Verses for facing fear

The 12 verses below are the ones that guide the “Courage” and “The Armor of God” journeys in Cultivae. Each one comes with the reflection question from the day it appears on.

1. Haven’t I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be dismayed, for Yahweh your God is with you wherever you go.”

   To reflect onJoshua’s courage didn’t come from himself, but from the One who went with him. What river lies before you today?

   From day 1 of Courage

2. For if you remain silent now, then relief and deliverance will come to the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Who knows if you haven’t come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

   To reflect onEsther didn’t know how it would end, but she knew she wasn’t there by accident. Where is your voice needed today?

   From day 2 of Courage

3. If it happens, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace; and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image which you have set up.”

   To reflect onThe three young men’s faith wasn’t a bargain: God is able to deliver, but if not, we stay with him. Where is your line?

   From day 3 of Courage

4. Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and had perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled. They recognized that they had been with Jesus.

   To reflect onPeter and John’s courage came from having been with Jesus. How much time with him fits into your day today?

   From day 4 of Courage

5. Yahweh is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? Yahweh is the strength of my life. Of whom shall I be afraid?

   To reflect onWhoever has God as their greatest treasure has less to lose. What are you afraid of losing, and what place does it hold in your heart?

   From day 5 of Courage

6. For God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.

   To reflect onFear doesn’t destroy God’s gift, it only covers it with ash. What in you needs to be stirred up today?

   From day 6 of Courage

7. For I, Yahweh your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I will help you.’

   To reflect onGod doesn’t shout “don’t be afraid” from a distance; he takes your hand. Which lie of fear does that truth dismantle in you today?

   From day 7 of Courage

8. Stand therefore, having the utility belt of truth buckled around your waist, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

   To reflect onThe first piece is truth. What lie, about God or about yourself, has been loosening your belt?

   From day 1 of The Armor of God

9. and having fitted your feet with the preparation of the Good News of peace,

   To reflect onPeace with God steadies your feet, and the Good News of peace shapes the way you walk. Where does God want you to carry that peace today?

   From day 3 of The Armor of God

10. above all, taking up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one.

    To reflect onThe shield of faith is trusting in who God is, even with the darts flying. What fiery thought has been striking you, and what promise can put it out?

    From day 4 of The Armor of God

11. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;

    To reflect onSome thoughts become strongholds. What recurring thought has been governing your life, and what does salvation in Christ say about it?

    From day 5 of The Armor of God

12. with all prayer and requests, praying at all times in the Spirit, and being watchful to this end in all perseverance and requests for all the saints.

    To reflect onSobriety means neither ignoring evil nor living in fear of it, but surrendering to God and resisting, steadfast in the faith, alongside others. Who will you pray for today, and who will pray for you?

    From day 7 of The Armor of God

Keep exploring

• Courage 7 days
• The Armor of God 7 days
• Morning prayer
• Verses for when anxiety tightens its grip
• Verses of comfort in grief
• Verses to care for your marriage
• Verses on the forgiveness that sets free
• Verses about faith

Scripture: World English Bible (public domain).