5 Fear-Fighting Verses
I think we all struggle with fear. It’s usually irrational, and whispers all sorts of things in your ear. It can leave your knees knocking and your heart racing. I have fought against this for years, and sometimes I feel like I can’t stand against it for another second. I avoid listening to the news, because it is so awful most of the time. This world is a beautiful place, but at times it can be so frightening. If a scary thought lands in my mind, it sometimes sets up camp and refuses to leave. Do you ever find yourself overcome with worry or fear, despite all of the good that surrounds you?
I have had an especially tough time with this over that last couple of months. It seems like one thing after another hounding me and causing me to feel anxious. I find that fighting fear or sadness with my own strength, rarely works. A good friend gave me some great advice. She told me that we can’t really battle the thoughts that try to torment us because they rarely make sense. Instead, we should give all of those thoughts to the Lord. She said to treat fearful thoughts like hot potatoes and toss them up to God as soon as they hit our hands. Imagine if everybody did that? We laughed as we pictured potatoes flying everywhere.
If we entertain fearful thoughts for any amount of time, they will latch onto us and not let go. I have tried to keep anxiety at bay countless times over the years. If I feel unsafe at all, I tend to panic. What am I supposed to do when I want to crawl out of my skin and run down the road screaming? Where to I turn when I feel like the sky is falling? I try to calm down and grab my bible. I hurl that potato as high as it will go.
1. 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. Isaiah 41:10
2. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
3. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7
4. Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved. Psalm 55:22
5. He who dwells in the in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. Psalm 91:1-2
