God’s Message About Fear
"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.” — Joshua 1:9 (ESV)
Fear is a powerful emotion that can overwhelm us at the most unexpected times. It has the ability to stop us in our tracks, create doubts in our hearts, and even paralyze us from moving forward into the plans God has for us. Yet, throughout Scripture, God repeatedly tells us not to fear. His message is clear: we are to live without fear, trusting that He is always with us, no matter the circumstances. This call to courage is not just a suggestion, but a command—a command that, when we embrace it, transforms our hearts and helps us to live in the fullness of His peace.
In the beginning, fear was not a part of God's perfect creation. Adam and Eve were created to live in harmony with God and with one another, walking without fear in the garden. But when sin entered the world, fear followed. In Genesis 3:8-11, after Adam and Eve disobeyed God, we see the first instance of fear. As soon as they realized they had sinned, they hid from God, fearful of His judgment. Fear, born from sin, created separation from God and broke the peace that had once existed. Fear was never part of God's original design for us. He intended for us to live in security and trust in His love.
God's response to fear is not to condemn us but to call us back to Himself. In Genesis 15:1, He speaks to Abraham and says, “Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” — Genesis 15:1 (ESV). God understood that fear could hinder Abraham’s ability to fully embrace His promises. By telling Abraham not to be afraid, God was reminding him of His protection and His provision. This command to not fear is repeated throughout Scripture, encouraging us to step out in faith rather than allowing fear to hold us back. Fear can keep us from trusting God's plan, but He wants us to rest in the assurance that He is with us, guiding us every step of the way.
Having courage does not mean the absence of fear, but rather the ability to stand firm despite it. In Joshua 1:9, God commands Joshua to be strong and courageous as he leads the Israelites into the Promised Land. The courage God calls us to is not a denial of fear, but a choice to act in faith, trusting that God is with us, even when we are afraid. God’s command to “be strong and courageous” is an invitation to move forward in His strength, knowing that He is our shield and our protector. This courage is not rooted in our own ability, but in the power of God, who equips us to face any challenge.
In 2 Timothy 1:7, we are reminded that God has given us a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline, not of fear. Fear is not a gift from God, but a tool the enemy uses to keep us from stepping into the fullness of what God has for us. Instead of fear, God has equipped us with a spirit of power that enables us to overcome obstacles, a spirit of love that empowers us to serve others, and a sound mind that helps us to discern His will and walk in His peace. When fear rises, we can choose to stand firm in the spirit of power, knowing that God has already equipped us for every good work He has planned for us.
Jesus, in John 14:1, encourages His disciples—and us—by saying, “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me” — John 14:1 (ESV). Jesus' words offer comfort and assurance that, no matter what fear we may face, we can trust Him. He is the source of peace, and His presence is the antidote to fear. When we choose to trust in God, we shift our focus from our fears to His faithfulness. The more we trust in His presence, the more fear loses its grip on us.
God's message about fear is not simply to avoid it, but to confront it with faith and trust in His promises. Fear cannot stop us from living out the purposes He has for us, unless we allow it to. Each step we take in faith is an opportunity to declare that God is bigger than our fears. When we remind ourselves daily that God is our shield and protector, we can move forward with courage, knowing that He is always with us, guiding us through every challenge.
As you reflect on your own life, consider the fears that may be holding you back today. Is there an area where God is calling you to step out in faith, but fear is keeping you stagnant? How can you actively choose courage in the face of fear, knowing that God has already equipped you with everything you need? Remember, God’s promises are sure, and He is with you every step of the way. In prayer, ask Him to help you face your fears with the confidence that comes from knowing He is your shield and your very great reward.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for Your promises to always be with me and to protect me from fear. Help me to trust in You, especially in times when fear tries to take hold of my heart. Teach me to stand firm in Your strength, knowing that You are my shield and my defender. When I feel afraid, remind me of Your power, Your love, and Your faithfulness. Help me to be strong and courageous as I move forward in faith, trusting that You are always with me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture References:
Genesis 3:8-11, Genesis 15:1, 2 Timothy 1:7, John 14:1, 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.” — Joshua 1:9 (ESV)
Fear is a powerful emotion that can overwhelm us at the most unexpected times. It has the ability to stop us in our tracks, create doubts in our hearts, and even paralyze us from moving forward into the plans God has for us. Yet, throughout Scripture, God repeatedly tells us not to fear. His message is clear: we are to live without fear, trusting that He is always with us, no matter the circumstances. This call to courage is not just a suggestion, but a command—a command that, when we embrace it, transforms our hearts and helps us to live in the fullness of His peace.
