Meditate on these Bible verses for fear and anxiety and rest in the peace that only God can provide.
Sometimes, when fear and anxiety try to take over, we let them. And then we regret it because they don’t like to give an inch back once they’ve conquered it.
But we don’t have to let them keep the power. Fear and anxiety can be pushed back, and we can stand firm on the ground that God has already conquered.
The Bible is a powerful source of encouragement and a great weapon against oversized fear and anxiety.
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Bible Verses for Fear and Anxiety
Let’s get right into some really powerful Bible verses for fear and anxiety. Because the sword of the Spirit, that is, the Word of God is the best weapon in our arsenal.
His words will soothe, shield, and defend us when we can’t do it ourselves. Honestly, though, when can we do it ourselves?
So when you’re weary and fearful and anxious, look to some of these verses to remind you of God’s power in all circumstances:
Genesis 15:1
The word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not fear, Abram, I am a shield to you; Your reward shall be very great.”
Genesis 15:1 NASB
The first verse that says do not fear, promises that God will be Abram’s shield. I think that’s a very powerful place to start our defense against fear and anxiety, don’t you?
God’s got this. Whatever ‘this’ is that’s bothering you. He will be your shield too if you ask him to!
Genesis 21:17
God heard the boy crying; and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, “What is the matter with you, Hagar? Do not fear, for God has heard the voice of the boy where he is.
Genesis 21:17 NASB
The second ‘do not fear’ is addressed to Hagar and Ishmael. In this century, we often consider them to be an enemy of sorts.
But that’s not how God sees them. He’s expressing his concern, care and provision for their wellbeing.
He sees them and hears them. He sees and hears us today. Right where we are. We don’t have to be in church, or in Jerusalem, or anything like that. He hears us where we are!
Numbers 14:9
“Only do not rebel against the LORD; and do not fear the people of the land, for they will be our prey. Their protection is gone from them, and the LORD is with us; do not fear them.”
Numbers 14:9 NASB
If we don’t rebel against the LORD, we have no reason to fear the people of the land. The vocal people who sometimes appear to be winning, have no protection from God, and He IS with us.
Deuteronomy 31:8
“And the LORD is the one who is going ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not desert you or abandon you. Do not fear and do not be dismayed.”
Deuteronomy 31:8 NASB
The Lord is going ahead of us in every situation. We walk in, and he’s already there. Preparing things. Preparing hearts. Whether that’s a mission field, your boss’s office or the grocery store checkout line!
Joshua 1:9
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 NIV
This is one of the most popular and memorized verses, I think, alongside John 3:16. I like the way it starts because God wouldn’t give a command that was impossible (with him). And he’s not telling us to use willpower. He’s saying we can be strong and courageous because he is with us wherever we go.
Kind of like the 2-4-year-old is invincible because dad’s with him. He knows no fear. He’ll talk to anyone, jump off anything, and touch everything!
1 Samuel 12:20
Samuel said to the people, “Do not fear. You have committed all this evil, yet do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart.
1 Samuel 12:20 NASB
This verse shouts forgiveness and second chances. It doesn’t matter about the evil or sinful past.
You’ve admitted and acknowledged your sin, and repented. Now focus on serving the Lord wholeheartedly and follow him wherever he leads you.
Your life of service and fellowship isn’t over because of past mistakes and messes. He still loves you more than you can imagine!
2 Kings 6:16
And he said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are greater than those who are with them.”
2 Kings 6:16 NASB
You really should read this one in context. An army has surrounded the city and is specifically after Elisha. Elisha’s servant is scared.
But Elisha responds with ‘don’t worry, our side is greater’ and then prays for his servant to be able to see into the spiritual realm, where the hills were full of chariots of fire all around to protect Elisha.
My pastor recently called Elisha the Batman Jedi when we were discussing this passage. I don’t think I will ever unhear that, and it’s so perfect a visual!
We’d do well to remember God cares that much about us, and when we’re under attack, as his dearly loved children, he’s got our backs too!
2 Chronicles 20:15
“Listen, all you of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and King Jehoshaphat: This is what the LORD says to you: ‘Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God’s.
