When you’re alone in the middle of the night, it’s easy to feel almost swallowed by the darkness. Even though I claim God’s promises openly and with pride, I’ve found myself struggling with many fears. Social anxieties, worries about my future, about my studies or my job, my relationships, ageing, or even – and don’t laugh – the dark. That’s right – I, a believer in the greatest Light of the world, am somewhat terrified of the dark (or more accurately, what may be in the dark). Now, this fear is rather unfounded, and not even close to what many actually deal with each day. And you know what? I know this. I really do. I don’t have a real reason to fear – but not just because I live in a safe area, or because I lock my doors at night. It’s because I have God on my side – so, to paraphrase Romans 8:31, what could ever hurt me?
Praying the Promises
Holding onto God's Word
And yet, sometimes I still find myself afraid. Not just of the dark, but of all these things. All of the worries we know not to care about, somehow seem to worm their way back onto our minds and into our hearts. Now, something I’m growing to learn is that God doesn’t expect us to be perfect. And this includes our faith. In fact, even upon Jesus’ upcoming death He spoke to the disciples, who had fallen asleep during His final hours in Gethsemane. While Jesus was disappointed, admonishing them for their weakness, He remained yet understanding (Matthew 26:36-46). He knew who they were, and that they would fail. And yet He died for them. Over and over again, they would – as we will – fall out of perfect faith. But God is always there for us.
To remind us of that, it’s important to first remember the Bible. Its stories keep us sure of God’s character and love. To see a story of fear and trust, we can turn to one of the most well-known stories of the Bible – that of Jesus’ mother, Mary. It began with a visit from an angel – a heavenly messenger stepping into the quiet life of a young woman named Mary. The Bible tells us she was afraid, and who wouldn’t be? The angel’s message was staggering: she would become a mother—still a virgin—and not just to any child, but to the Son of God. She knew what this could mean. Shame. Rejection. Even death. Women in that time were stoned for perceived acts of unfaithfulness to their betrothed. But she trusted God anyway. Fear didn’t end with the angel Gabriel’s visit. In fact, it was only the beginning. As we read in Matthew 1:13-18, Herod was on a mission to kill Jesus from the day He was born, causing Mary and Joseph to flee for their lives—escaping Herod’s violent rage as he ordered the slaughter of innocent children. Can you imagine the weight of holding your newborn while running from a king’s murderous decree? Knowing all those other children had died? Years later, they would lose sight of 12-year-old Jesus for three long, agonising days. This would be enough to leave anyone in complete terror – not only had they lost their son, but the future saviour of the world. No wonder when they found Him they were confused and upset. But with his peaceful reply, we see Mary undertake a curious action: ‘His mother kept all these things in her heart’ Luke 19:51.
Throughout Jesus’ ministry, danger always lingered. He was hunted by leaders who plotted against Him, misunderstood by crowds, and eventually betrayed, beaten, and crucified. Through it all, Mary was there. Watching, hearing about what was happening. Holding it all in her heart—the promises, the pain, the miracles, and the fear.
Mary's story reminds us that faith doesn’t erase fear—but it can carry us through it. When we’re overwhelmed by uncertainty, grief, or the weight of the unknown, we can do what Mary did: treasure God’s goodness, store up His promises, and trust that even in the darkest valleys, He has not left us. Her life is a living testimony that even when fear is great, God’s faithfulness is greater.To remember God’s faithfulness in times of trouble, it’s helpful to have something to cling to. The Bible’s promises offer just that. Below we’ve put together a list of some of the Bible’s clearest promises for us to remember in times of fear.Do not be afraid of them; the Lord your God himself will fight for you.
Deuteronomy 3:22This was given to Moses as a message to Joshua when it came time to cross the Jordan into the Promised land – an event much awaited for by the Israelites, who had been forced to stay in the desert for 40 years due to their distrust in God when He said He would fight for them against the terrifying giants of the land. It’s in Moses’ final message to the Israelites, and it reminds them not be afraid as they were before – but trust in God. We too can remember this. When it feels like we’re under attack after attack, we can know that God will fight for us. We just need to trust Him.
No matter how small and insignificant you may be feeling, know that the One who made and rules the world, the King of all creation values you so much as to even know the most small, insignificant details about you – even the hairs on your head. How could you be forgotten, or insignificant, with God even accounting for that? The Bible is clear: you aren’t and you never will be forgotten, or alone.
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10, NIV
How often does it feel like the weight of the world is on our shoulders? We have to do everything at once – succeed at work, be the best in our studies, be a good family member, be a great friend, live a healthy lifestyle but also be happy and make enough money for now and the future… sometimes it just feels like too much. But this verse reminds us we don’t have to fear or struggle with the weight of the world – God is there to help us. We’re never alone. We have the strength, might and love of God on our side.
This verse reminds us that God’s care doesn’t mean the world will stop being frightening or that those who know God won’t experience hardships. Rather, it means God is with us through all those things. The world and its events will be terrible– but God tells us that we don’t have to be afraid, because He is on our side and will help us through it all. We don’t need our own strength, because we have His.
This verse, taken from a larger well known passage, is an endless comfort for many. It reminds us that although there are times when it seems like we’re at the lowest point possible, God will always be with us, guiding us through.
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
John 1:5, NIVKeeping in theme with darkness versus light, this is my personal favourite Bible verse. We know in context that God is our light, and that all fear and evil is the darkness. This verse is saying one thing: that no matter where we are, or how much darkness seems to be around us, or how impenetrable our situation may feel, God will always reach us. Because the darkness will not overcome the light. It never has and it never will. Although we may face the trials of this world, with pain, sorrow and even death, we know that ultimately God will not be overcome – and so neither will the light.
In those times of fear, when you feel alone, we are encouraged to be just like Mary – holding these promises close to our heart. God understands, and He hears us, but He encourages us not to be afraid of the darkness – because the Light is on our side.
About the Author
Azaria is a passionate young writer devoted to exploring and sharing the truth of God’s Word. With a heart for faith and a love for storytelling, she seeks to inspire and engage readers on their spiritual journeys.
Azaria Jones
NSW, Australia
