Find Courage When Fear Comes Knocking (with free printable) [Short Bursts of Encouragement]
Julie Sunne
Posted in Courage, Faith, Fear, God's attributes, Short Bursts of Encouragement, trust
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“I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.”
John 16:33, emphasis mine
You and I are faced with trials every day. Fear is a real thing—a powerful force in this world.
Too often we become paralyzed by that fear or, sometimes worse, act rashly in our fear.
Finding Courage in the Face of Fear
But the opening verse from John declares that God has already conquered the world. Therefore, fear has lost its anchor. It should have no power over those of us who know Jesus Christ as our Savior.
So why is it still so hard to be courageous in the face of trials?
God addresses fear and having courage often in the Bible. Both the Old and New Testaments hold references.
What’s striking about these Scripture verses is that every one has its focus on God, not on you or me or on the circumstances that cause our fear.
That’s telling!
Not one Bible reference to courage says trust in yourself or your goodness or in the outcome of what you are facing.
Not one Bible reference to courage says trust in yourself or your goodness or in the outcome of what you are facing. Click To Tweet
Check out some of them below (emphasis is mine):
“For they all saw Him and were terrified. Immediately He spoke with them and said,“Have courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Mark 6:50
“Immediately Jesus spoke to them. ‘Have courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.'” Matthew 14:27
“Just then some men brought to Him a paralytic lying on a mat. Seeing their faith, Jesus told the paralytic, ‘Have courage, son, your sins are forgiven.'” Matthew 9:2
“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
“Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, ‘Lord, save me.’ Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?‘” Matthew 14:9-31
“Be strong and courageous; don’t be terrified or afraid of them. For it is the Lord your God who goes with you; He will not leave you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6
“He will not fear bad news; his heart is confident, trusting in the Lord.” Psalm 112:7
“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.” Isaiah 12:2
“But Christ was faithful as a Son over His household. And we are that household if we hold on to the courage and the confidence of our hope.” Hebrews 3:6
“I keep the Lord in mind always. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” Psalm 16:8
“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:14
“Therefore, take courage, men, because I believe God that it will be just the way it was told to me.” Acts 27:25
Surprised?
Apparently, courage has nothing to do with the person involved or the events and everything to do with God.
When we anchor our courage in the Lord, we cannot help but overcome fear. Click To Tweet
The strength to press through fear is found in God’s goodness and faithfulness. It is found in the fact that the things of this world have already been defeated in Jesus’s sacrifice.
Therefore, when we anchor our courage in the Lord, we cannot help but overcome fear.
To help ourselves be properly anchored when fear comes knocking, I’ve compiled a list of 7 of my favorite courage verses in a printable to keep near. Just click on the image below to download and/or print. And feel free to share it.
Reflection: Which Bible verse on being courageous, facing fear, speaks most to your heart? Why?
Today I’m joining Holley Gerth for her Coffee for Your Heart Wednesday link-up and Rachel Wojnarowski for Whimsical Wednesdays. Click on the images to read more linked-up posts. So much wonderful encouragement!
By His grace ≈
Julie
Find hope in your real-life struggles. We'll chase it together! I am a wife; mom of 4 (including a young adult daughter with special needs); miscarriage mom of 5; author & follower of Jesus Christ. I write, edit, speak and enjoy everything outdoors.
Just stopping by from the linkup with Holly Gerth! Great post, I myself have recently seen the fruit of being courageous in Christ. Let me tell you, I had the experience of a lifetime because I trusted in the Lord rather than giving way to fear. Too many people do the opposite, so this post is well needed. Keep writing!
Good for you, Kailyn! It is difficult to step out in faith, but when our eyes remain on God, we can trust Him to see us through and bless our obedience. So glad you stopped by. Thanks for the encouragement.
Julie: You included mine. I fell in love with Isa 41:10 a few years ago. Every time I read it I find something new about it. I always find comfort in the words.
It certainly is comforting and encouraging, Cecelia.