Throughout the Bible, God says “Do not fear” hundreds of times. However, that doesn’t mean we’re sinning when we feel fear and anxiety in our everyday lives.
Fear is a primary emotion that God wired our brains to experience; there is a reason and purpose for it. When God says, “Do not fear,” the real issue we are supposed to wrestle with is how we deal with our fear.
Instead of becoming paralyzed with fear, God encourages us to come to him and take the next step of faith even when we are struggling. Anxiety can be powerful, but God is stronger.
Isaiah 41:10
In this verse, God reaffirms his support for his loyal worshippers, no matter the challenges they face.
“I am with you.” God reminds us why they should not be afraid: They simply are not alone. His ability to hear their prayers and see what they face makes it as though he were there too.
“I am your God.” God reminds his worshippers that he is still their God and he accepts them. Those who believe and worship him can feel confident that God will always act on their behalf, no matter the circumstance.
“I will fortify you, yes…” God uses three phrases to say the same thing to emphasize the promise of his support. If someone falls, God will extend his right hand and help them rise again.
Joshua 1:9
God assures the faithful Joshua that he should “be courageous and strong” even in the face of overwhelming obstacles. Joshua did not need to worry about the future as long as he obeyed God, because God would be right there helping him succeed.
Joshua could draw courage and strength from inspired writings, including the entire law that Moses had provided. God told Joshua to meditate on these writings every day and carefully observe what was written in it. Faithfully, he did so, and Joshua lived a satisfying life despite the challenges he faced.
God’s words to Joshua encourage us even today, revealing how much God cares for every worshipper. He wants them to be successful and satisfied like Joshua was.
Matthew 6:34
Jesus spoke these words in his Sermon on the Mount, explaining that undue anxiety will neither improve nor extend our lives. Additionally, he assured his listeners that they don’t need to be overly worried about future problems; they would benefit from facing problems one day at a time.
Of course, Jesus did not mean that we should never plan for the future or think about tomorrow. Instead, he wanted us to avoid having excessive anxiety about things we don’t know are coming tomorrow. Focusing too much on future worries distracts us from today’s challenges and robs us of joy. Finally, we cannot solve future problems by taking actions today.
Philippians 4:6, 7
God’s worshippers can pray to relieve themselves of undue anxiety; he promises to provide them with inner peace to help protect their emotions and anxious way of thinking. Verse 6 identifies forms of prayer that can achieve this goal.
Supplications are earnest pleas to God that you might make under stress as Jesus did. Typically, these prayers are repeated.
Petitions are a specific request, and worshippers may petition God “in every situation.” However, it is necessary for these prayers to align with God’s will.
God grants peace in response to these prayers. In this case, “God’s peace” is the tranquility a worshipper experiences from developing a close friendship with God, and it “surpasses all understanding” and helps us beyond our wildest dreams.
Finally, this verse says that God’s peace can guard our hearts. The word “guard” refers to the military use of the word, describing a garrison of troops protecting a city. In this same way, God’s peace protects a person’s emotions and mind, helping them avoid undue anxiety and fear.
2 Timothy 1:7
God does not want any of us to succumb to anxiety. Consider these three qualities mentioned in this verse given to us by God to banish fear.
“Power.” Christians courageously serve God in the face of dangerous enemies, refusing to shrink back in fear. The apostle Paul attributes this strength through “the one who gives me power.” In other words, God can make his worshippers more powerful to help them rise above their challenges.
“Love.” A deep love for God allows worshippers to remain courageous as they stand up for what they know is right. Likewise, loving your fellow human can motivate you to put the needs of others above your own, even in the face of danger.
“Soundness of mind.” This term refers to a Christian’s ability to make Bible-based choices. Someone with soundness of mind can remain sensible even when he faces significant hurdles, allowing him to make decisions that reflect God’s will and way of thinking.
A Prayer for Strength
God, I pray for the strength to enjoy the now even when it’s challenging and to thank God for his grace. Praise God, for I do not fight alone against fear; the Holy Spirit and the angels are by my side. Thank you, Lord, not for perfect performance but the righteousness of faith. Thank you, Jesus, for making allowance for my weaknesses and when fear controls my actions.