How to Stand Firm in God’s Promises

Post 2 in the Series: What Does the Bible Say About Anxiety, Fear, and Depression? If you missed Part 1 of this series, just click ➡️ What Does the Bible Say About Anxiety? 

THE BIBLE SAYS TO FEAR NOT

Well, that sounds easier said than done!
This phrase and others like it- appear often throughout the Bible:

• Fear not
• Do not be afraid
• Do not fear
• Do not be anxious
• Give all your cares to God
• Do not panic

My favorite example is found early in the New Testament when Mary, the mother of Jesus, was visited by an angel. In her tender young age, she was, of course, afraid!

Fear is a real, physiological response to danger.

We all have this built-in ability to sense when something isn’t as it should be or when something feels off.

God Himself designed us this way. Having fear isn’t the problem—it’s what we do with that fear that becomes the challenge.

Fear left unchecked can lead to anxiety and even depression. Why?

Because…

FEAR IS A FEELING, BUT NOT ALWAYS THE TRUTH

God desires that we bring Him every part of ourselves—our hearts (emotions), souls (spirit), minds (thoughts), and strength (our physical bodies).

When we surrender our thoughts and emotions to Him, we obey the command of Jesus:

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.”
—Matthew 22:37

Many today live by the phrase “follow your heart,” as if happiness were the highest goal in life. 

Yet the Bible reminds us that “the heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure” (Jeremiah 17:9).

In other words, our emotions-though real-don’t always tell us the truth.

That’s why we must know God’s Word for those moments when our emotions overwhelm us or when fear grips our hearts. God’s promises anchor us when worry, fear, and anxiety come knocking.

FOCUS ON THE PROMISES OF GOD

In 2 Chronicles 20, we find a powerful example of holding onto God’s promises.

A vast army was coming against King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah. When he heard the report, he cried out to the Lord because he knew that, apart from a miracle, all would be lost.

Then a prophet spoke:

“Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast number, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.

You do not have to fight this battle. Position yourselves, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord.

He is with you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Tomorrow, go out to face them, for Yahweh is with you.”
– 2 Chronicles 20:15–17 HCSB

THE SIMPLIFIED INSTRUCTION WAS THIS:

• Stand firm – believe that God is at work.
• Station yourselves – seek the Lord in prayer.
• See the deliverance of the Lord – expect His faithfulness.

AFRAID, BUT FOCUSED

Instead of letting fear control them, they chose to focus on the Word of God and obey His instructions.

Then, the king led the people in worship, singing:

“Give thanks to the Lord,
for His faithful love endures forever.”

This was a beautiful reminder to focus on who God is instead of what the enemy might do.

And when they arrived at the battlefield?

They found their enemies defeated. 

Their response?

Paise and worship!!

 

💙 Take time to read the full story—it’s one of my Old Testament favorites.

WHEN YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT TO SAY, DO, OR THINK-FOCUS ON WHO GOD IS

YOUR TURN

Do you have a plan for those moments when fear and doubt flood your mind?

 

Worry, fear, and anxiety will come as a natural part of life—but we can be prepared!

KNOW GOD’S WORD:
Make Bible reading and prayer a daily habit.

Suggested for you: Embracing the Modern Proverbs 31 Woman’s Morning Routine: The Spiritual Growth Strategy You Need Now

 LIVE GOD’S WORD:
Let the Fruit of the Spirit overflow in your life.

Suggested for you: The Beauty and Power of Spiritual Fruit

SHARE GOD’S WORD:
Sing out, share, and talk about who God is!

Suggested for you: How to Share Your God Stroy in 3 Mnutes or Less

 

💙 By practicing these things, we grow stronger as Modern Proverbs 31 Women—wiser to the enemy’s schemes and better equipped to handle life’s challenges.

💙 When we allow fear and anxiety to linger too long in our minds, our souls will feel weighed down with worry.

To keep learning how to abide in Christ even in hard seasons, read my series on What Does it Mean to Abide in Christ?

 

What action steps do you need to take today to prepare for times of fear and anxiety? 

Tell me below in the coments which area of spiritual growth you need to renew or need more support with. 

✝️ In Part 3 of this series, we’ll look at What Does the Bible Say About Depression? 

I will share part of my story with depression and fear and how I discovered God’s comfort in my darkest moments. 

ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE READING ON THE SUBJECT OF FEAR

• Isaiah 41:10
• 2 Timothy 1:7
• Joshua 1:9
• Psalm 56:3–4