If fear is paralyzing you, if you’re facing something terrifying, or if you need courage to do what you know you should do, the Bible offers more than “be brave.” Scripture reveals that courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s doing what’s right despite fear. Courage is trusting God is bigger than whatever you’re facing. You can be afraid and courageous at the same time.
In this guide, you’ll find 12 carefully selected Bible verses about courage, each with deep commentary to help you understand where courage comes from, how to find strength when you’re terrified, and how to move forward when everything in you wants to run. These verses will show you that God doesn’t expect you to be fearless—He just asks you to be faithful even when you’re afraid.
When You’re Terrified of What’s Ahead
1. Joshua 1:9
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Why This Helps When You’re Terrified
“Have I not commanded you?” makes courage a command, not a suggestion. God isn’t saying “try to be brave if you feel like it.” He’s commanding: Be strong and courageous. This matters because you can obey commands even when you don’t feel like it. Courage is a choice, not a feeling.
“Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” acknowledges both exist. Fear will knock. Discouragement will whisper. God says don’t let them control you. Don’t let fear dictate your actions or discouragement determine your path. Feel them, acknowledge them, then choose courage anyway.
“For the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” is why you can be courageous. Not because you’re strong enough. Because God is with you. Wherever this terrifying thing takes you—God is there. You’re not facing it alone. His presence is the source of your courage.
How to Use This Verse Today
- When fear paralyzes you, remember: Courage is commanded. You can obey even when you don’t feel brave. Choose courage as an act of obedience.
- Stop waiting to feel courageous before you act. Act courageously, then feelings follow. Courage is action despite fear, not the absence of fear.
- Before stepping into the terrifying thing, declare: “The Lord my God is with me. I’m not alone. Therefore I can be courageous.”
A Prayer Based on This Verse
“God, You command me to be strong and courageous. I’m terrified of [specific situation], but I’m choosing obedience over fear. You are with me wherever I go. I’m not facing this alone. Give me courage to move forward despite my fear. Amen.”
2. Deuteronomy 31:6
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Why This Helps When You’re Terrified
“Do not be afraid or terrified because of them” names the fear. There’s a specific “them”—people, circumstances, obstacles—that terrify you. God isn’t dismissing your fear as irrational. He’s acknowledging the real threat, then telling you not to be controlled by it.
“He will never leave you nor forsake you” is God’s unbreakable promise. Whatever you’re facing, you won’t face it abandoned. God won’t leave. He won’t give up on you. He won’t walk away when it gets hard. His presence is permanent, which means courage is always available to you.
This verse is about facing opposition. When people oppose you, circumstances threaten you, or obstacles intimidate you, courage comes from knowing God goes with you. Not ahead of you where you can’t see Him. Not behind you watching from a distance. WITH you. In it with you.
How to Use This Verse Today
- Name your “them.” What specifically are you afraid of? Then speak this promise over it: “The Lord my God goes with me. He will never leave me.”
- When you feel abandoned in fear, remind yourself: God’s promise is “never leave, never forsake.” Not “sometimes.” Not “when you deserve it.” Never.
- Picture God standing with you facing the terrifying thing. You’re not alone. That changes everything about courage.
A Prayer Based on This Verse
“God, I’m afraid of [specific threat]. They terrify me. But You go with me. You will never leave me or forsake me. When I feel alone in this fear, remind me You’re with me. Give me courage because of Your presence. Amen.”
3. Psalm 27:1
“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?”
Why This Helps When You’re Terrified
“Whom shall I fear?” is a rhetorical question with an obvious answer: no one. If the Lord—the Creator of the universe, the all-powerful God—is on your side, who could possibly threaten you? This doesn’t mean nothing bad can happen. It means nothing can ultimately harm you because God is your salvation.
“The Lord is the stronghold of my life” means God is your fortress, your protection, your security. When threats come, you run to the stronghold. You don’t face danger in the open field. You retreat to safety—to God. Courage comes from knowing you’re protected.
