Don’t grow tired of waiting on God. Watch and wait patiently for God to act on your behalf. He knows, sees, and hears.
When fear and apprehension come over me unexpectedly, my thoughts immediately go to my loved ones, worrying about their safety. I’m not sure why, but it’s been my go-to response for most of my adult life.
As I age, however, I’m learning to address these feelings immediately. I’m resisting worry and putting into practice 2 Corinthians 10:5, which says, “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
One of the best ways to take our thoughts captive is through the power of God’s Word. You see, the enemy loves to cast his arrows when we’re most vulnerable—tired, anxious, and preoccupied. But once we recognize his tactics, we’re able to defend ourselves quickly and accurately. As iBelieve writer Michelle S. Laurek says, “Allow the truth of God's Word to permeate your life and get rid of the enemy’s lies.”
Ephesians 6:10-17 details godly armor as a way to stand against the devil’s schemes, and one piece of the armor is the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. By wielding our swords daily, we have all the power we need to defeat feelings of dread and any other arrows that come our way.
If you’re tired of fear and apprehension stealing your peace, here are 12 Scriptures you can use in defense. I recommend writing them on index cards and carrying them with you. Write them, pray them, and believe them. Then, watch as the enemy’s arrows fall in defeat.
1. Deuteronomy 31:6
"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."
Remember: God is with you in the battle. He shields you from every arrow. You are strong and courageous because God is your defense. Stand in solidarity with the Savior today.
Pray this aloud: Lord, please give me courage in the face of dread. I will not be afraid or terrified because You are with me!
2. Psalm 42:11
"Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God."
Remember: Praise is one of your greatest weapons against fear and anxiety. Lifting your hands in praise lifts the burden of dread and replaces it with God’s peace.
Pray this aloud: Lord, please lift up my countenance, restoring my hope in you. For I will yet praise You, my Savior and my God!
3. Psalm 55:22
"Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken."
Remember: You can cast every care on the Lord, even if it’s multiple times per day. He is your sustenance and stability at all times.
Pray this aloud: Lord, I cast all my cares on You, believing You will sustain me. I will never be shaken!
4. Isaiah 26:3
"You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you."
Remember: Trusting in God is a decision, not a feeling. Decide to trust Him even when doubt and fear try to take residence in your mind.
Pray this aloud: Lord, I fix my mind on You today, trusting in Your perfect peace!
5. Isaiah 41:10
"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."
Remember: Fear and worry don’t stand a chance when God is with you. Lean heavily on Him, trusting Him to uphold you with His righteous right hand.
Pray this aloud: Lord, I know You are with me; therefore, I will not be dismayed. I receive Your strength and help today!
6. Lamentations 3:22-23
"Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
Remember: Feelings of dread might seem all-consuming, but you are not consumed. God’s great love and compassion surround you each and every day.
Pray this aloud: Lord, I will not be consumed by dread because Your great love surrounds me. Thank You for your faithfulness!
7. Micah 7:7
"But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me."
Remember: Don’t grow tired of waiting on God. Watch and wait patiently for God to act on your behalf. He knows, sees, and hears.
Pray this aloud: Lord, I am watching and waiting for You, my God and my Savior!
8. Nahum 1:7
"The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him."
Remember: God is your refuge, a very present help in times of trouble. Oh, how He cares for you!
Pray this aloud: Lord, You are my refuge in times of trouble. Thank you for being a good, good Father!
9. John 14:27
"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."
Remember: Jesus’ peace is unlike any peace this world has to offer. Receive His indescribable peace today.
Pray this aloud: Lord, please cover me with Your peace—the peace that surpasses all understanding. I will not let my heart be troubled!
10. Romans 15:13
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
Remember: Hope defeats dread every single time. Put your hope in God and trust Him to fill you with overflowing joy and peace.
Pray this aloud: Lord, fill me with all joy and peace today. I trust You completely, and I am overflowing with hope by the power of Your Spirit!
11. Hebrews 13:6
"So we say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?'”
Remember: Your confidence is strong in Christ Jesus. If He is for you, who can be against you?
Pray this aloud: Lord, You are my helper. I am not afraid of what others might do to me. I am confident in Your love and protection!
12. 1 John 4:18
"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."
Remember: God’s love is all-powerful in defeating feelings of dread. Rest in His perfect love today.
Pray this aloud: Lord, let Your perfect love drive out all fear. Make me perfect in Your love, defeating all feelings of dread!
More resources for your journey:
How to Overcome Anxiety with God
30 Prayers for Anxiety to Calm Fear and Worry
Looking to the New Year with Hope Rather Than Dread
Unexplained Dread (What is it and how do I get rid of it?)
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