The COVID-19 crisis has placed a lot of stress on everyone worldwide. Every day there seems to be more cause for anxiety. Health concerns, food shortages, travel restrictions, financial worries, unemployment, childcare needs. In addition to all that, healthcare workers experience the added pressure of a heavier work load, higher risk of disease, and changing job responsibilities.

We are not powerless

Even though we are all stressed, we need to remember that we are not powerless. There are several things we can do to lower our stress level in this challenging time, and I will touch on a few in the coming weeks. Today I want to talk about fighting fear with facts. And by that I don’t mean the “facts” that you heard from your brother’s uncle-in-law. I’m talking about facts that have withstood centuries of crises. Facts straight from the source—our loving Creator.

A lot of our lives are lived in our heads. And that’s where the fear or anxiety originates. So what we think about will affect our level of stress. And we choose what we think about. So one way we can abort our tumble into the abyss of worry is to intentionally call to mind the truths of the Bible.

I put together my 10 favorite verses on fear and worry. Print them out. Stick them on your fridge. Memorize them. Immerse your mind in the truth, and it will help to displace your anxious thoughts with powerful facts.

10 Great Verses to Combat Fear

Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid. John 14:27

God has given us His supernatural peace.

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

The reason we can go into this uncertain future free from worry is because God is with us. And He’s got this.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be 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

God—the most powerful person in the universe—is with us. He will give us strength. He will help us. He will encourage us.

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

Remember who God is. He is the most powerful and compassionate person in the universe, who cherishes you intimately and deeply. This is the person who is helping us.

So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34

It doesn’t do any good to worry about everything that might happen. Prepare for tomorrow. Focus on today.

I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4 NIV

When we seek out God, He answers. He reminds us that we are safe. He frees us from all our anxiety and fear.

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10

When we focus on God, everything falls into place. We know that He is in control. And He loves each of us more than we can imagine. He’s got this, and He will see us through.

Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

We can leave all our worries with God. He loves us, and will take care of us.

For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” Romans 8:15

We don’t have to be enslaved to our fear. We are God’s child, and we can shout out “Daddy!” and He is right there.

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 passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

When you are worried or anxious, instead of focusing on the problem, choose to pray. Let God know how you are feeling, and what you need. And thank Him. (There is always something to be thankful for.) When you do, His supernatural peace will envelope you like a warm blanket on a cold day.

Come back next week for more tips to manage anxiety and stressed during this challenging time. Or if you can’t wait, click here to jump over to my series on Banishing Anxiety.

What are your favorite verses to help with stress relief? Please share. We would all love to know.