If you’ve ever needed help defeating fear and anxiety, I recommend memorizing one transforming scripture.
If you believe, meditate, and act upon it, the scripture blows feelings of defeat right up.
What is this powerful scripture? It is Isaiah 41:10:
Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
When you feel defeated, you may think you are all alone. It can even be seductive to nurture self-pitying, fearful, and anxious thoughts.
Weirdly, it can feel good to feel bad!
However, you are in the most danger of destructive habits, like emotional or binge eating, when your emotions are in torment.
This thinking pattern can be comforting if you’ve thought this way for a long time, like slipping on an old, ratty bathrobe.
But even though the feelings are accurate, the thoughts behind them are deceptive.
When I found myself in this pit, I realized that I was entertaining a “familiar spirit” – one that meant me no good. A familiar spirit finds rest when your emotions are in torment!
However, one of the reasons God gives us His word is so that we can recognize His truth from lying thoughts the enemy puts into our minds – and walk according to the truth.
The following article covers three thoughts to meditate upon so that you can use Isaiah 41:10 for defeating fear and anxiety.
Let’s break down Isaiah 41:10 to learn how to remove fear from the mind and heart.
Defeating Fear and Anxiety: “Fear not, for I am with you…”
God tells us that the basis for having courage is to recognize that He is with you. Whatever your feelings say, the truth remains: God never leaves you nor forsakes you.
Believing that principle is crucial in defeating fear and anxiety.
It is always your choice to believe God’s word or your feelings if they contradict one another.
Resist the temptation to worship at the altar of your feelings. Magnify God above your emotions.
“…Be not dismayed, for I am your God”
Dismayed means that you are discouraged and give up hope. However, defeating fear and anxiety requires remembering God’s character. Our God:
- Parted the Red Sea
- Brought new life to barren wombs
- Helped His people defeat countless enemies
- Restored the sight to blinded eyes
- Made the lame walk
- Raised people from the dead
Is anything too hard from the Lord? No!
“I will Strengthen, Help, and Uphold you…”
The same God promises to:
- Strengthen you
- Help you
- Uphold you with His righteous right hand
No higher assurance exists for defeating fear and anxiety than that! If you are feeling overwhelmed, take a moment to write down the answer to this question:
What small thing could I do right now to move forward with the Lord on my side?”
Taking even just a tiny action in faith toward defeating fear and anxiety will do wonders for your energy and outlook.
It may take time to learn new ways of thinking and acting. But if you are consistent with meditation and practice, you will develop a thankful heart as 2 Corinthians 2:14 becomes your reality:
Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.
So resolve today to be diligent in renewing your mind to God’s word and putting it into practice – the key to defeating fear and anxiety. On the day of trial, you will be able to stand firm with supernatural confidence that will astonish you!
Be Blessed with Health, Healing, and Wholeness,
Kimberly Taylor
Author of the Take Back Your Temple program
P.S. Do you struggle with overeating sugar? If so, you are not alone!
Overcoming sugar addiction was a key factor on my weight loss journey; I lost 85 pounds and dropped from a size 22 to an 8.
In our 14-day Sugar Detox Challenge online course (inside the Take Back Your Temple program), you’ll get the same success strategies and support to gain peace in your eating habits and achieve lasting weight loss.
Click here to learn more about the Take Back Your Temple program.
“Prayer for Weight Loss”
This is one of my favorite scriptures. Whenever I see this scripture, I feel empowered because I have the Lord, the Great I AM on my side. He said He will uphold me so I have nothing to worry about or fear. When I start to feel burdened I reflect on this scripture verse 10 and 13.
Amen, Lisa – God’s word is life-giving and life sustaining!
I feel so defeated, sometimes I feel like I can do it. Then I failed again. Are .y wounds that deep. I need help.
