Daily Devo
Conquering Fear with Scripture
By: Jenny Hinners
Thursday, May 8, 2025
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. Isaiah 41:10 (NLT)
Fear can be challenging, but God's Word commands us not to fear in many different verses. As I read Gideon's story in Judges chapter 6, God reminded me how powerful spoken words of affirmation can be. Gideon was an ordinary man, but God used him to deliver Israel from the oppressive rule of the Midianites. When the Angel of the Lord first approached Gideon, he called him “a mighty man of valor!” (Judges 6:12, ESV). Where was Gideon? Hiding from the Midianites, threshing his wheat down in a winepress.
After hearing The Lord's voice and instructions, Gideon:
- Doubted he could complete the Lord’s mission (claimed he and his clan were both too weak).
- Feared public opinion when God told him to destroy his father’s pagan altar (waited until everyone was asleep).
- Tested God’s promise by demanding visual proof (asked for two consecutive “fleece” tests).
In the book of Judges, Gideon doesn’t seem to be mighty, fearless, or courageous. Yet this is how God described him – the same God who “who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist.” (Romans 4:17, ESV). The Lord equipped and empowered Gideon to complete a mission for His higher purposes. God called Gideon to rise above his fears, then He transformed him into the mighty man of valor the angel spoke about!
The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences. Proverbs 18:21 (NLT)
This verse from Proverbs is a great reminder about the impact our words have. Have you ever spoken encouraging words over yourself? Do you speak about the direction you want to go, or do your words keep you stuck in the “mud” of fear? When Satan attacked Jesus in the wilderness, Jesus quoted God’s Word and used God's words of affirmation to attack the enemy.
The next time you are fearful, try speaking a few verses aloud (like Jesus did). Pick ones that rebuke fear or encourage boldness. You can even make a Bible verse personal as you speak it over yourself aloud.
Here are two examples:
- “I have not been given a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
- “I am strong and courageous – I will not be afraid, for the Lord my God is with me wherever I go!” (Joshua 1:9)
God's promises are powerful scriptural declarations, and you can speak them over yourself with confidence – Remember, God’s Word never returns void, and it always accomplishes His purposes (Isaiah 55:11).