A lot is happening in today’s world. From one crisis to the next—wars, natural disasters, and the rise of AI reshaping the job market—the news often leaves us feeling anxious and unsettled if we allow it to dominate our thoughts.

Here in Africa, stories of carjackings, robberies, and general insecurity are part of daily conversation, which brings worry. Fear easily creeps into our lives, weakening our faith, stealing our peace, and robbing us of joy. In a broken world like ours, no one can completely escape fear—it is real and powerful. But God is greater still.

How do we deal with fear? Trusting God with our worries becomes a daily choice. Recognizing His presence and His power to provide peace, and remembering that He is not the author of fear but the source of strength and comfort is essential. I have had to acknowledge that, in times of difficulty, fear often grips my heart. Once I realized how crippling fear can be, I knew I had to fight back and not let it dictate my actions. Someone once told me that 99% of our worries never come true, yet they drain our energy, fuel anxiety, and rob us of sleep. Left unchecked, anxiety can weaken conviction, hinder change, and cause us to miss God’s leading.

Philippians 4:6–7 has been my anchor when negative thoughts press in. It reminds me who is truly in control. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (NKJV).

Here are some practices to help overcome fear and regain peace:

  • Guard your thoughts—don’t give fear center stage.
  • Turn worries into prayers, inviting God’s peace.
  • Meditate on God’s promises in the Bible.
  • Remember past experiences when God helped you overcome.
  • Face fear with courage, knowing God’s power is greater.

If the Lord be with us, we have no cause of fear. His eye is upon us, His arm over us, His ear open to our prayer, His grace sufficient, His promise unchangeable. Under His protection, though the path of duty should lie through fire and water, we may cheerfully and confidently pursue it. —John Newton

Christ liveth in me. And how great the difference. Instead of bondage, liberty; instead of failure, quiet victories within; instead of fear and weakness, a restful sense of sufficiency in Another.—Hudson Taylor