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What does the Bible say about overcoming fear?

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The Bible teaches that God calls His people to overcome fear by trusting His presence, fatherly care, and saving power in Christ. Isaiah 41:10 and Joshua 1:9 assure believers that the Lord is with them and will uphold them. Psalm 27:1 and Psalm 91:1-16 portray God as refuge and light amid real danger, not a promise of an easy life. Jesus says in John 16:33 that His disciples will have trouble, yet He has overcome the world. Through the Spirit, believers receive not slavery to fear but adoption as God’s children, as Romans 8:15 and 2 Timothy 1:7 declare. We may cast every anxiety on Him, resting in His faithful love.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Isaiah 41:10

    Don't you be afraid, for I am with you; don't be dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you; yes, I will help you; yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.

  • 2 Timothy 1:7

    For God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.

  • 1 Peter 5:7

    casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you.

  • 1 John 4:18

    There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear has punishment. He who fears is not made perfect in love.

  • Psalms 91:1-16

    [1] He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. [2] I will say of Yahweh, "He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in whom I trust." [3] For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler, And from the deadly pestilence. [4] He will cover you with his feathers. Under his wings you will take refuge. His faithfulness is your shield and rampart. [5] You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, Nor of the arrow that flies by day; [6] Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, Nor of the destruction that wastes at noonday. [7] A thousand may fall at your side, And ten thousand at your right hand; But it will not come near you. [8] You will only look with your eyes, And see the recompense of the wicked. [9] Because you have made Yahweh your refuge, And the Most High your dwelling place, [10] No evil shall happen to you, Neither shall any plague come near your dwelling. [11] For he will give his angels charge over you, To guard you in all your ways. [12] They will bear you up in their hands, So that you won't dash your foot against a stone. [13] You will tread on the lion and cobra. You will trample the young lion and the serpent underfoot. [14] "Because he has set his love on me, therefore I will deliver him. I will set him on high, because he has known my name. [15] He will call on me, and I will answer him. I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him, and honor him. [16] I will satisfy him with long life, And show him my salvation."

  • John 16:33

    I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have oppression; but cheer up! I have overcome the world."

  • Psalms 27:1

    > Yahweh is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? Yahweh is the strength of my life. Of whom shall I be afraid?

  • Psalms 56:3-4

    [3] When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. [4] In God, I praise his word. In God, I put my trust. I will not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?

  • Romans 8:15

    For you didn't receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father!"

  • Joshua 1:9

    Haven't I commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; don't be afraid, neither be dismayed: for Yahweh your God is with you wherever you go.

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