How to Find Hope When You Feel Afraid?

There are many things that can cause us fear today. Fear about what the future holds. Fear of sickness. Fear of finances. Fear of unrest. Fear of the unknown. Fear of being hurt. Fear of death. Fear of being alone. Fear of other people’s motives. And the list goes on.

Yet in the Bible God tells us over and over to “Fear not.” So how do we live this out? How do we live with courage? How do we stop fear from creeping in?

For those who believe in God, it comes from trusting Him completely, believing that He will “work all things out for good for those who love him.” (Romans 8:2), and then reminding ourselves of His promises.

Be encouraged with these many verses where God tells us we have nothing to fear.

God Provides Courage, If We Look to Him

God promises to give us just what we need to get through any fearful time. We must simply look to Him as our provider and rescuer and trust Him.

1. For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7)

2. Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)

3. So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” (Romans 8:15)

4. 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. (Isaiah 41:10)

5. I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. (Psalm 34:4)

God Is with You When You Are Afraid

The best source of comfort and peace, when faced with uncertain and scary situations, is knowing God is right there with you. He promises to never leave.

6. Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. (Isaiah 43:1-2)

7. So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you. (Deuteronomy 31:6)

8. You are my hiding place; will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. (Psalm 32:7)

9. Say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.” (Isaiah 35:4)

Comfort for Specific Fears

Fear of an Unknown Future – God wins in the end!

10. 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)

Fear of Death

11. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (Psalm 23:1-4)

Fear of Danger and Unrest

12. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. (Psalm 18:2)

13. The Lord is my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? (Psalm 27:1)

Fear of Financial Stress

14. And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19))

15. 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)

16. So don’t worry about these things, saying, “What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?” These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. (Matthew 6:31-33)

Fear of Being Hurt by Others

17. Fear of man will prove to be a snare, whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe. (Proverbs 29:25)

18. But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. I praise God for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me? (Psalm 56:3-4)

No matter what is causing you to feel afraid or uncertain, a HopeCoach can help. Find out how we help can help you with uncertainty and fear.