God says “Do not fear” hundreds of times throughout the Bible. But what does that mean? Are you wrong to feel fear when you’re not sure how to pay next month’s rent or when you get that dire health diagnosis or when your job is on the line?
No. You’re not wrong. God wired our brains to experience fear. It is a primary emotion. There is a reason and purpose for our fear as we respond to triggering stimuli. When God says, “Do not fear” he is not commanding us to shut off a part of our brain.
Simply put, God wants us to come to him. Fear can paralyze us. Yet when we “fear” in the presence of God, God help us take the next step of faith even in the midst of our fear! Unfortunately, no one will be able to escape fear in this sinful and broken world. It can be paralyzing. It is powerful. But God is more powerful.
Do not fear! He’s the same God
(Exodus 14:14 )
“The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.“
(Deuteronomy 1:30 )
“The LORD your God who goes before you will Himself fight on your behalf, just as He did for you in Egypt before your eyes.“
( Deuteronomy 3:22)
“Do not be afraid of them; the LORD your God himself will fight for you.“
(Matthew 19:26 )
“Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
scripture that help put our fears into perspective
(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.”
(Psalm 23:4)
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
(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?
(Psalm 46:1-3)
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.”
(Psalm 118:6)
“The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?
When you neglect God, you become weak
(Proverbs 28:1 )
“The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.“
(Psalm 34:4)
“I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.”
(Philippians 4:6-7)
“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.”
(1 Peter 5:7-8 )
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.“
