Fear shows up throughout Scripture — in prophets, disciples, kings, and ordinary people — and God’s response is rarely “don’t feel it.” It’s usually “you’re not facing it alone.” This plan explores five of those moments.
Day 1 — Fear and God’s Presence
Read Joshua 1:9.
“Be strong and courageous… for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Courage here isn’t commanded on the basis of the danger being smaller than it looks — it’s commanded on the basis of whose presence goes with you.
Try this: Name your current fear specifically, and remind yourself who’s present in it with you.
Day 2 — Peter Steps Out of the Boat
Read Matthew 14:25-31.
Peter walks on water — until he notices the wind, and starts to sink. Jesus doesn’t let him drown, but does ask a pointed question: “why did you doubt?” Fear crept in the moment his focus shifted.
Try this: What’s currently pulling your focus off Jesus and onto the “wind” around you?
Day 3 — Gideon’s Reluctant Courage
Read Judges 6:11-16.
Gideon, hiding from his enemies, is called “mighty man of valor” before he’s shown any valor at all — and he argues back, listing every reason he’s the wrong person. God doesn’t wait for Gideon’s confidence. He calls him anyway.
Try this: What has fear convinced you that you’re the “wrong person” for? Bring that specific doubt to God.
Day 4 — Perfect Love Casts Out Fear
Read 1 John 4:16-18.
“Perfect love casts out fear.” This isn’t about willing yourself to feel less afraid — it’s about how deeply rooted you are in being loved. Fear often has room to grow exactly where love feels uncertain.
Try this: Where do you doubt you’re fully loved by God? Let that specific place be where today’s prayer starts.
Day 5 — Do Not Be Anxious
Read Philippians 4:6-7 and 2 Timothy 1:7.
“God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” Fear isn’t the spirit you were given. This doesn’t mean fear never shows up — it means it’s not the truest thing about who you are in Christ.
Try this: Name today’s fear one more time, and then name the “power, love, and self-control” God has actually given you instead.
Closing thought: Fear rarely disappears through force of will. It loosens its grip as you get closer to the one who’s actually bigger than what you’re afraid of.