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Stress, anxiety and worry are something we all struggle with at some point in our lives. We are bombarded with advertisements, enticing us with things that we don’t really need or can afford, and left with the feeling that if we don’t get or don’t have those things that we are losers, or we’ll never achieve any significance. Given that jolt we can easily become overwhelmed with worry, fear of failure and fear of the unknown. But God has not given us a spirit of fear but of love and power and a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7 CEV God's Spirit doesn't make cowards out of us. The Spirit gives us power, love, and self-control. (See Worry Ends Where Faith Begins)
Yes a spirit of courage not fear. The ultimate end to worry is to put your trust in God. Worry ends where faith begins.
What is worry?
Here are some definitions for worry; (1) give way to anxiety or unease; allow one’s mind to dwell on difficulty or troubles; (2) a state of anxiety and uncertainty of actual or potential problems; (3) to think about problems or fears : to feel or show fear and concern because you think that something bad has happened or could happen.
Worry is to give way or give in to anxiety or unease, to ponder or consider intently about things that may or may not happen. If what you are worrying about has already happened then you may need to do something about it. Worrying about it without doing anything doesn’t solve or change anything. If what you’re worrying about is a hasn’t happened you may be giving in to something that may not happen. So you spend time worrying about nothing. You may need to do some things to prevent what it is you are worrying about but if it hasn’t happened yet why give in in advance? Remember worry ends where faith begins and if your faith is in God then you need to give in to Him and His promises, not to the problems, difficulty or trouble.
Worry robs us
Worrying robs us of time that we will never get back and, if we look back at our past most, if not all of the things we worried about never happened or were solved and the worry wasn’t the solution. The scriptures encourage us to keep our mind on God and the peace He brings.
Isaiah 26:3 NKJV You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.
What he is saying is that our faith will be expressed as complete trust in the sufficiency of God and the perfection of his will. The Hebrew for perfect peace here is shalom shalom or peace peace. This is “a peace that really is peace” the kind that only God can give not the temporary peace that man gives.
Then Jesus said;
John 14:27 CEV I give you peace, the kind of peace only I can give. It isn't like the peace this world can give. So don't be worried or afraid.
There Is A Time For Peace
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 CEV Everything on earth has its own time and its own season. There is a time for birth and death, planting and reaping, for killing and healing, destroying and building, for crying and laughing, weeping and dancing, for throwing stones and gathering stones, embracing and parting. There is a time for finding and losing, keeping and giving, for tearing and sewing, listening and speaking. There is also a time for love and hate, for war and peace. (emphasis mine)
As the author of Ecclesiastes reminds us, God designed life to run in cycles or seasons. Yet how often do we approach this life with expectations of perpetual summer, only to struggle with anxiety and disappointment when winter inevitably interrupts?
Remember that worry ends where faith begins, so exchange your anxiety, worry, and fear for the peace that passes all understanding.
Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV Be anxious for nothing, 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 minds through Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 1:7 CEV God's Spirit doesn't make cowards out of us. The Spirit gives us power, love, and self-control. (See Worry Ends Where Faith Begins)
Yes a spirit of courage not fear. The ultimate end to worry is to put your trust in God. Worry ends where faith begins.
What is worry?
Here are some definitions for worry; (1) give way to anxiety or unease; allow one’s mind to dwell on difficulty or troubles; (2) a state of anxiety and uncertainty of actual or potential problems; (3) to think about problems or fears : to feel or show fear and concern because you think that something bad has happened or could happen.
Worry is to give way or give in to anxiety or unease, to ponder or consider intently about things that may or may not happen. If what you are worrying about has already happened then you may need to do something about it. Worrying about it without doing anything doesn’t solve or change anything. If what you’re worrying about is a hasn’t happened you may be giving in to something that may not happen. So you spend time worrying about nothing. You may need to do some things to prevent what it is you are worrying about but if it hasn’t happened yet why give in in advance? Remember worry ends where faith begins and if your faith is in God then you need to give in to Him and His promises, not to the problems, difficulty or trouble.
Worry robs us
Worrying robs us of time that we will never get back and, if we look back at our past most, if not all of the things we worried about never happened or were solved and the worry wasn’t the solution. The scriptures encourage us to keep our mind on God and the peace He brings.
Isaiah 26:3 NKJV You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.
What he is saying is that our faith will be expressed as complete trust in the sufficiency of God and the perfection of his will. The Hebrew for perfect peace here is shalom shalom or peace peace. This is “a peace that really is peace” the kind that only God can give not the temporary peace that man gives.
Then Jesus said;
John 14:27 CEV I give you peace, the kind of peace only I can give. It isn't like the peace this world can give. So don't be worried or afraid.
