Fear Not and Do Not Be Afraid

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified of them, for the Lord your God goes with you, He will never leave or forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6

God tells us in the Bible more than 100 times, “Do not be afraid.” Yet, there are times we are plagued by fear. Fear can be paralyzing, and is often a by-product of worry and anxiety. There is an acronym many have used for fear: False Evidence Appearing Real.

The enemy magnifies the circumstances in our lives, and whispers to us, “What if…?” We then start to play-out in our minds all the scenarios that “could” happen. Before long, we are anxious, worried and fearful. This can cause us to step out of trusting God and begin living in fear instead of faith. As humans, we fear what we do not know and what we cannot control.

Merriam-Webster dictionary defines fear as: to be afraid of something or someone. To expect or worry about something bad or unpleasant. Synonymns for fear: worry, fret, trouble, stress, and bother. We can fear what will happen to us, our future, change, failure, rejection, the unknown, and people. No matter how fear presents itself, it is a tool of the enemy. Fear can cause you to stop serving God, forming relationships, moving forward, and living in freedom.

“So 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 41:10

We need not to fear because God is with us, God has established a relationship with us, and God gives us assurance of His salvation, strength, help, and victory over sin and death. Fear will come, but we do not have to give in to it. We can either worry or resist the fear, putting our trust in Him. God says He leaves His peace with us-“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27

God desires us to be strong and very courageous, not weak and overcome by life. We have the victory and the power in Christ to defeat the spirit of fear. God does not give us a spirit of fear-For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, and love and a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7

Cast your care on the Lord and He will sustain you. Psalm 55:22

Mediate and read aloud daily these scriptures in this article and Psalm 91 for overcoming fear.

Prayer for overcoming fear:

Lord, I ask you would strengthen your people and give them courage. We ask that you would bind the spirit of fear in the name of Jesus Christ over our lives. Help us not to fear, but to trust you, God always. In Jesus name, amen.