Fear has a way of showing up uninvited.

In the middle of the night. In a doctor’s waiting room. In a decision we didn’t ask to make.

Maybe it’s fear of the future. Maybe it’s fear for someone we love. Maybe it’s a fear we haven’t found words for yet.

Scripture doesn’t ask us to explain it away. It meets us in it.

Again and again, God says the same thing to His people: do not be afraid. Not because fear isn’t real. Because He is more real, and He has not left the room.

Here are ten verses to carry with you.

1. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV)

“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”

Fear tells us we’re powerless. The Spirit says otherwise.

2. Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

“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.”

Notice what comes before the comfort. Presence. Then strength. Then a hand that holds.

3. Psalm 34:4 (NIV)

“I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.”

David knew fear firsthand. He didn’t manage it alone. He sought.

4. Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

“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.”

Courage was never the absence of fear. It was obedience in spite of it, because of who goes with you.

5. Psalm 23:4 (NIV)

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

The valley doesn’t disappear. But we don’t walk it alone.

6. 1 John 4:18 (NIV)

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not yet made perfect in love.”

Fear and love can’t fully share the same space. As we grow secure in His love, fear starts to lose its grip.

7. Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)

“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.”

Paul wrote this from a prison cell. Not from ease. From there, he still pointed to peace.

8. Psalm 56:3 (NIV)

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”

Not never afraid. Just honest about it, and then, trusting anyway.

9. Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV)

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Moses said this to a people about to face an uncertain future. The command only makes sense because of the promise underneath it.

10. Isaiah 41:13 (NLT)

“For I hold you by your right hand, I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.'”

A hand held. A voice near. Fear is isolating, but this is not.

A Few Thoughts to Close

Fear is not something to be ashamed of. It’s something to bring to God.

Scripture doesn’t shame us for feeling afraid. It invites us, over and over, to bring that fear to the One who is bigger than it.

If you’re walking through a season of fear right now, about your health, your family, your finances, or something you haven’t found words for yet, you are not carrying it by yourself.

We’d love to pray with you. Reach out to First Baptist Church Arlington, or join us this Sunday.

May we have eyes to see that He is near.

May we have courage to bring our fear to Him rather than carry it alone.