When it comes to facing the unknown and uncertain, the Bible is full of encouraging, uplifting words for Christians. Among the most quoted verses is “Fear not, for I am with you” from Isaiah 41:10. Yet this is not the only time we hear these words from the Bible – it is said over 60 times in its pages.
The Book of Psalms is particularly filled with sentiments to not be fearful. For instance, Psalm 27:1 says, “The Lord is my light and my salvation — so why should I be afraid?” This sentiment to not fear is echoed again in Psalm 56:3-4, which reads, “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.”
The Bible also attaches a sense of action in the reminder to not be fearful. In Psalm 118:6, we read, “The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” Further, Jesus tells us in Matthew 10:31: “Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.”
That said, we cannot overlook the importance of reasonable precautions. The Bible does not ask us to court danger by being reckless. In the Book of Nehemiah, for instance, the writer is encouraging trust in God while remaining watchful, warning readers in Nehemiah 4:9 to “Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes”.
Thus, examining the language of the Bible, it is clear that the intent is to remind believers to surrender to the Lord and turn towards action, rather than sit motionless in fear. By drawing on the Lord’s strength, we are trying to rise above our feelings of despair and inhabit a land of hope. At the same time, we still need to be careful and make wise decisions.
Overcoming Fear Through Prayer
Fear can lead to a downward spiral if it remains unchecked – ruminating worries can cause even greater anxiety. Thankfully, there is hope in the Bible – prayer to the Lord can be a way of finding peace and healing. Over and over again, we are called to acknowledge God’s presence in our lives.
In Philippians 4:6-7, we read, “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.” Jesus also encourages us in Matthew 6:34 to “Seek first the Kingdom of Heaven. Then all these other things will be given to you as well.”
Despite the prevalence of fear, there is hope, for we can turn to the Lord in prayer to heal and renew our faith. The concept of prayer is so powerful and empowering, and it reminds us of who is in control: the Lord. When we are tempted to become fearful, the advice of the Bible is simple: turn to the Lord in prayer and have faith.
What The Experts Say
Experts in the area of biblical studies explain that fear is part of the human condition, and the Bible reiterates the “not to fear” message to encourage us to base our lives on faith. Kenneth Berding, a professor of New Testament at Talbot School of Theology, explains, “Fear is not wrong in itself, as long it does not become a focus or attitude of life. The Bible thus prohibits such a focus or attitude, as it does all attitudes/foci/perspectives that displace trust in or dependence on God and His power and provision from our view.”
Reverend Paul Trott, a pastor at the Church of the Living God in San Diego, California, adds, “Our faith includes acknowledging the existence of fear, while trusting that the Lord is with us and will provide us strength no matter what we face. The Bible reminds us through the more than 60 times that we are told not to fear that with the Lord’s help, we will be able to get through whatever obstacles lie ahead.”
How To Put The Bible’s Advice Into Practice?
The Bible’s advice to not fear can be put into practice both spiritually and practically. Here are a few tips from professionals in the field to help set your heart and mind on God’s peace:
Take some time for self-care. Make sure that you are taking care of yourself physically, mentally, and spiritually: eat healthy meals, get enough rest, and set aside some time for prayer. Praying and reflecting on Scripture can give you the hope and motivation to keep going.
Reach out for support. Don’t be afraid to reach out to family, friends, or religious counselors for support. Not only can they provide emotional and financial assistance, they can offer feedback and perspective during times of difficulty.
Focus on God’s promises. The Bible’s words of encouragement are there to remind us that the Lord is with us, and He will provide us the strength to courageously face fear. Rely on these promises and be reminded of Jesus’ presence in your life.
Using Emotions To Override Fear
When facing fear, it can be helpful to draw on the power of emotions. Think of a time of joy that you have experienced – listen to a cheerful song, watch a pleasant video, or read a happy story. Remember the feeling of contentment and relaxation and focus on the positive feelings, rather than the fear.
Reliving the happy moments in our lives helps lift our spirits and reminds us of the power of joy. This can be a powerful tool in combating fear. According to Christopher J.H. Wright, a respected theologian and research manager at Oxford University, “In Christ, we are now free to be confidently joyful instead of fearful. By reflecting on the experience of our joy, we can remember God’s presence and His power.”
Fostering Trust to Counter Fear
The presence of fear can be disorienting and discouraging, but fear is based on something absent. When we don’t have faith, fear can grow and take precedence. Thankfully, the Bible gives us many reminders to trust in God.
In Psalm 56:11 we read, “In God I am trusting and I will not be afraid.” In other words, to turn our fears into faith, we must put our trust in God. With His help, we will be able to overcome our fears and remain confident in His strength.
Rising Above Fear With Action: Biblically Supported Solutions
The Bible encourages us to not be bogged down by worry and fear, but also to take action. Concrete steps to overcoming fear can include volunteering or finding a job, networking, facing fears head on, or challenging yourself in other ways. All of these avenues can help cultivate hope and give us a sense of accomplishment.
The Bible offers insights in other practical ways to battle fear. Applying the principles of Proverbs 3:5-6 can help us ride out fear: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Trusting in the Lord means relying on Him to work through our struggles, such as financial worries and health concerns.
Hawthorne Treat, director at the nonprofit organization World, explains, “Taking steps in the right direction, while allowing God to be the center point, can be a way to turn fear into action. We don’t know what the future holds, but the Bible tells us that if we are walking in the Lord’s light, He will guide our paths and make them straight.”