2 Chronicles 20:15 NASB
The Battle is NOT Yours, but GOD’s. We don’t have to fight. In fact, we probably do too much fighting. Especially amongst ourselves.
God’s got it. Whatever overwhelming battle is before you, just know that you’re not alone and he fights on our behalf.
Psalm 34:4
I sought the LORD and He answered me, And rescued me from all my fears.
Psalm 34:4 NIV
He is our rescuer. I am so grateful that he is. We are to seek him, but he makes sure to answer us. It’s not like playing a game of hide and seek against someone invisible. He makes it where we can find him. And then, he takes care of everything.
Have you looked for him recently?
Psalm 34:10
The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.
Psalm 34:10 NIV
Lions are tough and self-sufficient, but even they run into situations that they can’t handle. If we but seek the Lord, we won’t be shortchanged. He provides good things to his children.
Another promise that counteracts our fears. Those are the best, aren’t they?
This passage and many others on the list are included in the Seeds Family Worship CDs, a collection of scripture with catchy tunes to help you memorize and have verses available in your moment of need.
Psalm 56:3-4
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?
Psalm 56:3-4 NIV
This verse acknowledges that fear happens, and gives a step-by-step action plan. Trust God, and praise his word.
While it may be easier said than done, it is straightforward and simple. And with practice, it will get easier. Especially if we keep a log or gratitude list, to keep track of his faithfulness!
Psalm 94:19
When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your comfort delights my soul.
Psalm 94:19 NASB
Our God is a God of comfort. He doesn’t give us a hard time for being anxious, but instead comforts and reassures us.
Did you know that we could go from anxious to delight, just by spending time with God? I find that pretty awesome!
Psalm 118:6
The LORD is for me; I will not fear; What can man do to me?
Psalm 118:6 NASB
I don’t think I can add to this one. It’s pretty powerful all by itself. Choose to live like you believe this one, and see what happens.
Psalm 147:3
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
Psalm 147:3 NIV
God cares. He sees. He knows. And more than that, He does something about it! He heals the heartbroken.
I love verses like this that show God’s compassion, where he’s moved to action on our behalf. Definitely the kind of verse to keep in your arsenal against fear and anxiety!
Proverbs 29:25
Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.
Proverbs 29:25 NIV
Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the LORD means safety.
Proverbs 29:25 NLT
I wanted you to see this one in two translations together. The way they complement each other and enhance the message is powerful.
Assuming we’d agree that we want to avoid the trap, shifting our focus from people to our trustworthy God will help.
Lamentations 3:22-23
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV
Compassion that never fails. New every morning. I’m so grateful for God’s faithfulness and patience, that give room for compassion and care. This blessing of fresh mercies every day never fails to bring joy whenever it comes to mind.
I’m thinking I need to put this on the animal feed since that’s one of the first things I do every day, is feed the animals. What a great verse to start each day with!
Isaiah 41:10
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 NIV
This is one of my all-time favorite verses. This verse is so very encouraging because it all relies on HIM, not me. He’s telling me what he will do, and I know that I can count on him.
Even without my asking, he’s offering that he will strengthen me and help me. It’s a powerful verse when I’m dealing with fear and anxiety of one kind or another!
Jeremiah 17:7-8
“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green.It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”
Jeremiah 17:7-8 NIV
The rewards here for trusting in the Lord are sweet! Solid provision, nothing lacking, safety and endurance!
If the weight of it all is getting to you, you might want to post this verse on your mirror or fridge or wherever you might see it every day!
Jeremiah 29:11-14
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord,
Jeremiah 29:11-14 NIV
Again, if we just seek him…He has good plans for us. He hears us and wants to be found. So let’s not let fear get in the way of seeking God with our whole hearts. Because he offers hope and a future better than you could ever imagine. For all eternity!
Daniel 10:12
Then he said to me, “Do not be afraid, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart on understanding this and on humbling yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to your words.
Daniel 10:12 NASB
I absolutely love this verse. If we’re praying over something, we can count on God to answer it. Daniel had been praying over this for 3 weeks, very intensely, to the exclusion of almost everything else.