There Is A Time For Peace
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 CEV Everything on earth has its own time and its own season. There is a time for birth and death, planting and reaping, for killing and healing, destroying and building, for crying and laughing, weeping and dancing, for throwing stones and gathering stones, embracing and parting. There is a time for finding and losing, keeping and giving, for tearing and sewing, listening and speaking. There is also a time for love and hate, for war and peace. (emphasis mine)
As the author of Ecclesiastes reminds us, God designed life to run in cycles or seasons. Yet how often do we approach this life with expectations of perpetual summer, only to struggle with anxiety and disappointment when winter inevitably interrupts?
Remember that worry ends where faith begins, so exchange your anxiety, worry, and fear for the peace that passes all understanding.
Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV Be anxious for nothing, 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 minds through Christ Jesus.
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10 Prayers to Help You Exchange Anxiety and Fear for Peace
Dawn Wilson
Listen to even one televised news report and fear or anxiety may capture your thoughts and grip your heart. We do not overcome the effects of ‘the news’ by denying or ignoring the evil in our world that causes such intense emotions, but rather by applying scriptural truth to circumstances and responding biblically.
But it doesn’t take a newscast to stir up fear. The enemy, Satan, wants God’s children to live in constant fear and anxiety as they stockpile worries and are burdened by cares. The Bible says such temptation is “common” to mankind.
I Corinthians 10:13 NKJV No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
What does the Bible say about fear and anxiety; and what might we pray to the Lord based on those Scriptures that can help us exchange toxic emotions for God’s wondrous peace? Let's begin to pray these prayers for anxiety over our thoughts and exchange fear for peace.
1. Remember: God is not the source of anxiety or fear.
II Timothy 1:6-7 NKJV Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV Be anxious for nothing, 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 minds through Christ Jesus.
Father God,
I know you are not the source of fear and anxiety. That is Satan’s realm, and he delights in causing your children pain. You do not torment us with worrisome thoughts or burden our hearts with fretfulness. You are the God of peace. You desire to give me power over my worries as I count on your love and trust in your sovereign care.
Help me remember, when fears and anxiety come knocking at my heart’s door, to answer with powerful Scripture—to remember you are a good God and faithful, and you will help me challenge my worries with life-building truth instead of destructive thoughts. Your peace will guard my heart and mind in Jesus’ name.
2. Take your anxieties and concerns to the Lord
Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV Be anxious for nothing, 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 minds through Christ Jesu
Matthew 7:11 NKJV If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!
Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.
Romans 8:28 NKJV And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Dear Lord,
Sometimes it seems like I take my worries everywhere except to you. I hear people say, “God’s got this!” But how often do I live like I believe it?
I know you hear me, Lord, when I bring my concerns to you. You care about what is going on in my life, and I know you want to give me a clear, sound mind. Forgive me when I allow anxious thoughts to cloud my thinking. Help me take my anxieties to you in every circumstance, believing you will intervene and work out your eternal purposes. Give me a thankful heart—a heart that says, “I am grateful for your lovingkindness to me, Father. I know you will work out your plans for my growth, others’ good, and your glory.”
3. Leave anxious thoughts with Jesus.
I Peter 5:6-7 NKJV Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
Psalms 55:22 NKJV Cast your burden on the Lord , And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.
Dear Jesus,
I am grateful for your sacrifice on the cross to give me life and bring me true freedom. Sometimes I still feel chained to fears and worries when I focus on situations rather than you, my Savior.
Teach me to throw all my anxieties where they belong—into your loving arms. You understand the temptation to fear and worry, and you can handle my concerns. You cared so much for me, you died to enable me to overcome the power of sin, my selfish flesh and Satan’s lies. I can come to you with confidence, giving you all my cares, knowing that you loved me on the cross, love me still, and will love me forever. As I cast my cares on you, you will sustain me with your love and not allow my confidence in you to be shaken.
4. Count on God’s presence.
Joshua 1:9 NKJV Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Deuteronomy 1:6, 8 NKJV “The Lord our God spoke to us in Horeb, saying: ‘You have dwelt long enough at this mountain. See, I have set the land before you; go in and possess the land which the Lord swore to your fathers—to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—to give to them and their descendants after them.’
Ephesians 6:10 NKJV Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
Father,
Sometimes I feel afraid in the tough trials of life. Sometimes the darkness overwhelms me, and I grow discouraged as I face the uncertainties of life, wearying temptations, or scary attacks from the enemy. But this is not what you have for me, and my victory comes from you.
Satan wants me to believe I fight my spiritual battles by myself. Help me remember I am not alone in my battles. Your Word is clear. You have commanded me to be strong and take courage in you, and that is my desire. I can count on your presence wherever I go, and rely on the power and provision of your presence in my times of deepest need. Thank you for being near, for walking with me every day.