Hi Renee – I am praying that the Lord open your eyes to His love for you and that He never leaves nor forsakes you. When you try to rely only upon yourself, you will feel defeated. However through relying upon God’s strength each day, we are overcomers! You don’t say if you have a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. He is the Great Physician that can heal all wounds, even deep ones. To learn more about that relationship, go here: Know God Personally
Thank you Mrs Kimberly I believe you and God word is true. When I’m weak He is always strong. No weapons foam against me shall prospers amen.
Amen, Sister!
To be honest, sometimes this scripture brings more despair. If God is there, why isn’t He taking care of the trouble? To know the most powerful source in the universe, Who can do anything with a flick of a finger, a breath from His nose, is right by my side and isn’t doing it brings feelings of inadequacy, “I’m not enough yet” for Him to help.
Hi Christina – I pray that the Lord perfects that which concerns you. You asked, “If God is there, why isn’t He taking care of the trouble?” It seems that you are saying that because the “trouble” is there, it either means God is not there or you don’t believe you are “enough” to warrant God’s help.
Neither of those things are true. For one, the Lord never promised we would never have trouble to face in life. In fact, just the opposite (see John 16:33). While sometimes He removes us out of trouble, other times He walks with us through it, supplying what we need to overcome. I can’t say I always like that second scenario, however that is one way that we come to know, trust and rely upon Him. Our Savior, Jesus suffered as no one has ever suffered. He understands what we go through in life and is a present help in time of trouble. God helps us out of His goodness and promise, not because of our performance.
You don’t say if you have a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. To learn more about that relationship, go here: Know God Personally
Thank you so much for this encouraging words of God, I am currently undergoing spiritual battle within me..I really needed this and I also need prayers ..thanks
I am feeling so very broken right now. Your words have been a great comforter. He promised that He would send a Comforter. Thank you.
You are welcome, Jann – may the Lord strengthen, help, and uphold you with His righteous right hand!
Thank you so much this was much needed and necessary. It’s more than enough times I seek to move forward seeking through best path financially and get turned down. I felt so discouraged and defeated. But, I know deep down God will not fail me and by the guidance and leading of the Holy Spirit, I will be fine. It’s a process and I have to stay the course. Thanks for this readings of scripture, as it was much needed. A praise unto God was given as His word moved me in confidence and confirmation to stay the course.
I needed to read this today. Thank you
Thanks so much for sharing the scripture messages. This has been a really tough week, I really needed to hear the word. God is all powerful and nothing is to great for him to handle. Thanks for helping me put things into perspective. Amen
Amen, Bonnie – nobody is like the Lord!
Thank you. Great advice!
Thank you, Paul – God bless you!
This was on time for me even as I sit here at my daughter’s swim practice. I am feeling overwhelmed and defeated because of various concerns. Yet, I am reminding myself God is going to perfect those things anyway, so why do I feel defeated and want to cry? I’m angry at myself for gaining 18 pounds. I’m irritated that I ate an ice cream cruch bar yesterday and I didn’t work out this morning. I’ll work out when I get home later, but I’m irritated & disgusted at my weight today! Big sigh…thank you for this. I needed it right here, right now, and at this moment.
(((Felicia))) – that is a BIG hug from me. Some days are just harder to get through than others. The Lord is with you through this and this too shall pass. As the apostle said in Romans 8:18 – “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” May the Lord give you comfort, His peace and His wisdom to hold you. One day at a time, one choice at a time.
Thank you! Time to retrain my thoughts. It is a daily struggle. When negative things happen it seem go just knock me down. I lmow that God is always with me, but in those moments my troubles get the best of me. I constantly worry about my job because the devil is here and its hard to walk this Christian life when your not accepted for who you are. I make lots of small mistakes because no one beleives in me which tend to make me make mistakes. Also the intimidation causes me to make mistakes. Pleas just pray for me. I dont know what to ask of God. Thanks in advance,
Hi Latrice – I have prayed for you according to Hebrews 13:6 – “So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” it is a daily struggle because the default of this world is fear and negativity. Be encouraged Sister – the Lord has called you to be a light in darkness. So shine on!
