How to Overcome Fear Biblically: What does the Bible Say?

➤ by Pastor Andy Fulson

Influenced by Fear – Really?

The negative influence of fear causes inner turmoil and worry, which can challenge our trust in God's promises. Living without fear was intended, and by Him, all things are possible.

However, overcoming fear is grounded in this truth: If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth, Mark 9:23. This is a key aspect of Jesus' message - bringing inner peace and a fearless way of life. He often asked, Why are ye fearful? (Mt 8:26; Mk 4:40; Jn 6:20; Lk 12:4).

If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth, Mark 9:23.

Fear does not come from the One who is the Alpha and Omega, the One who directs our lives. Anxiety and fear, whether it be the fear of flying or the fear of death, are schemes of Satan, designed to unsettle and deceive, especially those who have turned to Christ.

How can we protect ourselves from this?

Such intimidation immediately challenges the firm foundation of faith—why does God allow it? Yet God, the Eternal One, declared: I will hasten my word to perform it, Jeremiah 1:12.

God’s Word is our security, our unwavering hope.

The assurance of salvation, grounded in the faithful promises of God, is the foundation for overcoming doubt and fear.

Yes, but how does this happen?

Encouraged in Hope

In the Sermon on the Mount (Mt 5:3-8), Jesus taught the Jewish people, who were like sheep without a shepherd. Even after His ascension to the right hand of God, His Sermon on the Mount continues to be a message of hope for those who live in distress and fear.

  • Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (v.3)
  • Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. (v.4)
  • Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. (v.5)
  • Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. (v.6)
  • Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. (v.7)
  • Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. (v.8)

Be comforted and rejoice in His promises

Recognized as a Prophet Through Evidence

In His time, Jesus was recognized as a prophet, demonstrating His power and authority. All who came to Him received healing or salvation, no one was disappointed. Thus, Jesus fulfilled His mission as a prophet. As it is written: And, behold, this day I am going the way of all the earth: and ye know in all your hearts and in all your souls, that not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the LORD your God spake concerning you; all are come to pass unto you, and not one thing hath failed thereof, Joshua 23:14.

  • He was the promised Christ, the Light in the spiritual darkness of that time (Jn 8:12).
  • Empowered by the Holy Spirit, He cast out demons from the possessed (Mk 5:8).
  • As a teacher, He was merciful and patient (Mt 7:29).
  • He represented God's kingdom, and calmed the raging sea (Mk 4:39).
  • He taught about being born again (Jn 3:7).
  • He commanded the casting out of evil spirits (Mk 16:17).

Jesus assured His disciples: Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions [demons and evil spirits - fear and dread], and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you, Luke 10:19 (brackets added).

This was a remarkable shift from the Mosaic Law: For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes, Mark 1:22.

Secure in Trust

Children are naturally trusting; their parents' word is enough for them. Are not those who have turned to Christ also called children, children of God? Jesus emphasized: Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein, Mark 10:15).

God Almighty is our Abba (Father): Ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father, Romans 8:15.

Jesus revealed His Father to Philip, saying: He that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? John 14:9.

The Good News, the Gospel of Christ, satisfies, frees, and encourages. It only requires a decision of faith to overcome the power of Satan (Lk 10:19). God’s redeemed children are meant to live free from fear.

Faith as the Foundation

This requires trust in the Word of Holy Scripture: So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God, Romans 10:17.

Such step-by-step development, from one level of faith to another, leads to overcoming fear: The just shall live by faith, Romans 1:17.

It only takes a first step.

Even those born again can be stubborn and resistant, allowing fear to control them—and remaining trapped by it as a result.

A Call to Transformation

Initiating the necessary transformation (Rom 12:2) requires a firm decision to entrust oneself to the guidance of the Holy Spirit (Jn 16:8). He does not force change upon anyone; rather, the choice to resist fear remains each person’s decision.

If nothing is done, nothing will be achieved. In such cases, people often mistakenly believe that suffering is a punishment from God.

Jesus clarified this with an example: If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? Luke 11:11-12.

Driving Out Fear

Seeking deliverance from fear? God's command is clear: In my name shall they cast out devils, Mark 16:17.