In the beginning, fear was not a part of God's perfect creation. Adam and Eve were created to live in harmony with God and with one another, walking without fear in the garden. But when sin entered the world, fear followed. In Genesis 3:8-11, after Adam and Eve disobeyed God, we see the first instance of fear. As soon as they realized they had sinned, they hid from God, fearful of His judgment. Fear, born from sin, created separation from God and broke the peace that had once existed. Fear was never part of God's original design for us. He intended for us to live in security and trust in His love.
God's response to fear is not to condemn us but to call us back to Himself. In Genesis 15:1, He speaks to Abraham and says, “Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” — Genesis 15:1 (ESV). God understood that fear could hinder Abraham’s ability to fully embrace His promises. By telling Abraham not to be afraid, God was reminding him of His protection and His provision. This command to not fear is repeated throughout Scripture, encouraging us to step out in faith rather than allowing fear to hold us back. Fear can keep us from trusting God's plan, but He wants us to rest in the assurance that He is with us, guiding us every step of the way.
Having courage does not mean the absence of fear, but rather the ability to stand firm despite it. In Joshua 1:9, God commands Joshua to be strong and courageous as he leads the Israelites into the Promised Land. The courage God calls us to is not a denial of fear, but a choice to act in faith, trusting that God is with us, even when we are afraid. God’s command to “be strong and courageous” is an invitation to move forward in His strength, knowing that He is our shield and our protector. This courage is not rooted in our own ability, but in the power of God, who equips us to face any challenge.
In 2 Timothy 1:7, we are reminded that God has given us a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline, not of fear. Fear is not a gift from God, but a tool the enemy uses to keep us from stepping into the fullness of what God has for us. Instead of fear, God has equipped us with a spirit of power that enables us to overcome obstacles, a spirit of love that empowers us to serve others, and a sound mind that helps us to discern His will and walk in His peace. When fear rises, we can choose to stand firm in the spirit of power, knowing that God has already equipped us for every good work He has planned for us.
Jesus, in John 14:1, encourages His disciples—and us—by saying, “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me” — John 14:1 (ESV). Jesus' words offer comfort and assurance that, no matter what fear we may face, we can trust Him. He is the source of peace, and His presence is the antidote to fear. When we choose to trust in God, we shift our focus from our fears to His faithfulness. The more we trust in His presence, the more fear loses its grip on us.
God's message about fear is not simply to avoid it, but to confront it with faith and trust in His promises. Fear cannot stop us from living out the purposes He has for us, unless we allow it to. Each step we take in faith is an opportunity to declare that God is bigger than our fears. When we remind ourselves daily that God is our shield and protector, we can move forward with courage, knowing that He is always with us, guiding us through every challenge.
As you reflect on your own life, consider the fears that may be holding you back today. Is there an area where God is calling you to step out in faith, but fear is keeping you stagnant? How can you actively choose courage in the face of fear, knowing that God has already equipped you with everything you need? Remember, God’s promises are sure, and He is with you every step of the way. In prayer, ask Him to help you face your fears with the confidence that comes from knowing He is your shield and your very great reward.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for Your promises to always be with me and to protect me from fear. Help me to trust in You, especially in times when fear tries to take hold of my heart. Teach me to stand firm in Your strength, knowing that You are my shield and my defender. When I feel afraid, remind me of Your power, Your love, and Your faithfulness. Help me to be strong and courageous as I move forward in faith, trusting that You are always with me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture References:
Genesis 3:8-11, Genesis 15:1, 2 Timothy 1:7, John 14:1, Joshua 1:9
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