What does the Bible say about overcoming fear?
Bible Topic · WEB
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 7 votes
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 7 votes
For God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.
- 1 Peter 5:7 6 votes
casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you.
- 1 John 4:18 5 votes
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 4 votes
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of Yahweh, “He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust.” For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler, and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers. Under his wings you will take refuge. His faithfulness is your shield and rampart. You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that wastes at noonday. A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it will not come near you. You will only look with your eyes, and see the recompense of the wicked. Because you have made Yahweh your refuge, and the Most High your dwelling place, no evil shall happen to you, neither shall any plague come near your dwelling. For he will put his angels in charge of you, to guard you in all your ways. They will bear you up in their hands, so that you won’t dash your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and cobra. You will trample the young lion and the serpent underfoot. “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. He will call on me, and I will answer him. I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him, and honor him. I will satisfy him with long life, and show him my salvation.”
- John 16:33 3 votes
I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have trouble; but cheer up! I have overcome the world.”
- Psalms 27:1 3 votes
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 votes
When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. 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 3 votes
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 2 votes
Haven’t I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be dismayed, for Yahweh your God is with you wherever you go.”
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