There’s a well-known quote that says, “Be kind to everyone you meet because everyone you meet is fighting a battle.”

That’s true for me, and it’s true for you. We all face battles—some external, like a difficult job situation, a strained relationship, or a rebellious teenager. Others are internal, like anxiety, loneliness, emptiness, or even addictions we struggle to overcome.

No matter what battle you’re facing, there’s one thing that always comes with it: fear. And fear is dangerous because it can paralyze us. It can keep us stuck, unable to move forward, unable to trust God, and unable to step into what He’s calling us to do.

But God never intended for fear to control us. In fact, He gives us exactly what we need to overcome it.

Joshua’s Fear—and God’s Solution

One of the greatest leaders in the Bible, Joshua, understood what it meant to be afraid.

He had been chosen by God to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land—a land filled with giants, powerful warriors, and fortified cities. He had never led a nation before. He had never fought in a war. And the people he was leading? They were former slaves, not soldiers.

Joshua had every reason to be afraid.

But in Joshua 1:9, God speaks directly to his fear:

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

God didn’t tell Joshua, “Don’t be afraid because you’re strong enough.” He didn’t say, “Don’t be afraid because you have a great battle strategy.”

Instead, He gave Joshua the real solution to fear—His presence.

God’s Presence Eliminates Fear

This isn’t just something God said to Joshua—it’s a theme woven throughout the entire Bible.

In Psalm 23:4, David writes:

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”

David wasn’t fearless because he had all the answers. He wasn’t fearless because he was strong. He was fearless because he knew that God was with him—and that changed everything.

Fear loses its grip when we cling to the presence of God.

How to Overcome Fear in Your Battles

No matter what you’re facing today, you don’t have to let fear paralyze you. Here’s how you can fight fear with faith:

1. Remind Yourself of God’s Promises – Just like Joshua, hold onto God’s Word. Joshua 1:9 and Psalm 23:4 are reminders that you are never alone.

2. Pray for God’s Presence – When fear creeps in, don’t let it take over. Pause and ask God to fill you with His peace.

3. Take the Next Step in Faith – Courage doesn’t mean the absence of fear—it means trusting God even when you feel afraid. Move forward knowing that He is with you.

Whatever battle you’re facing today, you are not alone. God is with you. His presence is the answer to your fear.

Hope this encourages you today. God bless!