Fear – a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined; the feeling or condition of being afraid.

Fear is an ever-present emotion within us. Whether it is real or imagined, it is unrealistic to think we cannot live without it. I believe fear is a normal human emotion designed by God to alert us to danger, so that we will take action against it. Yet, fear can take root in us and cause us to give way to panic. If there’s one thing we have all learned through our faith walk is that God is BIGGER than our fears.

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

Faith in His Word is what God desires of us all. He knows that doubts and discouragement can be triggered by so many things that mar our lives, and so He often expands His words of comfort with beautiful verses [as above], underlining and emphasising His loving-kindness. In Isaiah 41:10, we are told not to fear for He has promised to strengthen all that are His and that Christ’s strength is sufficient for His strength is made perfect in our weakness.

If fear alerts us to danger so we will take action against it, the most significant action is to not give into fear but to trust God instead. That’s the walk from fear to faith. The people of the Bible had to face their fears. The Israelites wandered 40 years in the blistering wilderness, facing hostile enemies on all sides and often having to survive with very little food. The disciples of Jesus faced the fear of persecution, during and after his lifetime. Sometimes they succumbed to it, but often their faith saw them through and enabled them to deal with the sometimes violent opposition to their new faith. Take your time to read and ponder each of these Bible verses about fear to help you overcome your own.

Psalms 34:4-5- I prayed to the LORD, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces.

Matthew 10:29-32 – What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin ? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows. “Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven.”

2 Timothy 1:7 – For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.