No need for fear
In the New American Standard Bible, the phrase “Do not fear” is mentioned 55 times, with 47 occurrences in the Old Testament and 8 in the New Testament. This repetition underscores a crucial theme in Scripture: the assurance of fearlessness for those who are children of God.
For those who trust in God, His Word gives us multiple reasons not to live our lives in fear: Here are five of those reasons:
1. God’s Promises: Throughout the Bible, God promises to be with His people and protect them. For example, in Isaiah 41:10, God says, “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.”
2. Divine Protection: As children of God, we have the assurance that God watches over us and shields us from harm. Psalm 23:4 declares, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
3. Eternal Security: Believers have the hope of eternal life and a future with God. Romans 8:38-39 affirms, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
4. Victory in Christ: Through Christ, we have overcome the power of sin and death. 1 Corinthians 15:57 proclaims, “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
5. God’s Love: Romans 8:15 For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons and daughters by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” Knowing that we are deeply loved by God brings us security and peace, dispelling any fear that may arise.
2 Timothy 1:7 says, “For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.” This begs the question, if we are experiencing fear where are those feelings coming from?
These verses reassure believers that God does not give them a spirit characterized by fearfulness or timidity. Instead, God empowers them with a spirit of strength, love, and self-control. It emphasizes that as followers of Christ, we can draw on God’s power, experience His love, and exercise self-discipline, enabling us to face challenges with courage and confidence.
In summary, as children of God, we do not need to fear because of God’s promises, divine protection, eternal security, victory in Christ, and the overwhelming love of God. These truths anchor our faith and give us confidence even in the face of challenges and uncertainties.
Fifty years ago, I committed my life to serving the Lord. I hold an associate’s degree in Christian Education and a bachelor’s degree in Christian Counseling. In my retirement, I focus on studying and sharing the teachings of God’s Word with others. I maintain 3 Facebook pages dedicated to spreading the Word of God.