Let’s talk about something that I think we all struggle with at some point in our lives: fear and anxiety.
These feelings can be so overwhelming that they overshadow our trust in God, opening the door for the enemy to plant even more seeds of doubt and worry.
But here’s the good news—God doesn’t want us to live in fear.
He wants us to experience His peace and trust Him fully, even in the midst of our anxieties.
So, let’s dive in and explore how we can overcome fear and anxiety by leaning on our faith.
(Scroll to the end to download a printable version of this devotional.)
Understanding Fear and Anxiety
First, let’s acknowledge that fear and anxiety are natural human emotions. They’re responses to perceived threats and uncertainties in our lives.
Whether it’s fear of the future, anxiety about our health, worries about our loved ones, or any number of other concerns, these feelings can creep in and take over our thoughts.
The problem arises when we allow these emotions to dominate our minds and hearts.
When fear and anxiety take the wheel, they can drive us away from trusting God.
Instead of relying on His promises, we start relying on our own understanding and strength, which is exactly what the enemy wants.
The Enemy’s Tactics
The enemy loves to use fear and anxiety to his advantage. Why?
Because these emotions can cloud our judgment, weaken our faith, and make us feel isolated and helpless.
When we’re consumed by fear and anxiety, we’re less likely to pray, read our Bibles, or seek fellowship with other believers.
Instead, we spiral into a cycle of doubt and worry.
1 Peter 5:8 reminds us, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
One of the ways he tries to devour us is by planting seeds of fear and anxiety in our hearts. But we don’t have to let him win.
Trusting God in Troubling Times
So, how do we combat fear and anxiety? By putting our trust in God. This might sound easier said than done, but it’s possible with a few practical steps.
1. Talk to God
Prayer is our direct line to God. It’s where we can pour out our fears, anxieties, and worries to Him.
When we pray, we’re not just talking to the ceiling; we’re communicating with the Creator of the universe who cares deeply about us.
Philippians 4:6-7 is one of my favorite passages for dealing with anxiety: “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.”
So, let’s make it a habit to pray continually, bringing every fear and anxiety to God.
2. Remember the Last Time
Think back to the last time you felt overwhelmed by fear or anxiety.
How did God come through for you? Remembering His past faithfulness can bolster your faith in the present. Psalm 77:11-12 says,
“I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”
By recalling how God has helped us in the past, we can remind ourselves that He is always with us and will continue to be faithful.
3. Meditate on Scripture
The Bible is filled with promises that can help us combat fear and anxiety.
When we meditate on these scriptures, we’re filling our minds with God’s truth instead of the enemy’s lies. Here are a few verses to get you started:
- 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.”
- 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.”
- Psalm 94:19: “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.”
By focusing on these promises, we remind ourselves of God’s faithfulness and His power to see us through any situation.
4. Limit Your Input from the World
We live in an age of constant information overload, and not all of it is uplifting or true.
The news, social media, and even well-meaning friends can sometimes feed our fears and anxieties.
It’s important to set boundaries on the input we receive from the world. Philippians 4:8 encourages us to “think about whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable.”
By filtering what we take in, we can protect our minds from unnecessary anxiety and focus on what brings peace and encouragement.
5. Fellowship with Other Believers
We were never meant to go through life alone.
God created us for community, and there’s great strength in leaning on our brothers and sisters in Christ.
When we share our fears and anxieties with trusted friends or a small group, we not only receive their support and prayers, but we also realize we’re not alone in our struggles.
Galatians 6:2 encourages us to “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help. Sometimes, just knowing that someone else is praying for you can bring immense comfort and peace.
Friends, fear and anxiety are powerful emotions, but they don’t have to control our lives.
When we allow our fears and anxieties to overshadow our trust in God, we give the enemy a foothold.
But by talking to God, remembering His past faithfulness, meditating on scripture, limiting our input from the world, and fellowshipping with other believers, we can combat these feelings and strengthen our faith.
Remember, God is with us every step of the way. He knows our struggles and wants to bring us peace.
So, let’s choose to trust Him, even when it’s hard. Let’s lean on His promises and support one another in this journey.
Together, we can overcome fear and anxiety and walk in the peace and confidence that comes from trusting God.
Until next time, keep trusting and keep praying. God bless!
Be sure to download a printable version of this devotional along with reflection questions to put in your study binder!
