When someone is in a new, strange situation and can only see potential threats, fear can easily dominate them. Some people are more prone to fear than others. Think of the apostles who were terrified when they saw Jesus walking on the sea (Mt. 14:22-33). Jesus said to them “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid” (Mt. 14:27). While Peter naturally seemed less fearful than others of taking the initiative and stepping out of the boat, even he began to be afraid when he took his eyes of the Lord and focused on the violent winds around him (Mt. 14:28-30). Jesus diagnosed the problem as little faith (Mt. 14:31). While considering the entire array of factors that bear on a person to make him/her fearful is beyond the scope of this article, all of us, (no matter if we are prone to fear and anxiety or not), can benefit by looking to God and increasing our faith as part of the plan to overcome fear.

God told the father of the faithful, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward” (Gen. 15:1). This command to not be afraid is a frequent message God gives to His people in the Scriptures. If a command, then God expects us to be able to do something to mitigate fear. It is not entirely out of our hands, but by our habits, behavior, and choices there is a refuge from fear to be found. God identifies Himself as our shield; thus, it is in Him and not in ourselves that we find protection from crippling fear.

If we follow the Lord, we will be in the minority (Mt. 7:13-14). Sometimes the mounting opposition to righteousness can cause the follower of God to be dismayed. When God delivered the children of Israel from Egyptian bondage, fear gripped the people as they were caught between Pharoah’s advancing army and the sea; however, 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” (Ex. 14:13). While Israel had been released from Egypt, the fear of their oppressors still haunted them. God would deliver them through the Red Sea and drown those who were intent on keeping them in bondage. God frees us from the harsh taskmaster of sin in the waters of baptism (Jn. 8:34; Rom. 6:3-7, 17-18). As children of God, we are no longer those who are in the bondage connected to fear (Rom. 8:15).

While Israel was delivered from Egypt, many of them let fear creep in and keep them from the land God had promised them. In Numbers 13, fear ruled the day when the spies came back from the land; Joshua and Caleb trusted God to give them the land and overcome the barriers in their way, but the congregation of Israel listened to the other ten spies who through fear stifled the initiative to do what God had planned. Fear is connected to torment, both in this life and the life to come (1 Jn. 4:18; Rev. 21:8).

The devil’s temptations to sin can bring about fear in our lives. When Adam and Eve sinned, they began hiding from God for they were afraid (Gen. 3:10). What a sad state people live in when they continue to choose sin over God, all the while knowing He will judge them (Heb. 10:27).  They won’t forsake their sins and come to God to be reconciled with Him, but all the while in the back of their minds they are fearful of meeting Him. “The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion” (Prov. 28:1). While God is to be feared and respected (Deut. 6:2; Prov. 14:26-27; Ecc. 12:13; Rev. 14:7), His love should drive out the shuttering anxiety that sin causes. Instead of fear, God has given the Christian power, love, and a sound mind (2 Tim. 1:7). God has shown ultimate love. There is no fear in love (1 Jn. 4:18). God did not spare His own Son, but through love gave Him for us; no outside threat can separate us from His love (Rom. 8:31-39). When the ungodly majority threatens us, as beloved citizens in His kingdom, we know we will have final victory through faith (Lk. 12:32; 1 Jn. 5:4). Thus, we can boldly say, “The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Psa. 118:6).