. Regular meditation on these truths can renew our minds and replace fear with faith.
What's the difference between healthy fear and unhealthy fear?
Healthy fear (like fear of God or prudent caution) leads to wisdom and protection. Unhealthy fear paralyzes, controls our decisions, and contradicts God's promises. The Bible distinguishes between reverential fear of God and the spirit of fear that doesn't come from Him (2 Timothy 1:7).
Is it a sin to feel afraid?
No, fear is a natural human emotion that even godly people experience. Jesus felt distressed in the garden (Matthew 26:37), and many biblical heroes experienced fear. What matters is what you do with fear - whether you let it control you or turn to God with it.
How do I overcome fear when I've prayed but still feel afraid?
Remember that overcoming fear is often a process, not an instant fix. Keep declaring God's truth over your emotions (Psalm 56:3). Consider practical steps like counseling, medical help if needed, and building supportive relationships. God often works through means, not just miracles.
What does 'fear not' really mean in the Bible?
When God says 'fear not,' He's not dismissing your emotions but commanding you not to let fear control your actions. It's a call to courage based on His presence and promises. It means 'don't let fear have the final word' rather than 'never feel afraid.'
How can I trust God's protection when bad things happen to good people?
God's protection doesn't always mean preventing suffering, but it does mean His presence in suffering and His ultimate victory over evil. Protection includes emotional strength, spiritual growth through trials, and the promise of eternal security (Romans 8:28, John 16:33).
What about fear of death - how does faith address this?
Jesus conquered death (1 Corinthians 15:55-57), removing its ultimate sting for believers. While the dying process may still cause anxiety, the Bible promises that death leads to being 'with Christ' which is 'better by far' (Philippians 1:23). This hope transforms how we view death.
Can I have faith and still struggle with anxiety disorders?
Absolutely. Mental health conditions are medical realities that can affect anyone, including faithful believers. Having anxiety doesn't mean you lack faith - it means you're human. God can work through medication, therapy, and other treatments alongside spiritual practices.
How do I deal with fear about the future and things I can't control?
Focus on God's faithfulness in the past and His promises for the future (Lamentations 3:22-23). Practice living one day at a time as Jesus taught (Matthew 6:34). Remember that while you can't control circumstances, you can trust the One who controls all things.
What's the relationship between perfect love and casting out fear?
1 John 4:18 teaches that God's perfect love for you eliminates the fear of punishment and rejection. When you truly grasp how completely God loves and accepts you in Christ, many fears lose their power because your security is in Him, not in circumstances.
How can I help a loved one who struggles with fear and anxiety?
Listen without judging, pray with and for them, and avoid simplistic solutions like 'just trust God more.' Point them to God's character and promises, support professional help when needed, and be a consistent, loving presence that reflects God's faithfulness.
What should I do when fear feels overwhelming and prayer doesn't seem to help?
Consider that God may be leading you to additional resources - counseling, medical evaluation, or support groups. Keep praying but also take practical steps. Sometimes breakthrough comes through community, professional help, or gradual progress rather than instant relief.