The feeling is undeniable. Seemingly out of nowhere, the dreaded symptoms of anxiety begin to wash over you. You feel helpless as the panic and fear set in, all while you desperately try to convince yourself there is nothing to be afraid of. Your hands sweat and your heart begins to race, feeling like it’s beating out of your chest. The fear is overwhelming, and you know you need God more than ever. But no matter how hard you try, he feels so incredibly far away.

There was a time I faced fear like I’d never faced before. I was living alone for the first time, and went to bed each night completely convinced someone would break in while I slept. Every creak of the house would jar me awake. Sometimes I would sit up straight, eyes wide open, my body frozen by fear. I would leave my room and go searching my house, room by room and inch by inch, waiting for my would-be attacker to jump out from the shadows. It was exhausting. 

Finally, I began to memorize Bible verses about fear, specifically Psalm 4:8, “When I lie down, I go to sleep in peace;you alone, O Lord, keep me perfectly safe.” I would repeat it out loud over and over, sometimes until I fell asleep. Somehow, the word of God seemed to drown every fear I wasn’t able to get rid of on my own.

Maybe you’re like me, struggling daily with the fear of evil visiting your own home. Maybe your anxiety sets in after a long, stressful day. Maybe the panic comes when you’re driving or walking across a bridge or into a crowded room. Maybe the nighttime hours are the worst, battling the fear that is tangible and constant.

Whatever the reason, God’s Word tells us that fear is not from him. As helpless as you may feel during these times, God’s Word is a powerful weapon in the battle you are waging against fear and anxiety. Below are some verses to help combat these feelings. Memorize them, tape them on your walls, mention them in prayer and repeat them out loud in times when you feel overcome with fear.

1. Whenever I am anxious and worried, you comfort me and make me glad.– Psalm 94:19 (GNTD)
2. When I lie down, I go to sleep in peace; you alone, O Lord, keep me perfectly safe.– Psalm 4:8 (GNTD)
3. 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. - John 14:27 (GNTD)
4. There is no fear in love; perfect love drives out all fear. So then, love has not been made perfect in anyone who is afraid, because fear has to do with punishment.– 1 John 4:18 (GNTD)
5.  Let us be bold, then, and say, “The Lord is my helper,I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?” – Hebrews 13:6 (GNTD)
6. For the Spirit that God has given us does not make us timid; instead, his Spirit fills us with power, love, and self-control. – 2 Timothy 1:7 (GNTD)