Fear Does Exist, Yet……Fear Not!
Fear Does Exist, Yet……Fear Not!
The concept of fear is a common theme throughout the Bible. Fear is a natural response to danger, uncertainty, and the unknown. However, God instructs His people to "fear not" multiple times throughout the Bible. This command is a reminder of God's sovereignty, power, and love. In this article, we will explore what it means to "fear not" and the reasons why we can trust in God's protection and provision.
One of the most well-known verses that instructs us to "fear not" is found in the book of Isaiah. In Isaiah 41:10 (AMPC), God says, “Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My [victorious] right hand of rightness and justice.” [Acts 18:10.] This verse reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles, and that God is with us every step of the way. We can find comfort and strength in the fact that He will never leave us nor forsake us.
Another verse that encourages us to "fear not" is found in Psalm 23:4 (AMPC). It says, ?“Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort me.” This verse reminds us that even in our darkest moments, God is with us. He is our comforter, and He will guide us through difficult times.
The book of Joshua also contains a powerful message about fear. In Joshua 1:9 (AMPC), God says to Joshua, “Have not I commanded you? Be strong, vigorous, and very courageous. Be not afraid, neither be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” This verse reminds us that we can trust in God's protection and provision. We can be courageous because we know that God is always with us, no matter where we go.
Jesus also spoke about fear during His time on earth. In Matthew 6:25-34 (AMPC), Jesus encourages His followers not to worry about their needs. He says, “Therefore I tell you, stop being perpetually uneasy (anxious and worried) about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink;or about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life greater [in quality] than food, and the body [far above and more excellent] than clothing? Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father keeps feeding them. Are you not worth much more than they? And who of you by worrying and being anxious can add one unit of measure (cubit) to his stature or to the span of his life? [Ps. 39:5-7.] And why should you be anxious about clothes? Consider the lilies of the field and learn thoroughly how they grow; they neither toil nor spin. Yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his magnificence (excellence, dignity, and grace) was not arrayed like one of these. [I Kings 10:4-7.] But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and green and tomorrow is tossed into the furnace, will He not much more surely clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not worry and be anxious, saying, What are we going to have to eat? or, What are we going to have to drink? or, What are we going to have to wear? For the Gentiles (heathen) wish for and crave and diligently seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows well that you need them all. But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides. So do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have worries and anxieties of its own. Sufficient for each day is its own trouble.” This passage reminds us that God knows our needs and will provide for us. We do not need to worry or fear about the future, because God is in control.
The apostle Paul also wrote about fear in his letters. In 2 Timothy 1:7 (AMPC), Paul says, “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.” This verse reminds us that fear is not from God. Instead, He has given us the power to overcome fear through His love and self-control.
In conclusion, the Bible instructs us to "fear not" multiple times throughout its pages. This command is a reminder of God's love, protection, and provision. We can trust in God's sovereignty, power, and goodness, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.So I want to list the scripture again because as we seek to live out our faith, may we always remember the words of Isaiah 41:10 (AMPC) “Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My [victorious] right hand of rightness and justice.” [Acts 18:10.]
If You have Ears to Hear, Then Hear it!