This verse shifts perspective from the threat to the Protector. Fear focuses on how big the threat is. Courage focuses on how big God is. When you’re terrified, you’re probably focused on the wrong thing. Shift focus from threat to God. Courage follows.
How to Use This Verse Today
- When fear overwhelms you, ask yourself: “The Lord is my light and salvation—whom shall I fear?” Force yourself to answer. No one. Nothing.
- Practice shifting focus. When you notice fear about the threat, immediately redirect: “God is bigger. He’s my stronghold.”
- Picture God as a fortress around you. The threat can’t reach you because God is your protection. That’s not fantasy—that’s spiritual reality.
A Prayer Based on This Verse
“Lord, You are my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? You are the stronghold of my life. Of whom shall I be afraid? I’m focusing on You instead of the threat. You’re bigger than whatever I’m facing. Give me courage because You’re my protection. Amen.”
When You Need Courage to Take Action
4. 1 Chronicles 28:20
“David also said to Solomon his son, ‘Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished.'”
Why This Helps When You Need Courage to Act
“Be strong and courageous, and do the work” connects courage to action. It’s not just feeling brave. It’s doing the work despite fear. Solomon had a massive, terrifying project ahead—building God’s temple. David didn’t say “wait until you feel brave.” He said “do the work.”
“Do not be afraid or discouraged” acknowledges both will attack. Fear says “this is too big.” Discouragement says “I can’t do this.” David says do it anyway. Don’t let fear or discouragement stop the work. Courage pushes through both.
“He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work…is finished” promises God’s presence through completion. God won’t abandon you mid-project. He’ll be with you until the work is done. That means you can have courage to start because God promises to stay until the end.
How to Use This Verse Today
- When you’re paralyzed by the size of what’s ahead, hear David: “Do the work.” Don’t wait for fear to disappear. Do the work despite fear.
- Break the big terrifying thing into today’s work. You don’t need courage for the whole project. Just courage for today’s task. God gives daily courage.
- Remember: God won’t abandon you halfway. He stays until completion. Start with confidence that He’ll finish with you.
A Prayer Based on This Verse
“God, I’m facing [big project/task] and I’m terrified. But like David told Solomon, I’m choosing to be strong and courageous and do the work. You won’t fail me or forsake me until the work is finished. Give me courage to start and daily strength to continue. Amen.”
5. 2 Timothy 1:7
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
Why This Helps When You Need Courage to Act
“The Spirit God gave us does not make us timid” means timidity isn’t from God. If you’re cowering in fear, that’s not the Holy Spirit’s work. God’s Spirit produces the opposite: power, love, and self-discipline. When you’re operating in the Spirit, courage is the natural result.
“Power, love and self-discipline” are the three things courage needs. Power to do what’s hard. Love to care more about others than your own comfort. Self-discipline to push through when everything in you wants to quit. The Spirit gives all three.
This verse is for action-paralysis. When you know what you should do but fear stops you, this verse says you have the Spirit’s power. Timidity is not your identity. You have power, love, and self-discipline available through the Spirit. Use them.
How to Use This Verse Today
- When timidity tempts you to stay small and safe, remember: That’s not from God’s Spirit. The Spirit gives power, love, and self-discipline.
- Before acting on something that scares you, pray: “Holy Spirit, give me Your power, love, and self-discipline. I reject timidity.”
- Identify which you need most: Power (ability), Love (motivation), or Self-discipline (follow-through). Ask the Spirit specifically for that.
A Prayer Based on This Verse
“God, Your Spirit doesn’t make me timid. Your Spirit gives me power, love, and self-discipline. I’m afraid to [specific action], but I’m not operating in timidity. I’m asking for the Spirit’s power to act courageously. Give me what I need to move forward. Amen.”
When Everyone Else is Afraid
6. Numbers 13:30
“Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, ‘We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.'”
Why This Helps When Everyone Else is Afraid
Caleb stood alone. Ten spies said “we can’t.” Only Caleb (and Joshua) said “we can certainly do it.” When everyone around you is afraid, courage means standing up and saying “we can do this.” Not because you’re braver than them. Because you see God’s ability, not just the obstacle.