And from the moment he began to pray, seeking understanding and humbling himself, a messenger (angel) was sent to bring him the answer. Now that’s cool! And I firmly believe it’s still possible today. If we emulate Daniel’s faith, humility, and prayer life.
Matthew 6:34
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:34 NIV
Yes, we need to have goals and plans for tomorrow, next week, next month, and 5 years from now. But we need to live in TODAY, and not worry about all the ‘what if’s of the future. I’ve been told that it doesn’t help, and robs today of its joy.
Matthew 10:28-31
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. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
Matthew 10:28-31 NIV
We need to be more long-range thinkers, as far as the consequences of our actions. Being a witness is not something to be afraid of, even if it costs us our lives.
And even at that, our value is so great that not even a hair can fall off our heads without God’s permission. So some of those really scary situations aren’t, really.
John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16 NIV
We don’t have to worry or be anxious about eternity, we only need to believe in Jesus. Because God loves the world (that’s everyone) enough to create a way for them to come home to him.
This verse offers so much hope! The only qualifier is that we believe in him. Not that we have a solid history or clean background. We don’t have to be good enough or earn a thing. It’s a gift!
John 14:27
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 NIV
Not just any kind of peace. God’s peace he gives to us. It’s not just an absence of war, anxiety, fear, etc. It’s also the presence of harmony, security, safety, prosperity, and contentment.
With that combination, the fact that he’s handing out peace as a gift is sweet! Don’t you think? How about we try enjoying it for a change?
Ephesians 3:20-21
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV
God is bigger and more powerful than all of our fears lumped together and multiplied. So let’s Praise him, and thank him, and give him all the credit, the glory!
He can do exponentially more than we could ever ask him to or even dream up. I think we ought to be able to trust him with our fears and anxieties too. Can we try?
Philippians 2:13
for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
Philippians 2:13 NIV
I love this verse so much. I don’t have to be anxious about how to obey and all, because God first gives me the desire to do his will, and then helps me to do it.
This is one of those amazing things about God’s grace. He’s handing it out before we can even ask. So rest assured, if God is giving you the desire to overcome your fears, he’s ready to help you do it!
Philippians 4:4-7
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 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 4:4-7 NIV
These Bible verses are powerful for fear and anxiety. It’s a to-do list that doesn’t make any sense if you’re not a Christian. But it works. Rejoice, Be gentle. Trust God and talk to him. And he will provide you with peace and protection!
I think both Lydia and the Philippian Jailer were encouraged to receive this letter from Paul, and I’m so glad they were able to preserve it for us!
2 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7 NLT
I like the juxtaposition here, between fear on one side, and power, love, and self-discipline on the other. Fear vs power I get, but fear vs love, and fear vs self-discipline? Really makes you think.
He’s already given us these things so together, let’s ask God to help us move toward power, love, and self-discipline, and away from fear and timidity (or cowardice in the Darby translation). He delights in giving us good gifts and protecting us. We can count on him.
Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Hebrews 13:8 NIV
Something we can rely on no matter what is going on and changing around us. Jesus Christ is consistent. His character and faithfulness will always be the same. His promises are sure and we can trust everything to him.
1 Peter 5:7
Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
1 Peter 5:7 NLT
God is bigger than all of the stuff in your life. He’s capable of handling it, and what’s more, he actually cares about you. So give him all the issues, and let him deal with it. Remember, we talked earlier about how he fights for us. So let him!
1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.
1 John 4:18 NASB
Perfect love drives out fear. Now, we can’t do anything perfectly, but God does. Let his perfect love drive out your fear today. There’s no punishment for not being good enough or doing enough.
I hope several of these Bible verses for fear and anxiety resonated with you. Take some time to write them down, and place them where you’ll see them often. Make a lock screen for your phone, or computer wallpaper, or post-it notes placed in your path throughout your daily routine.
Give God’s word a chance to soothe your anxiety and encourage your heart. He made you, and loves you, and wants to give you good gifts. One of which is peace!
Take hold of what he’s offering, and draw near to him today!
