"Fear not" is stated in the Bible hundreds of times and in a variety of ways. Fear is such a basic human emotion that many of us give in to the grip of fear, worry, and anxiety whether we intend to or not. I believe God told us to "fear not" because he knew that we would all grapple with fear sooner or later in some way.
During this time of covid, the delta variant and whatever else is happening in our lives, it's hard to not surrender to anxiety, fear or worry. What will happen? What IS happening? Will I, my family, my children, my grandchildren or my friends be safe? How can we be assured during these times of uncertainty? Every day there is more bad news. Are we in quicksand, going under no matter what we think or do?
No. You're not in quicksand. You are not going under. If you are a believer in Christ, your life and salvation is built upon the Rock, the Cornerstone, your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. If you are a believer and you admittedly still feel insecure and shaky during this pandemic, then you are not alone. These are difficult times. We have never walked this path before. How then, should we walk this path? How can we move forward with confidence?
Christian, open your Bible and look no further. God has all the answers you need.
If you are not a Christian, then my advice to you is this... open your Bible and look no further. God has all the answers you need. He is your lighthouse on the rock in the storm.
Make no mistake: God is real. He can be trusted, regardless of the situation we find ourselves in.
Let's talk about Fear...
Fear: definition- a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined; the feeling or condition of being afraid. Synonyms for Fear: see below.
Antonyms for Fear: see below
Interestingly, a search on the internet provided 46 synonyms for fear while only providing 20 antonyms for fear. This seems on par with how the world seems to be speaking to us today through all types of media. There is much more emphasis on being fearful than there is encouragement to be fearless. Take note of that.
The world is much more interested in us being afraid, while God, in the Bible, encourages us to NOT be afraid. Interesting, isn't it?
Fearful vs. Fearless
The opposite of being fearful is to be fearless.
The definition of fearless (an adjective): without fear; bold or brave; intrepid.
Definition of Intrepid (an adjective): resolutely fearless; dauntless: an intrepid explorer.
Definition of Dauntless (an adjective): to not be intimidated; bold.
So how do we stay fearless? How do we remain unshaken in a shaky world? Or better yet, how do we move forward on unfamiliar territory and do it with boldness? Isn't that...irresponsible? unwise? a bad idea?
Some of us, as children, were lucky enough to be able to trust our fathers. Do you remember what that was like? Whether you have had that experience or not, believe me when I say that you are able to have that experience now with your Heavenly Father. Try it. Trust Him. Walking by faith and not by sight is relationship-building with your Heavenly Father.
Here are some helpful verses from the Open Bible on how to trust God and fear not. Read through these verses. Look them up to see them in context. Pray and meditate over them and ask God to show you how to implement these verses into your life. Ask God to use these verses to change you.
Hebrews 4:12 says that God's word is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of your heart.
Through prayer and with an attitude of being "teachable" read through these verses. Ask God to take away your fears and give you courage to stand strong. You are not standing alone. He is standing with you. He will never let you down.
Finally, our lives may seem like we are walking on a tight rope with each step being an act of faith. Rest assured that you have a God who has you safe and secure. Like the photo above, He is your hand rail, your helmet and your safety rope. While we have to trust and move forward with courage, God will not let us fall.
Enjoy your study.
Blessings and Amen.
Isaiah 41:10
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.
Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
2 Timothy 1:7 For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
Psalm 34:4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.
Psalm 27:1 Of David. 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?
1 John 4:18 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.
Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”
Psalm 23:4 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.
John 14:27 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.
Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Isaiah 41:13 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 43:1 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.
Romans 8:15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”
Psalm 118:6 The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?
Psalm 56:3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
Isaiah 35:4 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.”
Psalm 56:3-4 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?
Matthew 10:28 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.
1 Peter 3:14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled,
Psalm 94:19 When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.
Proverbs 29:25 The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.
Synonyms for Fear (46)
angst
anxiety
concern
despair
dismay
doubt
dread
horror
jitters
panic
scare
suspicion
terror
unease
uneasiness
worry
abhorrence
agitation
aversion
awe
consternation
cowardice
creeps
discomposure
disquietude
distress
faintheartedness
foreboding
fright
funk
misgiving
nightmare
phobia
presentiment
qualm
reverence
revulsion
timidity
trembling
tremor
trepidation
bête noire
chickenheartedness
cold feet
cold sweat
recreancy
Antonyms for Fear (20)
assurance
calmness
cheer
confidence
contentment
ease
encouragement
faith
happiness
joy
trust
calm
comfort
like
liking
love
bravery
courage
fearlessness
heroism
Comments