The more we trust in God, the less we worry and the less we fear what others can do to us. However, throughout the Bible, we are told to ‘fear the Lord’ (see Psalm 2:11, Proverbs 3:7, Isaiah 33:6, and many, many more). However, in this context, the word fear means to have genuine reverence and respect for God.
And although in our humanity we should definitely tremble before His awesome holiness (see Isaiah 6:5, Matthew 17:6, Revelation 1:17, etc.), our Lord has made abundantly clear throughout scripture, that as His children, we should not be afraid of who He is and What He does in or lives!
Do not be afraid of:
God’s Protection
God does everything He does and allows everything He allows for our good and for our benefit (whether we can see that or not). He is our ultimate protection!
- Genesis 15:1 After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.”
- God’s commitment to protect Abraham as He prepares to make His covenant with him.
- 1 Peter 3:14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.”
- Peter’s encouragement to Christians in a land that was not their own: trust in God’s protection.
God’s Plans
All of God’s plans will ultimately be fulfilled! The Bible is our guide to understanding what God has revealed to humanity about His plans.
- Genesis 50:19 Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God?
- Joseph (Abraham’s son) declares that, despite his authority in Egypt, God is in control of what happens. The next verse is a beautiful declaration of how God’s plan is sovereign over the plans and intent of men.
- Genesis 50:20 But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.
- Matthew 1:20 But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.
- Joseph (the husband of Jesus’ mother, Mary) is helped by an angel to see God’s plan for his life.
God’s Provision
Every good and perfect gift comes from God (James 1:17). And just as He provided the ram for Abraham to sacrifice in Isaac’s place (Genesis 22:14), He provides for us.
- Genesis 50:21 Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.
- Immediately after telling his brothers that everything that had happened to him was for a reason and according to God’s plan, Joseph acknowledged that he would be able to provide for them because of God’s provision.
- John 1:17 And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last.
- Jesus testified to John of His deity, death, resurrection and victory over Hell and Death; Christ is our provision for forgiveness of sins, righteousness and eternal life.
God’s Power
God is all powerful (see the ‘He Is Able’ devotion on this site posted April 12, 2015). His power is beyond our comprehension; and yet revealed in our daily lives.
- Exodus 14:13 And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever.
- Moses declared God’s power to Israel just before the parting of the Red Sea during the exodus from Egypt.
- Mark 5:36 As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not be afraid; only believe.”
- Jesus comforted the father of a young girl He was about to raise from the dead.
God’s Peace
True peace can only come through and from God!
- Leviticus 26:6 I will give peace in the land, and you shall lie down, and none will make you afraid; I will rid the land of evil beasts, and the sword will not go through your land.
- The promised reward to Israel if they would keep God's statutes and commandments after entering the Promised Land.
- John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
- Christ promises His peace to His disciples.
God’s Predicaments
God places us in situations where we have to trust Him. The miraculous resolution of the predicaments in life declare His love and demand our faith.
- Deuteronomy 1:29 “Then I said to you, ‘Do not be terrified, or afraid of them.
- Moses reminding Israel of what he had said to them when they refused to enter The Promised Land for fear of the inhabitants of the Canaan.
- Acts 27:24 saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.’
- On his voyage to Rome to face Caesar, during a horrific two week storm, Paul is encouraged by an angel that despite his current dilemma and upcoming shipwreck, he and everyone on the ship will survive.
God’s Profaners
Many people blaspheme God (to curse, slander or be irreverent). Some boldly reject God and all He stands for. Others hide behind a veil of religious hypocrisy.
- Deuteronomy 18:22 when a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him.
- God’s instructions not to fear those who are proven to be false prophets.
- Acts 18:9 Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, “Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent;
- Jesus instructed Paul in Corinth after some Jews there opposed him and blasphemed God.
God’s Presence
Immanuel – ‘God with us’, this is one of Jesus’ names. What a blessing to know our Savior and friend is always with us (see Matthew 28:20).
- Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.”
- Not long before he dies, Moses encourages Israel with the promise of God’s presence.
- Matthew 14:27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”
- Jesus comforted His disciples as He approached them while He was walking on water. Realizing His presence calmed their fears!
Our walk with God requires us to find a balance; a balance of faith, understanding, confidence and acceptance.
- Genuine faith in God and what the Bible teaches us about Him.
- Incomplete understanding of what He has revealed to us.
- Life changing confidence in the truth and inerrancy of His Word.
- Humble acceptance of what we cannot fully understand.
We must fear God!
- Living in awe of Him and with reverence for Him.
- The pride, self-confidence and deluded self-image of our human nature dissolve in the light of His perfect holiness (Jesus is our only hope).
- He loves us! He died for us! He is coming for us!
Prayer
My Lord, my Savior, My King, My Father, I pray your Holy Spirit and the truth of Your Word will guide Your children to the proper balance of faith, understanding, confidence and acceptance. May Your Words ‘Do not be afraid’ calm fears, melt hearts, heal hurts and save the lost. I plead the blood of Jesus Christ and pray in His holy name, Amen.
