Praying Through Fear: Embracing Trust in Uncertain Times

By Harold Robertson, Jr.

Fear is a part of our human experience. It’s something we all face, whether it’s fear of the unknown, fear of loss, or fear of life’s uncertainties. In our modern world, fear can be amplified by the rapid pace of change, economic pressures, or even global crises. As believers, we often wrestle with the question: Is it wrong to pray when I’m afraid? Shouldn’t I just have faith and let go of my fear?

The Bible offers profound wisdom on this topic. It doesn’t shy away from the reality of fear, nor does it dismiss the anxieties that often keep us awake at night. Instead, it encourages us to respond to fear through prayer and trust.

What Does the Bible Say About Fear?

One of the clearest messages in Scripture is that we don’t have to face our fears alone. In Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV), the Apostle Paul writes:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

This passage is not a command to simply stop being afraid—it’s an invitation to bring our fears to God in prayer. Paul recognizes that anxiety and fear are real. He urges us to bring these emotions into our conversations with God, trusting that through prayer, we can experience a peace that is deeper than our understanding.

Fear Is Not From God

The Bible also speaks of the spirit God gives us, contrasting it with the spirit of fear. In 2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV), it says:
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.”
This verse reminds us that while fear is a part of the human condition, it is not from God. Instead, He equips us with power, love, and a mind capable of seeing beyond the immediate threat of fear. This doesn’t mean we won’t feel afraid, but it does mean that fear doesn’t have to control our decisions or our relationship with God.

Casting Our Fears on Him

When fear grips our hearts, it can feel like we’re carrying a heavy burden. God invites us to hand that burden over to Him. 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV) says:
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
This is an open invitation—God desires us to bring our worries to Him. It’s not a sign of weak faith to admit that we’re afraid; it’s a sign of trust to bring those fears before the One who holds all things in His hands.

A Reflection on Fear and Faith

It’s important to acknowledge that praying through fear doesn’t always mean that the fear instantly disappears. Sometimes, the fear remains, but through prayer, we find the strength to face it and the courage to keep moving forward. It’s in these moments of honest prayer that we are reminded of Psalm 56:3 (NIV):
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”
This verse offers a powerful truth—fear is not the end of our story, but a bridge that can lead us deeper into trust. When we bring our fears to God, we acknowledge that we cannot navigate them alone. We shift our focus from the uncertainty of our situation to the certainty of God’s presence.

Today’s Relevance: A Call to Honesty in Prayer

In today’s world, where anxiety and fear seem to come from every direction, it’s easy to feel like we must put on a brave face, even before God. But God already knows what’s on our hearts, and He meets us in our honest moments. Our prayer life becomes a space where we don’t have to pretend—where we can be real about our struggles.

When you find yourself overwhelmed by fear, let it be a cue to pray, to release those fears into God’s hands. Trust that He is not disappointed by your struggle but ready to offer peace. Through prayer, fear loses its power over us, and our hearts are guarded by the peace that surpasses all understanding.

So, let’s not see fear as a sign that we’re failing in our faith. Instead, let’s see it as an opportunity—a moment to lean into the strength of God, to pray honestly, and to experience His peace in the midst of life’s storms.

A Personal Note

I am writing this only hours before I personally go into the hospital for surgery. So this post is ministering to me first. The uncertainty and fear that come with facing such moments are real, but I know that God’s peace is also real. In all things, we trust Him, knowing that He walks with us, even through the valley of uncertainty. As I pray through my own fears, I encourage you to do the same. Release those fears to God, and remember that He is faithful.