When I was younger, I was afraid of the dark or more specific, what I couldn’t see that might be in the dark.

As I got older, I developed new fears, tornadoes, car accidents, and sharks in the water.

These fears are mostly irrational and I grew out of them, but we never truly out grow fear. There’s always something that keeps that hold on our minds and hearts.

God says in His word, “Do not fear.” hundreds of times. He has a pretty good idea that we are people who are pretty helpless and powerless in a lot of situations and if we let it, fear is going to settle in.

What the Bible Says About Fear

First, there are a couple of types of fear. The first, is the “fear of the Lord” which is reverence due to His name and position. It’s a high respect. Psalm 33:8 NIV says, “Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the people of the world revere him.”

This kind of fear keeps us humble before God and reminds us of His awesome power over all of creation.

Second, there is fear of man and things of this world. This kind of fear holds us captive and steals our joy. It keeps us from focusing on the “fear of the Lord.”

Jesus said in Matthew 10: 28-31 NIV:  “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.  Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.  So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”

What to do When You Feel Afraid

When you are afraid, you should turn to God. He has the power to change your mindset, change your situation, and conquer any enemy.

First, prayer and focus on God, second meditation on the truths found in His word, and finally filling your hear and mind with His praises.

A Prayer for When You are Afraid

This prayer is from Psalm 56. David had the promise and anointing from God that he would be king but was on the run from the current king, King Saul, who wanted him dead.

His prayer is desperate as David reveals the reality of his fears. But, then in looking to his Heavenly Father, David finds himself confident that the God of mercy would no only save him but also intervene in the plans of the wicked.

This prayer is repeated twice in Psalm 56, but is also found in Psalm 118 and Hebrews 13. This is a pretty good indication that the Lord would know that we need help praying when we are afraid. In Hebrews 13, the writer encourages the readers to say in with confidence!

Just like David, we have a real enemy in Satan and sometimes physical enemies too. We can follow his example and cry out to Jesus in trust, praise, and confidence of the God who can!

When you are afraid, pray this prayer from Psalm 56:3-4. Put your trust in God. Praise him. Declare you are not afraid because He is on your side. And, watch Him give you peace, victory, and a new hope.

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 56:3-4 NIV

Bible Verses to Meditate on When You are Afraid

These verses remind us of the Mighty God we serve and how able and willing He is to offer a hiding place for His children who are fearful. Let them comfort and empower you.

• 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. Deut. 31:6 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. Isaiah 41:10 NIV

• The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” Romans 8:15 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 made perfect in love. 1 John 4:8 NIV

• Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 NIV

Finally, I leave you with the comforting words of Proverbs 3:

My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight,
    preserve sound judgment and discretion;
 they will be life for you,
    an ornament to grace your neck.
 Then you will go on your way in safety,
    and your foot will not stumble.
 When you lie down, you will not be afraid;
    when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
 Have no fear of sudden disaster
    or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,
 for the Lord will be at your side
    and will keep your foot from being snared.  Proverbs 3:21-26 NIV

Worship Songs to Listen to When You are Afraid

Focusing on God and His word are so important to help combat fear. I also find that having worship music that reminds me of who my God is and what He has done for me is extremely comforting and reinforces hope.

Here is a list of worship songs that will offer that encouragement when you are fearful:

• Rescue by Jordan St. Cyr
• No Longer Slaves by Jonathan David and Melissa Helser
• Raise A Hallelujah by Bethel Music, Jonathan & Melissa Helser
• Firm Foundation (He Won’t) by Maverick City Music
• Psalm 56 Song – Mere Mortals by Jason Silver
• Psalm 56:3-4 – When I Am Afraid by Nathan Clarkson ft. Joel Clarkson