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What Does the Bible Say About Fear? – Viral Believer
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What Does the Bible Say About Fear?

Introduction

Fear is a universal human emotion that affects us all. It’s an emotion that can either motivate us or paralyze us. For Christians, fear can hinder our walk with God and prevent us from fulfilling the plans He has for our lives.

However, the Bible has a lot to say about fear, and understanding what it says can help us overcome our fears and live in freedom.

In this blog post, we will explore what the Bible says about fear and how we can overcome it. We will look at different types of fear, including good fear and bad fear, and understand how they impact our lives. We will also examine God’s promises about fear and how we can trust in them to overcome our fears.

Finally, we will explore practical steps we can take to overcome fear, including renewing our minds with the truth of God’s Word and taking action in faith.

Whether you’re facing fear in your personal life, your career, or your relationships, this blog post is for you. As we dive into what the Bible says about fear and learn how to overcome it, we can experience the freedom and abundant life that God has for us.

So, let’s get started and discover how we can overcome fear with the help of God!

fear in the Bible

Types of Fear

The Bible talks about two different types of fear: good fear and bad fear. Understanding the difference between the two is important because it can help us recognize when fear is helpful or harmful.

Good Fear

Fear of God

The fear of God is a healthy fear that is rooted in respect and awe for God’s power and authority. It’s a fear that leads to wisdom and obedience.

Proverbs 1:7 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” When we fear God, we recognize our own weakness and our need for Him. This fear motivates us to seek God, obey Him, and live a life that pleases Him.

Fear of Sin

The fear of sin is also a good fear. It’s a healthy aversion to sin that leads to repentance and a desire to live a holy life.

Psalm 34:11-14 says, “Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. Who is the man who desires life, and loves many days, that he may see good? Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit. Depart from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”

When we fear sin, we seek to please God and avoid anything that would separate us from Him.

Bad Fear

Fear of Man

The fear of man is a bad fear. It’s a fear of what others think or say about us, and it can lead to compromise and disobedience.

Proverbs 29:25 says, “The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.” When we fear man, we put our trust in people rather than God. This fear can be especially harmful because it can lead us to compromise our beliefs and values in order to fit in with others or gain their approval.

Fear of the Unknown

The fear of the unknown is also a bad fear. It’s a fear of what might happen in the future, and it can lead to anxiety and worry.

Matthew 6:34 says, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” When we fear the unknown, we fail to trust in God’s sovereignty and provision.

This fear can be especially harmful because it can lead to a lack of faith in God and a focus on our own abilities and limitations.

God’s Promises About Fear

The Bible is full of promises from God that can help us overcome fear. These promises remind us of God’s love for us, His presence in our lives, and His protection and provision. Here are a few examples of God’s promises about fear:

Examples of God’s Promises

“Do not be afraid, for I am with you.” (Isaiah 41:10)

Isaiah 41:10 says, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

This promise reminds us that God is always with us, no matter what we’re going through. We can trust in His strength and His help. When we feel alone, overwhelmed, or afraid, we can take comfort in the fact that God is with us.

“I have not given you a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)

2 Timothy 1:7 says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” This promise reminds us that fear doesn’t come from God. Instead, He has given us the Holy Spirit, who gives us power, love, and a sound mind.

When we feel fearful, we can call on the Holy Spirit to help us overcome our fears and live in freedom.

Explanation of God’s Promises

God’s Presence in Our Lives

God promises to be with us always, and His presence in our lives can help us overcome fear. He never leaves us or forsakes us (Hebrews 13:5), and we can take comfort in knowing that He is always with us, even in the midst of our fears.

Psalm 23:4 says, “Yea, 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.” When we feel afraid, we can remember that God is with us, and He will comfort and guide us.

His Protection and Provision

God also promises to protect and provide for us. Psalm 34:4 says, “I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” When we seek the Lord, He hears us and delivers us from our fears. We can trust in His protection and provision, even in the midst of uncertain circumstances.

Psalm 91:1-2 says, “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust.'” When we trust in God’s protection and provision, we can face our fears with faith and confidence.

Overcoming Fear

Overcoming fear is possible with the help of God. Here are some steps we can take to overcome fear:

Steps to Overcome Fear

Trust in God’s Promises

The first step to overcoming fear is to trust in God’s promises. We need to remind ourselves of His faithfulness and His love for us.

We can meditate on verses like Isaiah 41:10 and 2 Timothy 1:7 to remind ourselves of His presence, power, and love. We can also write down these promises and post them where we can see them every day.

Pray and Seek God’s Wisdom

We can also pray and seek God’s wisdom to overcome fear. James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”

When we pray and seek God’s wisdom, He will give us the guidance we need to overcome our fears. We can ask God for wisdom and insight into our fears, and He will help us see things from His perspective.

Renew Your Mind

Renewing our minds with the truth of God’s Word can also help us overcome fear. Romans 12:2 says, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

When we focus on the truth of God’s Word, we can change the way we think and overcome our fears.

We can read and meditate on Scripture that speaks to our fears and memorize verses that remind us of God’s promises. We can also listen to worship music or sermons that encourage us and point us to God.

Take Action

Finally, taking action can also help us overcome fear. We can face our fears head-on and trust in God’s strength and guidance. Psalm 27:1 says, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”

When we trust in the Lord’s strength and guidance, we can overcome our fears and live in freedom. We can take small steps to confront our fears, relying on God’s help and guidance along the way. We can also seek support from other believers who can encourage us and pray for us.

Examples of Overcoming Fear

The Bible is full of examples of people who overcame their fears with the help of God. Here are a few examples:

David and Goliath

David faced the giant Goliath with nothing but a sling and a stone. He trusted in the Lord’s strength and guidance, and he was able to overcome his fear and defeat Goliath (1 Samuel 17). David’s faith in God’s power and provision allowed him to face a seemingly impossible situation with courage and confidence.

Peter Walking on Water

Peter stepped out of the boat and walked on water toward Jesus. He only began to sink when he took his eyes off of Jesus and focused on the wind and waves. When he cried out to Jesus, the Lord immediately reached out His hand and saved him (Matthew 14:22-33).

Peter’s faith in Jesus allowed him to do something that seemed impossible, but when he lost sight of Jesus, his fear overwhelmed him.

Conclusion

In conclusion, fear is a natural emotion that can affect us all, but as Christians, we don’t have to be held captive by it. Through the promises of God and practical steps, we can overcome our fears and live in freedom.

We can trust in God’s presence, protection, and provision and seek His wisdom to overcome our fears. We can renew our minds with the truth of His Word and take action in faith, trusting in His strength and guidance.

It’s important to remember that fear doesn’t come from God. He has given us a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind, and when we trust in His promises, we can overcome our fears and live the abundant life He has for us.

The examples of David and Goliath and Peter walking on water remind us that with faith in God’s power and provision, we can face seemingly impossible situations with courage and confidence.

So, let’s not let fear hold us back from the plans God has for our lives. Let’s trust in His promises, seek His wisdom, and take action in faith. As we do, we can overcome our fears and live in freedom, fulfilling the purpose and destiny He has for us.

Remember, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10, NKJV).

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.