13 verses to comfort the fearful heart

There is a lot to fear these days. At every turn, there is something to cause our hearts to panic, our thoughts to veer toward despondency, and our minds to wrestle with the “what-ifs”. At any given moment, trepidation hunkers down for a permanent residency deep within our spirits.

Those who lived in previous generations will tell you that this isn’t the first time the world has been in a state of turbulent unrest, chaos, and fear. The Civil War, WWI, WWII, famines, and The Great Depression were terrifying. The unparalleled horrors of the Holocaust and Rwandan and Cambodian Genocides are examples of the evil and darkest side of humanity.

Things can seem bleak right now. On top of current events, there are also the “regular” things to fear: losing a loved one, cancer, debilitating diseases, severe chronic illness, fear of losing one’s job and/or home, fear of the continual loss of freedoms, and the list goes on.

We watch before our very eyes the horrific murder of the innocent preborn (as I type this blog, the count is at 1,623,765,300 abortions worldwide since 1980). We hear of the 245 million Christians who are persecuted every year (and 4,136 killed every year for their faith). And the the approximately 4.8 million women and children who are sex-trafficked each year.

All of these things are frightening and remind us that the world we live in is far from perfect. And will never be perfect. It will never be a utopia, no matter how much one might wish it to be so.

But to spend time dwelling on such statistics can send us into a spiraling state of despair.

A state we were never supposed to reside in.

Life is short. Life is frail. And life is precious.

And for those of us in Christ, this is just a momentary stop on our way to spending eternity with our Savior. So as we continue on in this journey, may we find peace and rest in the arms of our Lord through the life-changing scripture found in His Word. May we allow it to sink deep within our hearts and minds so the next time fear comes knocking at our door, we can confidently turn it away.

May we remember to surrender our fears to Him minute-by-minute, hour-by-hour, day-by-day.

May we remember that nothing can take away the peace that comes with the assurance of Salvation.

This world is temporary.

The fears we have in this world are also temporary. But eternity is forever.

Before you go, check out these other posts:

conquering the joy zappers of life

lessons from the garden

the video camera is always on, part 5

15 verses for strength in challenging times

what to stock up on this winter

who are you behind the screen?

6 suggestions for getting through the rough times in life

15 verses for strength in challenging times

There is a lot to disagree on these days, but there is one thing we can likely all agree on…this year has been a challenging one.

In more ways than one, stress levels and anxieties have risen. Hope has taken a backseat to despair. Happiness has given way to frustration. Optimism has turned into negativity.

Thankfully, for those of us in Christ, this is not our permanent home. When the day-to-day events turn turbulent, we can turn to the One who loves us and cares about every minute detail in our lives. His promises remind us that His love is steadfast. That He will carry us through the rough waters of life, that when we are burdened, He will take that load from us and take it upon Himself. Jesus is our strength, our anchor, and our stronghold.

Next time you need a boost of strength for these challenging times, flip through the pages of God’s precious Word and find the peace tucked within.

Other posts on this blog you may enjoy:

the importance of perseverance

13 ways to help someone going through a difficult time

10 Bible verses to start off your day

7 ways to inspire others

Movie Monday: Unplanned

scriptural antidotes for fear

Fear. A common struggle for many people. Dictionary.com defines it as a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined; the feeling or condition of being afraid.

We, as Believers, know from God’s Word that we can trust, rather than fear. God knew, however, that His precious children would struggle with this at times. I read somewhere that “fear not” is mentioned in the Bible at least 365 times.

I love that God knew we would worry. That He knew we would fear. That He knew we would need an antidote for angst, panic, and anxiety. Indeed, there is much to fear in today’s crazy world.

Yet, we know that God loves us so much that He sent His Son for us, that we are invaluable to Him, and that He goes before us in those stressful situations. In Matthew 10:31, He talks of us being more valuable than the sparrows, whom He cares and provides for.

The next time fear comes to knock on your door, take some time to dive into God’s Word and let these verses comfort your soul.

And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you. ~ Psalm 9:10

 

So do not fear, for I am with you…for I am your God. ~ Isaiah 41:10

 

I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. ~ Psalm 34:4

 

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 4:7

 

I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. ~ Psalm 16:8

 

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. ~ John 14:27

 

For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.” ~ Isaiah 41:13

 

When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. ~ Psalm 56:3

 

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in You. ~ Isaiah 26:3

 

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

 

There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. ~ 1 John 4:18

 

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? ~ Psalm 27:1

 

Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. ~ Isaiah 12:2A

 

Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. ~ Matthew 6:34

 

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. ~ Psalm 46:1

 

 

 

Other posts you may enjoy:

10 Bible verses to start off your day

a season of hope

20 upbeat songs to encourage you

Where is your focus? Finding peace of mind in a world of negativity

the great toilet paper caper

the importance of authenticity

the importance of mentorship