“We can certainly do it” is confidence in God, not arrogance in self. Caleb saw the same giants the other spies saw. Same walled cities. Same obstacles. But he saw God bigger than the obstacles. Courage sees past the problem to God’s power.
This verse is for when you’re the only one willing to move forward. Everyone else is paralyzed by fear. Do you join them, or do you speak courage? Sometimes courage means being the voice of faith when everyone else is speaking fear.
How to Use This Verse Today
- When everyone around you is afraid, ask: “Am I seeing the obstacle or seeing God’s ability?” Shift your focus to what God can do.
- Be willing to stand alone in courage. Just because everyone’s afraid doesn’t mean fear is right. Maybe you’re the Caleb God’s using to call others forward.
- Practice declaring: “We can certainly do this” even when everyone says “we can’t.” Speak faith when others speak fear.
A Prayer Based on This Verse
“God, everyone around me is afraid of [situation]. Like Caleb, I want to stand up and say ‘we can certainly do this.’ Help me see Your ability instead of the obstacle. Give me courage to speak faith when everyone else speaks fear. Amen.”
7. Daniel 3:17-18
“If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”
Why This Helps When Everyone Else is Afraid
“But even if he does not” is the most courageous statement in Scripture. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego believed God could deliver them. But their courage didn’t depend on Him doing so. Even if God didn’t rescue them, they still wouldn’t compromise. That’s radical courage—trusting God regardless of outcome.
“We will not serve your gods” meant certain death. Everyone else bowed to the statue. These three stood. Courage sometimes means standing when everyone else compromises. Not because you’re better, but because you’re more convinced of God’s worth than your comfort.
This verse is for when courage costs everything. When standing for what’s right means losing everything. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego show that courage trusts God with the outcome and chooses obedience regardless.
How to Use This Verse Today
- When pressure to compromise is intense, ask: “Will I bow even if standing costs me everything?” Courage says no regardless of consequence.
- Stop making your obedience conditional on God’s deliverance. “I’ll obey if God protects me” isn’t courage. “I’ll obey even if He doesn’t” is.
- Practice this declaration: “God is able to deliver me. But even if He doesn’t, I will not compromise.”
A Prayer Based on This Verse
“God, I’m facing pressure to compromise on [specific thing]. You’re able to deliver me from consequences. But even if You don’t, I will not compromise. Give me courage to stand when everyone else bows. I trust You with the outcome. Amen.”
When You Feel Too Weak to Be Brave
8. Isaiah 41:10
“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.”
Why This Helps When You Feel Too Weak
“Do not fear…do not be dismayed” addresses both terror and discouragement. Fear says “this is too dangerous.” Dismay says “this is too hard.” God says don’t let either control you. Not because you’re strong enough, but because He’s with you.
“I will strengthen you and help you” promises divine assistance. You don’t have to be strong in yourself. God strengthens you. You don’t have to figure it out alone. God helps you. Courage isn’t pretending you’re sufficient. It’s trusting God is sufficient when you’re not.
“I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” is beautiful imagery. When you’re about to fall, God holds you up. His hand is righteous—meaning just, reliable, trustworthy. You can lean on Him completely. When you feel too weak to be brave, His strength holds you up.
How to Use This Verse Today
- When you feel too weak for courage, remember: You don’t need to be strong. God strengthens you. Stop trying to drum up courage in yourself. Ask for His.
- Picture God’s righteous right hand holding you up when you’re about to fall. You’re not standing in your strength. You’re upheld by His.
- Before facing the hard thing, pray this promise: “God, strengthen me. Help me. Uphold me. I can’t do this alone, but I can with You.”
A Prayer Based on This Verse
“God, I feel too weak to be brave about [situation]. I’m dismayed and afraid. But You are with me. You promise to strengthen me, help me, and uphold me with Your righteous right hand. I’m not standing in my strength. I’m upheld by Yours. Give me courage. Amen.”
9. Psalm 31:24
“Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.”
