One of the most prominent exhortations or commands from God in the bible is to “Fear Not”. It appears dozens of times with various supporting messages.

Fear is an intense emotional reaction to conscious thoughts that something is likely to happen in the future and casue us significant harm, and we are alone and powerless to avoid it. There are several aspects of fear to understand: We are focused on something in the future that may or may not happen, We are assuming this future event will somehow cause us harm, We are facing it alone,  and We are paralized and helpless to avoid what ever bad thing is going to happen.

God makes it very clear that His followers are not to fear and He addresses the key aspects of fear. 

The future is not worth worrying about

He encourages us to focus on the present and not overly stress about what may or may not ever happen in the future.

“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Matthew 6:34

He removes the sting from death, the ultimate risk to our earthly self 

Everyone starts off with a fear of death, this earthly life will come to an end someday. 160,000 people die each day, many without notice. God gives us the promise of eternity with Him if we believe and put our trust in His son.  Death at that point is no longer dreadful, it may not be something we look forward to, but it looses its’ eternal sting. It becomes just another essential transition on our journey; we were born into this life, born-again into a spiritual life when we accept Jesus, and we will be released into a heavenly life with Jesus when we are done with our body. 

We are not facing life alone

If we love Him with all our heart, He with join us on our journey. God is love and He promises blessings and protection for those who love Him. 

We are to trust Him with everything

We are completely and entirely dependent on Him. We can do nothing without him.  With Him, anything is possible.

We are to partner with Him in our endeavors. Acknowledge Him with thanksgiving, Humbly ask for our needs, Trust that He will provide     

We are to talk to Him, Discuss our intentions, Listen for His input, Follow where He leads. He will protect us from harm and provide what we need.

He works all things for Good

Undesired events are inevitable, but He works all tings for the good of those who love him. He makes lemonaid out of lemons. He helps us learn and grow through experiences.  

We do not need to fear other people.

We don’t need to fear what other people can say or do to us.

The worst they can do is kill your earthly body.  Our earthly life is temporary and we have the promise of eternity with Him in heaven,  Not a bad outcome.

When you accept Jesus and His forgiveness in your heart, Guilt, Shame and Condemnation have no place to land. 

When you deny yourself and embrace your new identity as a child of God, you become imune to verbal attack. You know that God sees you as holy and worthy.

We shift from focusing inward, to focusing on flowing love ot others

Fear turns our focus inward; What could happen to ME.  When you deny yourself and focus on Jesus, you must deflate your ego, and you change your purpose. This life is not about me, it is about Jesus working through me for others. It is not about me, my reputation, the position I hold, what i deserve, or the things I have.   

Acknowledging that God loves us, He is right here with us, He is working to help us, He works all things for our ultimate good if we love Him.

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

For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.” Isaiah 41:13

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8

“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.” Psalm 23:4

“The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” Psalm 118:6

“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39

“You shall not fear them, for it is the Lord your God who fights for you.” Deuteronomy 3:22

Fear of God is constructive. You will face your maker on judgement day. You are accountable for your intentional thoughts, words and actions. You have sinned and need a savior. He loves you so much He sent His son. You show your love for Him by complying with His commandments. You repent and recommit to Him when you suffer temptation and fall short.

“Moses said to the people, ‘Do not fear, for God has come to test you, that the fear of him may be before you, that you may not sin.’” Exodus 20:20

Fear implies concern for some form of future punishment – Risk of harm to “me”. If I have denied myself and submitted myself to Jesus, nothing can actually harm me. I am defined by His love for me, I am a child of God, an adopted son. This body is just a temporary vessel, Nothing in this life is really mine, My life is not my own, I am just the custodian of things, My role here is to shine for the kingdom, I will join Him in heaven eventually, fear of death has no power over me.   

“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.” 1 John 4:18

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27

“But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1

“For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’” Romans 8:15

“But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled,” 1 Peter 3:14

Fear of man or fear of the future will cause problems. You are focused on yourself and what might happen to you. You will start focusing more and more inward on yourself and the risks you face. You will put up strategies to protect yourself from those who could do harm to you, you will isolate yourself and drive wedges against others.  God wants you to focus on the here and now, rather than the what ifs of the future. If you need something to happen now, ask Him and trust Him. If you see a risk in the future, pray for the right things to happen and for wisdom to navigate whatever challenges emerge and trust God to help you through whatever happens.

“The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.” Proverbs 29:25

“Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Matthew 6:34

“So we can confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?’” Hebrews 13:6

“Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:32

Dwell on the good stuff, pray with thanksgiving, and put your trust in Jesus

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. “Philippians 4:6-7

“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” Philippians 4:8

Stay focused on God, What He has already done for us (Put us hear, Gave us gifts, Set His Son, Nurtured us, taught us, lead us),  What he is doing for us right now (Working all things for our eventual good), and what He promises for the future (Strength, Peace, Joy, Hope and a bright future, Eternity with Him in heaven), If we put our trust in Him, we can help us set aside fear.

“When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.” Psalm 94:19

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” Psalm 56:3

“In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?” Psalm 56:4

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7

“And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matthew 10:28

“Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

“Of David. 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 27:1

“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7

“I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4  

“Say to those who have an anxious heart, ‘Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.’” Isaiah 35:4

Example Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you creating this place and putting me here. Jesus, thank you for being willing to come here and suffer and die for me. You gave your life for me, I hereby give my life to you. 

You suffered and died so that I can have eternal life with you in heaven. I put my trust in you and no longer fear death. 

You promise to work all things for the good of those who love you.  I put my trust in you and no longer fear the future.

You promise to do what I need, If I pray in humility and supplication.  I put my trust in you to fill my needs.

You promise to never leave me or forsake me. I put my trust in you and no longer fear the present.

You promise to teach me and guide if I listen and follow. I put my trust in you to lead me.

You promise to give me strength and uphold me. I put my trust in you to help me.

You promise to give me peace and joy when i fully embrace you and your holy spirit. I put my trust in you and invite the Holy spirit into me.

You promise to transform me, if I submit myself to you.  I put my trust in you and ask you to mold me.

You promise to perfect your love as it flows through me to others. I trust you to purge all fear as love fills me and flows out ot others.

Lord, help me replace any and all remaining fear with complete trust in you and your promises.

I speak this in Jesus name to give glory to the Father and to shine as a beacon for the kingdom.