It is easy to fear the unknown. Sometimes our future seems murky and treacherous— what is coming up ahead? We may feel anxious about meeting our basic needs, or not being able to provide for our families. We may have hopes and dreams that we don’t know how to accomplish.

Our fears can become so loud that we lose focus on the peace God gives us.

Scripture reminds us that in God we are safe and secure. We stand on a solid rock. God cares for the smallest members of creation, and God cares for us. There is nowhere we can flee from God’s presence—even in our darkest hour God is near. Psalm 18:2 reads, “You are my mighty rock,my fortress, my protector, the rock where I am safe, my shield, my powerful weapon,and my place of shelter” (CEV).

When you feel anxious about the future, I encourage you to reflect on Psalm 18:2 or one of the five Bible verses listed below. Try reading them out loud to yourself or a friend. Commit one or two to memory. Or consider printing them out and putting them somewhere you can see throughout the day (like on a mirror, as your computer wallpaper, or in your day planner). You may want to turn them into prayers—using the words and images to express your own needs to God.

As you spend time reflecting on these verses, take heart, knowing that God’s peace is available to you every moment of every day.

1. Colossians 1:17 (GNTD)
   Christ existed before all things, and in union with him all things have their proper place.
2. Psalm 40:2 (GNTD)
   He pulled me out of a dangerous pit,
   He set me safely on a rock
   and made me secure.
3. Psalm 139:7-12 (GNTD)
   Where could I go to escape from you?
   Where could I get away from your presence?
   If I went up to heaven, you would be there;
   if I lay down in the world of the dead, you would be there.
   If I flew away beyond the east
   or lived in the farthest place in the west,
   you would be there to lead me,
   you would be there to help me.
   I could ask the darkness to hide me
   or the light around me to turn into night,
   but even darkness is not dark for you,
   and the night is as bright as the day.
   Darkness and light are the same to you.
4. John 14:27 (GNTD)
   Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid.
5. Matthew 6:25-27 (GNTD)
   This is why I tell you: do not be worried about the food and drink you need in order to stay alive, or about clothes for your body. After all, isn't life worth more than food? And isn't the body worth more than clothes?Look at the birds: they do not plant seeds, gather a harvest and put it in barns; yet your Father in heaven takes care of them! Aren't you worth much more than birds?Can any of you live a bit longer by worrying about it?”