Why This Helps When You Feel Too Weak
“Be strong and take heart” is a command for those who feel weak. You can choose to be strong and take heart even when you don’t feel it. Strength and courage aren’t automatic feelings—they’re choices you make in hope.
“All you who hope in the Lord” means courage is rooted in hope. If you’re hoping in yourself, you’ll despair when you realize you’re insufficient. But if you’re hoping in the Lord, courage is possible because He’s always sufficient. Hope determines whether you have courage.
“Take heart” is an old phrase meaning “be encouraged.” When everything discourages you, you actively take heart. You reach out and grab courage. You don’t wait for it to come to you. You take it as an act of will rooted in hope in God.
How to Use This Verse Today
- When discouragement makes you weak, actively take heart. Don’t wait to feel encouraged. Choose encouragement as an act of hope in God.
- Check where your hope is: “Am I hoping in myself (which leads to despair) or in the Lord (which leads to courage)?”
- Command yourself: “Be strong. Take heart.” You have authority to speak to your own soul. Tell yourself what’s true when feelings lie.
A Prayer Based on This Verse
“Lord, I feel weak and discouraged about [situation]. But I’m commanding my soul: Be strong and take heart. My hope is not in myself. My hope is in You. You are sufficient when I’m not. Give me courage rooted in hope in Your sufficiency. Amen.”
Understanding Biblical Courage
10. Philippians 4:13
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
Why This Helps in Understanding Courage
“I can do all this” isn’t arrogance. It’s confidence in Christ. Paul isn’t saying “I’m capable of anything.” He’s saying “Christ makes me capable.” That’s the foundation of courage—not your ability, but Christ’s ability working through you.
“Through him who gives me strength” is the key phrase. Apart from Christ, you can’t do it. With Christ, you can. Courage isn’t found by looking at yourself and assessing your strength. Courage is found by looking at Christ and accessing His strength.
This verse destroys the lie that courage means being naturally brave. You don’t have to be naturally courageous. You just have to be connected to Christ who gives strength. His strength becomes your courage.
How to Use This Verse Today
- When you think “I can’t do this,” add the rest: “…but I can do this through Christ who gives me strength.”
- Before facing something that requires courage, pray: “Christ, give me Your strength. I can’t do this in my own strength, but I can through Yours.”
- Stop looking at your insufficiency. Look at Christ’s sufficiency. Courage flows from Him, not from you.
A Prayer Based on This Verse
“Christ, I feel incapable of [specific thing]. In my own strength, I can’t. But I can do all things through You who give me strength. I’m not relying on my courage. I’m relying on Your strength. Strengthen me. Amen.”
11. Ephesians 6:10
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.”
Why This Helps in Understanding Courage
“Be strong in the Lord” means strength’s source is the Lord, not you. You don’t generate courage independently. You draw it from Him. When you try to be strong in yourself, you fail. When you’re strong in the Lord, His power is available.
“In his mighty power” emphasizes it’s not your power. It’s His mighty power. Courage accesses divine power, not human willpower. This is why weak people can be courageous—they’re not operating in their own strength. They’re operating in God’s mighty power.
This verse is part of the armor of God passage. Courage is spiritual warfare. You need God’s mighty power because you’re fighting spiritual battles, not just physical ones. Courage draws on supernatural strength for supernatural battles.
How to Use This Verse Today
- When you’re trying to be strong in yourself, stop. Redirect: “I can’t be strong in myself. I’m strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.”
- Remember: This is spiritual warfare. You need God’s mighty power, not just positive thinking. Pray for His power before facing the battle.
- Picture yourself putting on armor—that’s what being strong in the Lord looks like. You’re covered in His power, not exposed in your weakness.
A Prayer Based on This Verse
“God, I’m trying to be strong in myself and failing. I need to be strong in You and in Your mighty power. I’m facing [battle/challenge], and I need supernatural courage. Clothe me in Your power. Let me draw strength from You, not from myself. Amen.”
12. 1 Corinthians 16:13
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.”