When satanic forces, including fear, are cast out, the enemy lurks, waiting for new opportunities to regain control (Mt 12:45).

That is why we must always remain watchful (Lk 21:36).

Our Resilience Was Foreseen

The new birth revealed by Jesus (Jn 3:7) is the work of the Holy Spirit, who convicts us of sin, righteousness, and judgment (Jn 16:8-11). Through Jesus, we are freed from all sin, receive righteousness, and no longer fear the coming judgment. Additionally, we are given authority and power to overcome all the forces of the devil (Lk 10:19).

As our faith and understanding of Scripture grow, we become equipped to effectively resist and uproot fear: For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind, 2 Timothy 1:7.

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind, 2 Timothy 1:7

Paul's Encouragement to the Corinthians

Paul further assured the Corinthians:

  • There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful,
  • who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able;
  • but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it, 1 Corinthians 10:13.

What an Encouragement!

What, then, could still fail? Since God stands by His Word, He transforms us into the image of His Christ, from glory to glory (2Cor 3:18).

All the power of the enemy is subject to us in Jesus' name, enabling us to demonstrate the power of God's kingdom (Jn 14:12).

Overcoming Any Form of Affliction

The confession of faith in Christ (Rom 10:9-10) grants access to the Holy Spirit: Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come, John 16:13.

Steps to Overcoming Any Form of Affliction:

  1. Recognizing the source of all suffering (1Pet 5:8-9)
  2. Empowering every believer to act effectively in Jesus’ name (Lk 10:19)
  3. Awareness of the available spiritual resistance (Eph 6:10-11)
  4. Effective overcoming of all fears (Mk 16:17)

Walking in Christlikeness by the Holy Spirit

This requires putting on the whole armor of God (Eph 6:11-17) to extinguish the fiery darts of fear launched by the enemy (Eph 6:16).

Only through practice with your spiritual armor can you develop a successful defense. It is imperative that believers apply the authority of Jesus’ name with unwavering faith.

But how?

Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith, Mark 11:22-23 (bold for emphasis).

The "mountain" in Mark's Gospel is symbolic of fear

Why Is It Useless to Simply Plead With God for Deliverance?

Born-again believers are authorized to command judgment against fear in Jesus' name (Mk 16:17).

The command: Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea! Matthew 21:21, is the same as saying: Fear, leave me in Jesus' name! And the spirit of fear will depart! No long prayer — keep it short and authoritative — as Jesus did!

The Gospel of Luke recounts how Jesus gave His disciples authority over demonic forces (Lk 10:19). They joyfully reported: Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name, Luke 10:17.

This lesson was also learned by the seven sons of a Jewish high priest (Act 19:14-16). When they tried to command a spirit, the demon-possessed man attacked and overpowered them, driving them away in fear.

Without the Holy Spirit, they had no authority to command the demon.

The same is true for those who may attend church yet have never truly accepted Christ as their Lord, or those who, even as believers, still allow fear to intimidate them.

Freedom from fear brings the peace of God: For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure, Philippians 2:13.

Until Jesus returns, the day of your salvation remains, and with it, the opportunity for deliverance from fear (2Cor 6:2; Lk 10:19). Do not hesitate! Any delay allows fear to gain ground in your life. Decide today for deliverance!

Align your life with the commands of Christ (Mk 11:23-24; Mk 16:17; Jn 14:12)

Remain watchful and aware (Rom 12:2) when fear attempts to creep back into your life. Be confident that you are equipped with the full armor of God (Eph 6:10), and that by actively practicing and applying it, you will stand fully resistant against every attack of Satan.

The Choice Is Yours

You decide whether to allow fear to oppress your life. Equip yourself with the truth of the Gospels and the Epistles, all the way to Revelation.

Know the value of your redemption. Take authority over fear—and stay free!

From the article, Angstfrei (frei von Ängsten), by Pastor Andy Fulson

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If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth, Mark 9:23.
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind, 2 Timothy 1:7

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Matthew 28:19-20

Unless stated otherwise, all Bible passages quoted in orange are from the KJV translation.

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