I found this almost accidentally. I am discovering and learning to define/ articulate emotions I haven’t understood. Sounds odd for a guy. One of those was an overwhelming sense of defeat and it seems I go there often. Isaiah 41:10 is what I needed. Thank you for your words and ministry. I found the words preceding this verse insightful as well. The world loves to tell each other it will be alright when either they don’t understand or they don’t know what to say that might really help. The Word as inspired by our sovereign God is the only real objective truth.
Thanking God with you for His words of truth and deliverance!
Thank you for this message for I too eas feeling hopeless as if I was alone and GOD forgot about me and my pain thank you for these words!
You are welcome – God is Good!
I just came across this today as I am feeling so very defeated right now in this time of my life. Thank you!
I loved this article. Thank you
Hello, I came across this post with feelings of defeat that I have for a long time. I am so comfortable with defeat and self pity, and yet I know it is damaging me. I am so familiar with resorting to this, which is growing more intense and common on a daily basis. I am in need of prayer for the desire and strength to overcome these thoughts and feelings. As awful as defeat is, I run to it, partly out of habit. if you have any advice for me, please let me know.
Hi Janette – you are not alone! There is actually not only a Spiritual reason behind why we can be drawn to defeat and self-pity, but also biological in some cases. Here are 2 articles that may be helpful to you:
When Darkness is your Closest friend
5 Scriptures when you feel Helpless
God bless you!
Just came across this in a time of need.
I came across the article on 08/30/17. One day before the last day of the month during a time that I am feeling defeated! Feelings of struggle are overwhelming. I joined the TBYT a few weeks ago and since joining. I have not kept the commitment and I feel stuck. I feel my zeal and zest for the things of God are at their lowest. I have no energy. I have the blahs and ……
A Dr. or therapist might would say depression, but it goes deeper than that. I don’t know what to call it. I really don’t know what to do. I tried to fast…failed. Start and stop. I tried to stop eating unhealthy sugars and I eat more. I cannot honestly describe or define what I am feeling or experiencing. HELP
Hi Kimberly – Thank you for having the courage to ask for help. I’ll reach out to you privately about this also but when you are dealing with feelings of defeat, it can be traced back to what’s going on in your heart and mind. In your heart because it speaks to your desires and whether you are willing to change what you do daily to align with that, plus what’s going on in your mind, which speaks to the story you are telling yourself about what is happening and whether that story is empowering to you (that you recognize that you aren’t alone and God is in there with you or whether you feel that you are all alone.
I have prayed for you and will email you to get more of your story.
I praise God that I came across this page. I recently lost everything!!!! My job, my home, EVERYTHING and became homless. Today I went for a second interview for a job of a LIFETIME!!!! I went in with a praise of Thanksgiving, claiming the job and thanking God in advance for a yes. Only to be told the final decision will be made in two weeks. What? Two weeks? Lord how are me and my family going to make it for two more weeks ? I literally looked up to the Sky and said “I give up Lord!!!(please forgive me) but as I was sitting back feeling sorry for myself. I began to pray. Father, please!!!! I don’t want to feel this feeling of defeat. I know you did not create me for this. So I decided to look up prayers for when you feel defeated. That’s when I ran across your page. Thank you so much for lifting my spirit up!!!! I’m NOT DEFEATED!!!! I AM A CHILD OF THE LIVING GOD!!!! I’M STILL CLAIMING MY JOB. please pray for me and my family. Thank you My our Lord Continually BLESS YOU!!!!!
I am so glad that this encouraged you, Traci – we have to keep each other encouraged. I will certainly add you to our prayer list and am looking forward to hearing the praise report!
Kim, you have grown so much in the last couple years as a teacher of the bible.
Thank you for sharing timely messages of encouragement and spiritual growth.
You are a blessing as well as a wonderful mentor. By your example I have become more diligent in studying the Word of God over the past two years. Thank you!
Thank you for your encouragement, Sherry. I am expecting greater from the Lord as well and I know you are too!
As always, God’s timing is perfect. This is just what I needed to hear today.
Blessings!
Glad to hear that Debbie – God is always right on time.