This year feels like a battle, doesn’t it? Turn on the news, scroll social media, or have a conversation with nearly anyone on politics, civil unrest, the coronavirus, mask wearing, fires, hurricanes, school decisions and well … we can find ourselves fired up in anger and pride or shrinking back in exhaustion and fear.

Everyday decisions leave us weary, while life’s bigger issues hover like a storm cloud ready to burst. I think most of us will be happy to leave 2020 behind.

None of this is a surprise to our sovereign God, however. He’s present, He’s working, and He’s calling us to see His glory even though we cannot see the big picture. When we’re tempted to turn to division, distraction, or despair, we can look instead to God’s Word.

The verses below invite us to remember God’s presence and remind us that He is fighting the battle with us and for us. When you have no words, use these verses as prayers and petitions to our faithful God.

10 Scriptures to Help Battle Fear

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you … The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:6,8 NIV

I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD. Psalm 27:13-14 KJV

I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry. Psalm 34:4,7,15 ESV

Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by. I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me. Psalm 57:1-2 ESV

Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually! Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he uttered. Psalm 105:4-5 ESV

I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2 ESV

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me. The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands. Psalm 138:7-8 ESV

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. Isaiah 43:2-3a ESV

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 KJV

You came near when I called on you; you said, "Do not fear!" You have taken up my cause, O Lord; you have redeemed my life. Lamentations 3:57-58 ESV