FEAR NOT
There’s a theme throughout Scripture that can be summarized in two often-repeated words: “Fear not.”
We as humans are prone to fear and anxiety—aren’t we? It’s in our nature to worry.
Fear can creep up on us when we least expect it. Things like watching a loved one go through cancer treatment, or the potential of losing a job, having a miscarriage, or getting into a car accident. Unfortunately, there isn’t a limit to what our brains can concoct that is potentially fearful, some of it legitimate and some of it irrational. Either way, we can find hope and an anchor in the storm that is our fear in Jesus because he has a lot to say about fear in scripture. “Fear not…” is a common reminder in the Word, because we are often forgetful and we can try to imagine the future before it has even happened…leading to a lot of fear and anxiety. Jesus reminds us that we can trust God as our good Father. He will fight for us. He will cover us and protect us. He will calm the storms in our minds and hearts. All he asks is that we turn our eyes from our fears to Him.
Of course the impact of fear has been seen most recently in the global panic concerning the Coronavirus.
And yet, Jesus tells us to “fear not.” How do we do that when fear comes so naturally to us? Is it as easy as just deciding not to? In many cases, yes—to turn away from fear is simply a choice. Jesus said in Mark 5:36, “Do not fear; only believe.”
We must starve our fears and feed our faith. We do this by trusting the Savior. We remind ourselves of His character and His promises. We make the conscious decision to trust in the One who is trustworthy, and to take each thought captive when fear and worry come knocking on the doors of our minds.
God is in control. God is good. God loves us more than we can possibly imagine. God has plans for us. God knows the future. God is working things for our good.
Let’s choose to remember these things and to place our wholehearted confidence in the Lord when we are tempted to worry, fear, or doubt today.
God bless you
Verses to make you fear not:
A thousand may fall on your left,
ten thousand may die on your right,
but these horrors won’t come near you.
Only your eyes will witness
the punishment that awaits the evil,
but you will not suffer because of it.
He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
Psalm 91:4 | NIV
The Lord is good,
a refuge in times of trouble.
He cares for those who trust in him.
Nahum 1:7 | NIV
The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
2 Timothy 4:18 | NIV
Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
Ephesians 6:11 | NIV
You are my hiding place;
you will protect me from trouble
and surround me with songs of deliverance.
Psalm 32:7 | NIV
God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
Psalm 46:1 | NIV
So we say with confidence,
“The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?”
Hebrews 13:6 | NIV
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.
Deuteronomy 31:6 | NIV
“No weapon forged against you will prevail,
and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.
This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord,
and this is their vindication from me,”
declares the Lord.
Isaiah 54:17 | NIV
You make your saving help my shield,
and your right hand sustains me;
your help has made me great.
You provide a broad path for my feet,
so that my ankles do not give way.
Psalm 18:35-36 | NIV
Keep me safe, my God,
for in you I take refuge.
Psalm 16:1 | NIV
The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.
Exodus 14:14 | NIV
The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?
Psalm 118:6 | NIV
I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13 | NIV
You are my refuge and my shield;
I have put my hope in your word.
Psalm 119:114 | NIV
Even to your old age and gray hairs
I am he, I am he who will sustain you.
I have made you and I will carry you;
I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
Isaiah 46:4 | NIV
As for God, his way is perfect:
The Lord’s word is flawless;
he shields all who take refuge in him.
Psalm 18:30 | NIV
Above all else, guard your heart,
for everything you do flows from it.
Proverbs 4:23 | NIV
I keep my eyes always on the Lord.
With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Psalm 16:8 | NIV
But I will sing of your strength,
in the morning I will sing of your love;
for you are my fortress,
my refuge in times of trouble.
Psalm 59:16 | NIV
But you, Lord, are a shield around me,
my glory, the One who lifts my head high.
Psalm 3:3 | NIV
What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Romans 8:31 | NIV
It is better to take refuge in the Lord
than to trust in humans.
Psalm 118:8 | NIV
Every word of God is flawless;
he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
Proverbs 30:5 | NIV
The name of the Lord is a fortified tower;
the righteous run to it and are safe.
Proverbs 18:10 | NIV
The Lord will rescue his servants;
no one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.
Psalm 34:22 | NIV
For who is God besides the Lord?
And who is the Rock except our God?
2 Samuel 22:32 | NIV