How do you trust God amidst anxiety and fear? Fear is something I’ve struggled with for years. I remember going to amusement parks and being scared of the rides, wondering, What if they stop? What if they fly off the tracks, and I die?! I’ve always thought about the “what ifs” and worst-case scenarios. When I was younger, I also imagined what would happen if someone took me from my parents—what would I do?
I’m not sure when these fears and thoughts started; I’ve kind of always had them. As I got older, my fears seemed to increase, and I just assumed that was how my mind worked. In high school and college, I read 2 Timothy 1:7: “God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.” I would recite this verse, and it would help, especially when I paired it with distractions. Spending time with friends or doing something to take my mind off my worries often eased my fear.
Marriage and Motherhood-New Fears and Anxiety
When I got married and had my daughters, the fears resurfaced. My husband would encourage me, saying, “You don’t have to live in fear,” and, “You can change your thoughts.” I didn’t understand what he meant because I had always lived with these fears. I thought that was just how I was and how God created me to be.
Then I read Galatians 5:22-23 about the fruit of the Spirit. I had read this passage many times but always focused on the first part: love, joy, peace. But the last fruit of the Spirit is self-control. With the Holy Spirit living in me, I realized I could have self-control over my thoughts. I can change them. I can choose to think better thoughts. 2 Corinthians 10:5 says we can take our thoughts captive.
It’s taken me years of struggling, but I’m getting better at recognizing when fear and anxiety creep in. When they do, here’s what helps me:
5 Steps to Overcoming Fear and Anxiety
- Pray
- Recite Scripture
- Change my thoughts and speak truth
- Seek wisdom or prayer from trusted friends or family
- Listen to worship music
1. Pray
The best thing we can do in our walk with Christ is to pray. Prayer is our lifeline to Jesus, our way of communicating with Him. Just as we must communicate to maintain relationships with people, we must do the same with Jesus. He wants to talk to us, and He wants us to talk to Him.
There have been numerous times when fear and anxiety have overwhelmed me, and praying to Jesus has brought me peace. If you’re unsure where to start with praying about fear, here’s a prayer you can use:
Prayer for Overcoming Fear
Jesus, thank You for what You did on the cross for me. Thank You for Your blood and broken body by which I am saved. Jesus, I call on You and ask You to calm my fears. You see what I am afraid of, and I pray for Your peace to cover me right now. You have not given me a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind. I take these fearful thoughts captive and give them to You, Jesus. They will not control me. Thank You for Your peace and love. In Jesus’ name, amen.
2. Recite Scripture
Reciting scripture has helped me time and time again. I speak these truths in prayer and throughout my day. Here are some scriptures that have helped me overcome fear:
- 2 Timothy 1:7
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”
- 2 Corinthians 10:5
“We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.”
- Galatians 5:22-23
“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!”
- 1 Peter 5:7
“Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.”
- Joshua 1:5
“No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you.”
Whenever I feel anxious or fearful, these verses bring encouragement and peace. They remind me to speak truth over my fears, making them seem smaller than they once did.
3. Change Your Thoughts and Speak Truth
In overcoming fear, I’ve learned the importance of changing my thoughts. I must take them captive and speak truth over them. Sometimes, this even means changing what I’m reading or watching. If scrolling through social media increases my anxiety or fear, I take a break from it. Years ago, I realized that watching the news gave me anxiety and fear about the future, so I stopped watching it and only get snippets when I ask my husband.
Recently, after scrolling social media, I started having fears about the future of our country. I had to step away from it and remind myself of the truth: No matter what happens, I serve the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords—Jesus Christ. He is more powerful than any world leader. Declaring this truth over my thoughts brings me peace, and I no longer fear the future.
4. Listen to Worship Music and Praise God
Listening to worship music helps me focus on Jesus rather than my fears. As I worship, my worries and anxious thoughts diminish. The Bible is filled with verses about praising the Lord, and I believe that when we do what we were created to do—worship God—everything else seems smaller compared to how great and powerful He is.
Here are some of my favorite worship songs that help me overcome fear:
- “Praise” by Elevation Worship
- “Worthy of It All” by CeCe Winans
- “Worthy is the Lamb” by Hillsong Worship
- “Build My Life” by Pat Barrett
5. Seek Wisdom and Prayer from Others
Having my husband or close friends speak scripture and pray over me has been so helpful. We aren’t meant to go through life’s battles alone. God provides people to support us. There have been many times when, after praying, reciting scripture, and listening to worship music, I’ve reached out to a close friend. Their prayers and words of truth helped lift me from the grip of fear.
Learning to Wait on the Lord in Times of Fear
Overcoming fear is a journey that requires patience, prayer, and reliance on God’s Word. Whether it’s through reciting scripture, changing our thoughts, or seeking support from others, we have tools to face our fears and trust in God’s plan. As you navigate your own struggles with fear and anxiety, remember that you don’t have to do it alone. Wait on the Lord, and trust that He will give you the strength, peace, and clarity to face whatever comes your way. With His help, you can live free from the grip of fear and rest in the knowledge that He is in control.
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