Why This Helps in Understanding Courage
“Be on your guard” means vigilance. Courage requires awareness of danger. You can’t be courageous if you’re oblivious to threats. Biblical courage sees the danger clearly, then chooses faith anyway.
“Stand firm in the faith” connects courage to faith. Courage isn’t recklessness. It’s standing firm in what you believe about God. When circumstances shake you, faith keeps you standing. Courage is faith in action.
“Be courageous; be strong” are both commands. You can choose courage and strength even when you don’t feel them. These aren’t personality traits. They’re choices rooted in faith. Every day you get to choose: Will I be courageous, or will I shrink back?
How to Use This Verse Today
- Stay aware of spiritual danger. Don’t be naive, but also don’t be controlled by fear. Awareness + Faith = Courage.
- When circumstances try to shake you, stand firm in the faith. Return to what you believe about God’s character and promises.
- Command yourself daily: “Be courageous. Be strong.” Speak courage over yourself. You have authority to direct your own soul.
A Prayer Based on This Verse
“God, I’m on guard, aware of [specific danger]. I’m standing firm in the faith—in what I believe about You. I’m choosing to be courageous and strong today, not in my own strength but rooted in faith in You. Help me choose courage over fear. Amen.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Bible Verses for Courage
Can I be courageous if I’m naturally fearful?
Yes. Courage isn’t a personality trait. It’s a choice to trust God and act despite fear. Some of the most courageous people in Scripture were naturally fearful (Moses, Gideon, Esther). They acted courageously not because they weren’t afraid, but because they trusted God.
What if I’m too afraid to even try?
Start small. You don’t need courage for the whole scary thing. Just courage for the next step. God gives daily courage, not lifetime courage. Take one step in faith, then ask for courage for the next step.
How do I know if I’m being courageous or just reckless?
Courage is faith-based action. Recklessness is foolishness. Courage trusts God and moves forward wisely. Recklessness ignores wisdom and charges ahead carelessly. Courage says “God is with me, so I’ll act.” Recklessness says “I don’t need God; I’ll do this myself.”
What if I fail after acting courageously?
Courage doesn’t guarantee success in human terms. It guarantees faithfulness. You can be courageous and still fail. But courage means you tried, you trusted God, and you obeyed. God honors faithful courage regardless of outcome.
Is it okay to admit I’m scared?
Yes. Being courageous doesn’t mean pretending you’re not afraid. It means acknowledging fear and choosing to trust God anyway. The father in Mark 9:24 said “I believe; help my unbelief.” That’s honest courage—admitting weakness while choosing faith.
How do I have courage when everyone else is afraid?
Remember Caleb. He stood alone among ten fearful spies. Courage sometimes means being the only voice of faith. Don’t let others’ fear determine your faith. See what God can do, not just what obstacles exist.
What if my courage puts others at risk?
Wisdom accompanies courage. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s courage risked only themselves. They didn’t force others to stand with them. Be courageous in your own obedience, but don’t demand others match your courage. Lead by example, not coercion.
How to Use These Verses Daily
Morning Declaration:
Start each day declaring: “God is with me. I can be strong and courageous. I will not be afraid.”
Throughout the Day:
When fear hits, immediately recall one courage verse. Let truth ground you before panic takes over.
Evening Reflection:
Review the day. Where did you choose courage? Where did fear win? Thank God for His presence that makes courage possible.
Long-Term:
Memorize Joshua 1:9. It becomes your go-to verse when courage is needed.
Related Topics
Need courage or want to dig deeper? Explore these related topics:
- Bible Verses About Fear
- Bible Verses About Strength
- Bible Verses About Faith
- Bible Verses About Trust
- Bible Verses About God’s Presence
- Prayers for Courage
- How to Be Brave When You’re Afraid
- Christian Perspective on Fear
- Courage vs. Recklessness
- When God Calls You to Do Hard Things
Remember: Courage isn’t the absence of fear. It’s trusting God is with you and acting despite fear. You can be afraid and courageous at the same time.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” — Joshua 1:9