Quick Summary
- "Fear not" appears 365 times in Scripture—one for every day
- Fear is defeated by knowing God's character and presence
- Perfect love casts out fear
- God gives a spirit of power, love, and sound mind—not fear
- Faith and fear cannot coexist
God's Command: Do Not Fear
"Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Isaiah 41:10What Scripture Says About Fear
| Truth About Fear | Scripture |
|---|---|
| God has not given us a spirit of fear | "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7) |
| Perfect love casts out fear | "There is no fear in love. Perfect love drives out fear" (1 John 4:18) |
| Fear God, not man | "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body...Fear him who can destroy both soul and body" (Matthew 10:28) |
| God is our refuge | "God is our refuge and strength...therefore we will not fear" (Psalm 46:1-2) |
| Trust eliminates fear | "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you" (Psalm 56:3) |
Common Fears & Biblical Answers
Fear of the Future
God's Answer: "Do not worry about tomorrow" (Matthew 6:34). God holds your future and knows every day before it comes.
Fear of Failure
God's Answer: "The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him" (Psalm 37:23). Your worth isn't in success but in Christ.
Fear of Death
God's Answer: "To live is Christ, to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21). Death has lost its sting for believers.
Fear of Rejection
God's Answer: "The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?" (Psalm 118:6). God accepts you fully.
Fear of Financial Lack
God's Answer: "My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory" (Philippians 4:19).
Fear of Being Alone
God's Answer: "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5). God's presence is permanent.
Steps to Overcome Fear
- Identify the Fear: Name what you're afraid of. Bring it into the light.
- Speak Truth Over It: Find Scripture that addresses your fear specifically.
- Pray About It: Give your anxieties to God in prayer (Philippians 4:6-7).
- Meditate on God's Character: Remember who God is—sovereign, loving, powerful.
- Take Action in Faith: Do what God calls you to do despite the fear.
- Praise God: Worship shifts focus from fear to faith.
Verses to Memorize When Fear Strikes
- "The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?" (Psalm 27:1)
- "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me" (Psalm 23:4)
- "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation...present your requests to God" (Philippians 4:6)
- "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7)
- "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you...Do not let your hearts be troubled" (John 14:27)
Remember:
- Fear is a normal human emotion, but you don't have to be controlled by it
- Faith doesn't eliminate feelings of fear—it acts despite them
- The opposite of fear isn't courage—it's faith in God
- Every "fear not" in Scripture is followed by a reason: God's presence