5. Don’t borrow future worries.
Matthew 6:25, 34 NKJV “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Lord,
Sometimes I’m such a ‘worry wart.’ I fuss about all sorts of things—what I will eat and wear today, and the many choices I can make. But worse, I stew over things on tomorrow’s calendar—concerns that aren’t even here yet! That is so foolish.
Your words were clear, Jesus. I am never to worry about what’s going to happen tomorrow, because you haven’t given me the grace to bear up under tomorrow’s concerns until I get there. So I will not borrow worries from the future, Lord. Rather, I will invest in faith. I will choose to look for your hand working on my behalf today—and trust you, in simple faith, for my future.
6 Eliminate any misplaced fear.
Hebrews 13:5-6 NKJV Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”
Psalms 21:1 NKJV The king shall have joy in Your strength, O Lord ; And in Your salvation how greatly shall he rejoice!
Psalms 6:3-4 NKJV My soul also is greatly troubled; But You, O Lord —how long? Return, O Lord , deliver me! Oh, save me for Your mercies’ sake!
Father God,
I am so human-focused sometimes. I know it’s natural to be concerned about what others think, but you want me to live supernaturally, living according to your truth instead of the changing whims of the culture. I need to get rid of misplaced fear. You want me to fear you—to live in reverential awe of you, desiring to do your will—and not to fear man.
I know as I trust you fully, I will not give in to my distresses. I will not live in fright or dread or terror. You go before me to cast down all the giants that would make me be afraid or cause me to live with anxiety. Lord, make me bold in facing my fears, knowing you are my heavenly helper!
7. Find peace beyond your circumstances.
John 16:33 NKJV These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
John 14:27 NKJV Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV Be anxious for nothing, 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 minds through Christ Jesus.
Colossians 3:2 NKJV Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
Dear Jesus,
You are the Prince of Peace. You came to give us your peace. It’s nothing like the world gives. It is peace born in the freedom we have in you, a gift to all God’s children—to guard our hearts and minds.
I can’t escape the troubles of this world. I may face financial difficulties, relationship breakdowns, a health crisis—so many scary challenges. But you tell me to “take heart,” to be encouraged, because you have overcome the world. You have overcome all the things that would discourage and defeat us. I am grateful for your peace that is beyond all my circumstances.
8. Cast out fear with love.
“Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.” (1 John 4:18)
Romans 8:15 NKJV For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”
I John 4:12 NKJV No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us.
Lord,
I know you do not want us to be paralyzed or depressed by fear of judgment from you. You want us to be confident that you will accept us in Christ on Judgment Day. Your complete love abides in us to bring us this confidence. When we walk in the light, your love is perfected in us.
Teach me how to live in that perfected love of your sacrifice for me. When I am tormented by fears about my sins or my future, remind me of your great love for me. Show me how my love-walk with you, Abba Father, confirms the authenticity of my faith and casts out my fears.
9. Run to your eternal refuge.
Deuteronomy 33:27 NKJV The eternal God is your refuge, And underneath are the everlasting arms; He will thrust out the enemy from before you, And will say, ‘Destroy!’
Psalms 71:3 NKJV Be my strong refuge, To which I may resort continually; You have given the commandment to save me, For You are my rock and my fortress.
Psalms 90:1 NKJV Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations.
Dear Father,
Sometimes I just want to run and hide. Fears come, anxieties rise up within me, and I feel overwhelmed by my circumstances. So many hide in temporary ‘fixes’—addictive habits and foolish, harmful choices; but nothing is a permanent solution.
But you, Father, are an eternal refuge for me. You carry me in your loving arms and show me how to live. Not only that, you make my “enemies” run, and you destroy their hurtful influence in my life. You are my rock of refuge where I can always flee, and I know you will overcome my fears and anxieties by your command. Thank you for being my strong dwelling place.
10. Let the peace of Christ rule.
Colossians 3:15 NKJV And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.
Isaiah 26:3 NKJV You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.
Dear Lord,
Help me remember you are indeed Lord of my life. You have the right to rule all that I think, believe and do. When I allow my mind to run to places that destroy my peace, remind me these are unauthorized thoughts. You do not want me to dwell on thoughts and emotions that contribute to unreasonable fears.
I know my mind will remain in perfect peace as I fix my thoughts on you; so Lord Jesus, let your peace rule in my heart. Remind me of the peace I have in your family, and teach me how to be thankful for those circumstances that cause me to run to you, focus on you, and abide in you. I never need live with fearful, anxious thoughts. The truth is, you are in control!
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