Fear is a complicated emotion. Fear can protect you from danger, kicking your fight or flight mode into effect. However, living in a constant state of fear is toxic. It is harmful to your brain and your body. Consider the following Bible verses about fear to help you overcome anxiety and worry.

Whether you have developed a mindset of fear from past trauma or the accumulative stresses of daily life, the Bible has some words for you about complicated fear.

Anxiety and fear.

Anxiety is closely tied to fear. The feelings spiral into one another and complicate each other. Jesus has words to say about this:

Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? – Luke 12:22-26, NIV

Take time to pray and journal about your feelings. What are the worries and fears that you have? Where did they come from? What is the worst possible outcome and what is the best possible outcome?

By spending time asking and answering these questions, you build pathways to trust in God. When you feel those fears rising you can bring them to God in prayer. Expressing your anxiety and fear clears the path to trust.

Bible Verses about Fear

Joy and fear.

So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. – Matthew 28:8, NIV

Fear can be mixed with good feelings. Joyful anticipation, like a child excited for their birthday, is a good thing. Your emotions can be mixed and that is okay.

When you find yourself with mixed feelings take a few moments to ask why. See if there is an underlying reason for your fear or history that makes you feel this way. Separate the fear from the joy by careful thought, so that you don’t unwittingly let fear take over.

Peace and fear.

Fear may seem like the opposite of peace, but the actual opposite is contentment. You can feel at peace even in situations you feel fear.

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” – Hebrews 13:5-6, NIV

Contentment and gratitude are clear ways to combat the fear that seeks to control your life. When you realize that you are okay, you are safe from danger, you can find peace in the care that God provides. Fear tries to steal your hope and trust in God.

Take a few minutes to think about the ways that you have seen good things happen in hardship. This reminder can ground you when fear wants to uproot you.

Love and fear.

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 made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us. – 1 John 4:18-19, NIV

Fear is often rooted in a trauma of some kind. Perhaps you experienced abandonment. Your life may have been endangered in some way. Maybe your emotions were minimized or neglected. Whatever brought fear into your life, finding love will be a part of your healing.

This love is not of the erotic or romantic type. It can be the platonic love of friends who show up when you ask for help. It can be the love of caring for the needs of your body, with rest, nutritious food, and exercise. The love of God is healing, with no expectation of return, no punishment will be inflicted.

Find the people who love you without expectations. That love creates safety, and after living in fear safety is a beautiful gift.

Christian counseling for anxiety and fear.

If you’re looking for additional support beyond these Bible verses about fear, schedule a visit with a counselor at San Diego Christian Counseling to talk about the fears you have. The conversation and insights may provide you with comfort and courage going forward. Your counselor may be able to recommend treatments for trauma, anxiety, and stress. Be open about your fears, and your counselor in San Diego can find the right treatment for you.