Now that we are in a new year, there’s a lot to be thankful for, to look forward to and there is a lot to fear and worry about.
Whether it be financial woes, marital problems, or simply the rise of evil in our world, we can always rejoice if we are in Christ and believe that his will will be done no matter what.
Jesus promised in John 16:33 that as long as we are in this world we will have anguish and many fears.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NIV)
The Greek word for trouble is defined as fear and anxiety. We can have peace in this world because Christ has overcome the world. This doesn’t mean that we will be exempt from trials and tribulations. But when we are thrown into conflict, we have peace knowing that Christ has already experienced all the fears that we have, and he has overcome them.
Here are some scriptures to help you when you are faced with fearfulness. Some of these verses can be easily memorized so they can quickly be recalled when you are anxious:
1. Remember, God cares for you
1 Peter 5:6-7 (NIV)
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
2. Take it to The Lord in Prayer
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.”
Psalm 55:22 (NIV)
“Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”
Psalm 34:4 (NIV)
“I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.”
3. There is no fear in God
Isaiah 12:2 (NIV)
“Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.”
4. Trusting God will give you ‘perfect peace’
Isaiah 26:3-4 (NIV)
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD himself, is the Rock eternal.”
Nahum 1:7 (NIV)
“The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.”
5. Dive into The Word
Psalm 56:3-4 (NIV)
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise – in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”
Psalm 94:19 (NIV)
“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.”
Psalm 119:28 (NIV)
“My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.”
Psalm 119:49-50 (NIV)
“Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope. My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.”
Psalm 119:107 (NIV)
“I have suffered much; preserve my life, LORD, according to your word.”
Psalm 119:143 (NIV)
“Trouble and distress have come upon me, but your commands give me delight.”
6. There is a purpose for our trials
Romans 8:28 (NIV)
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
James 1:2-3 (NIV)
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
7. God encourages us not to be anxious because He will meet our needs
Matthew 6:25-33 (NIV)
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.”
If you or someone you know is being crippled with fear and would like someone from our church to pray with you and for you, just fill out the prayer request form linked below.
