It is a human emotion that we all must deal with at times. From kids being afraid of monsters under the bed, to adults being scared of diseases such as cancer that can lead to death, there are many things real and imagined that can lead to being afraid. What does the Bible say about fear?
Good Fear
Fear isn’t always a bad thing. The Bible speaks about a fear that is good, the fear of the Lord.
(Proverbs 1:7) The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
(Proverbs 14:26) In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence KJB
(Proverbs 14:27) The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death.
(Proverbs 19:23 ) Fear of the LORD leads to life, bringing security and protection from harm. NLT
(Psalm 111:10) The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding.
This fear of the Lord that the Bible speaks about doesn’t fit the classic definition of the word, which is being scared and afraid. The fear of the Lord means to have a great reverence, respect, and awe for God. This healthy fear leads to many great things such as knowledge, wisdom, confidence, and life.
Unhealthy Fear
The unhealthy type of fear that a Christian doesn’t have to live with often comes in the form of terror, fright, horror, alarm, panic, and dread. The Bible has a clear message for God’s people about this type of fear. It’s not from God, so do not afraid because he is with us.
(2 Timothy 1:7) For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. KJB
(Isaiah 41:10) So do not fear, for I am with you
We can take comfort in knowing everyone has to deal with fear, including great men of God in the Bible. Being afraid for his life caused Abraham to claim his wife was his sister (Genesis 12:13). David greatly feared what the king of Gath might do to him (I Samuel 21:12). The resurrected Jesus found his disciples locked behind doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders (John 20:19).
Fear God, Not Man
The goal of every Christian should be to have such a walk with God that we are not afraid of man or death. I often think of modern-day suicide bombers who aren’t afraid to kill themselves and others because they wrongly believe they will be rewarded in the afterlife. How much more should we who serve the true living God not be afraid of anything in this world that may come at us.
(Luke 12:4-5) I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.
(Psalm 56:11) In God I trust and am not afraid. What can man do to me?
(Psalm 23:4) Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me
Give It To God
What we are afraid of often times feels like it can’t be overcome. The key to dealing with this unwanted emotion successfully is the same as everything else that a Christian faces in this life, seeking after God in prayer and reading the Bible. A determination to give it to God worked for David, and it will work for us.
(Psalm 34:4) I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.
David did not say if he was afraid, but when he was afraid, he put his trust in God. (Psalm 56:3)
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