Do Not Be Afraid

Fear is a gripping feeling that we all face at some point. For some of us, it is the driving force of our lives and for others, it is something that occasionally threatens to steal our peace. No matter what your relationship is with fear, it disrupts and distracts us from the peace of God.

The mention of ‘fear in scripture is something special to note. Whenever God would show up to someone in the bible, whether in the form of a consuming fire, a messenger, or His most personal revelation, Jesus, people’s first response is often fear.

There are so many things that cause us to be fearful. For some of us that are the unknown that lies ahead, concern about the safety of our loved ones, fear of man, the fear of failure, or the fear of vulnerability. The list continues and is personal for each of us but the fear remains real.

The good news not only in the passages recorded in scripture but also in the fears that you face today is that God always makes His intentions clear. His response to those in scripture and to you today is, ‘do not be afraid’.

The bible uses this phrase 365 times.

It may seem like a coincidence but God knew back then how much His people needed to hear it and He knows today how our fearful hearts so desperately need it. He knows that we are prone to fear and that we can be forgetful.

When fear arises (which it will) we have God’s Word to cling onto. If you don’t know where to turn in scripture during those fear-filled moments, you can choose some of the following verses to meditate on and recall when those fearful thoughts fight for a place in your mind.

Scriptures on ‘Do Not Be Afraid’

“I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.” - Psalm 34:4-5

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” - Psalm 23:4

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” - Psalm 27:1

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains are moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.” - Psalm 46:1-3

"For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.” - Isaiah 41:13

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” - Luke 14:27

“He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings, you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day.” - Psalm 91:4-5

" 'So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.' Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them." - Genesis 50:21

"You shall not fear them, for it is the LORD your God who fights for you." - Deuteronomy 3:22

"Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident." - Psalm 27:3

"You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD! He is their help and their shield." - Psalm 115:11

"Say to those who have an anxious heart, 'Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.' ” - Isaiah 35:4

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." - Isaiah 41:10

"But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: 'Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.' " - Isaiah 43:1

"You came near when I called on you; you said, ‘Do not fear!’ " - Lamentations 3:57

"And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell." - Matthew 10:28

"Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows." - Matthew 10:31

"So we can confidently say, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?'” - Hebrews 13:6

"There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love." - 1 John 4:18

Our fear can often reveal a heart posture that is not truly taking God at His Word. Though His Word tells us not to fear, admittedly, that feels easier said than done. Being told not to fear does not automatically keep us from fear but the most important part of that phrase, ‘do not fear’, is the One it is coming from. Those words do not melt away our fears, but the character of our God does. When we grow in our relationship with the Lord through His Word, we become familiar with what He is like. When we know that His intentions toward us are for good, that He is looking after us, that He is just, trustworthy and sovereign, those words begin to carry a lot more weight to us.

When we ‘do not fear’ we are not holding onto the words themselves but to God’s faithfulness. We are placing our trust in Him and replacing our fear with faith. Storing the Lord’s Word in our hearts is a wonderful way to bring our fearful hearts and minds to ease.