How can I live with more confidence?

It is not God’s plan for you to live in constant fear. It can paralyze you from making good choices or facing difficult circumstances. You are not alone when it comes to feeling fear, anxiety, or worry. And not all fear is bad. It can keep us on alert for possible dangers around us. The Lord created us with a “fight or flight” response to help keep us safe. The problem with fear is when it becomes unmanageable or unreasonable.

One of God’s most courageous men in the Bible was afraid. King David faced many giants in his life. Goliath and King Saul wanted to take his life. He once wrote, “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God … I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?” (Psalm 56:3, 4). The key to coping with fear for David was trust. He put his fears in perspective by remembering the power of God to protect him.

Nothing can melt our fears like keeping God’s love in our minds and hearts. The Bible teaches us that when love abides in the heart, fear is cast out. Solomon also reminds us, “When you lie down, you will not be afraid; yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet. Do not be afraid of sudden terror, nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes; for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught” (Proverbs 3:24–26).

When your fears seem overwhelming, stop and pray. Breathe deeply and slowly, asking God to surround you with His love. Write down and memorize key Bible verses about fear. “Yea, 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).

Key Bible Texts

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love him, because he first loved us. (1 John 4:18-19 KJV)