Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. ~ Isaiah 41:10
We are commanded to "fear not" and live by faith in the Lord throughout the Bible. Here we have compiled a collection of Bible verses to encourage you in faith, love, and courage. May these scripture quotes inspire you to "be strong and courageous" in the face of evil and uncertainty. Let us fear not the dark forces of this world and the trials we will meet, placing our hope in the Lord for He is king!
"Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.” ~ Revelation 11:15
Also, use prayers for strength against fear in supplication of courage and faith in times of need.
Many of us have heard variations of the words "fear not" or "take heart," depending on the translation we use. What does fear not mean? Let's take a look at the original Hebrew and Greek for some hints as to the meaning behind these words.
Yare in the Hebrew means either a fear or astonishment.
According to Strong's "יָרֵא yârêʼ, yaw-ray'; a primitive root; to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten:—affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), × see, terrible (act, -ness, thing)."
In other words, when the Bible tells us to fear not, it means to not experience dread. After all, we have a powerful God. Now, let's take a look at the Greek.
"Take heart" or "be of good cheer" in the New Testament comes from the Greek word tharseo. It means to have courage and be of good comfort. Jesus uses this phrase a number of times when he heals the sick (Matthew 9:2), and comforts his disciples (Mark 14:27). It reminds us that no matter what our current circumstance that we have a God who has overcome the world.
But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. ~ Isaiah 43:1
For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.” ~ Isaiah 41:13
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. ~ 2 Timothy 1:7
Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. ~ Deuteronomy 31:6
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. ~ Joshua 1:9
I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. ~ Psalm 34:4
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? ~ Psalm 27:1
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. ~ Psalm 23:4
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 4:6-7
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. ~ John 14:27
I can do all things through him who strengthens me. ~ Philippians 4:13
The Lord is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him. ~ Exodus 15:2
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. ~ Ephesians 6:10
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. ~ 1 Corinthians 10:13
Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! ~ 1 Chronicles 16:11
And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. ~ Mark 11:22-24
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. ~ Hebrews 11:6
You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! ~ James 2:19
For nothing will be impossible with God. ~ Luke 1:37
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. ~ Proverbs 3:5-6
There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. ~ 1 John 4:18
Let all that you do be done in love. ~ 1 Corinthians 16:14
Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses. ~ Proverbs 10:12
Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. ~ 1 Peter 4:8
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. ~ John 13:34-35
O most loving Father, you want us to give thanks for all things, to dread nothing but losing you, and to cast all our anxiety on you because you care for us. Preserve us from faithless fears and worldly anxieties and grant that no clouds of this mortal life may hide from us the light of that love which is immortal, and which you have shown us in your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Further Reading
33 Verses about Fear and Anxiety to Remind Us God Is in Control
Source: William Bright
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