Do Not Be Afraid

Bravery does not mean being unafraid. It means acknowledging fear but going ahead anyway and doing what needs to be done. It is courage born out of confidence and trust in God who promises never to leave nor abandon believers whom he calls his children in Jesus Christ.

It is in joyful expression of this trust in God that David sings:

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. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. (Psalm 23:4,5)

In yet another psalm, David confidently, publicly prays to God to deliver him from all those who conspire against him. He clings to the faithfulness of God who has made a covenant with him:

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?...Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident. (Psalm 27:1,3)

Indeed, when we worship God in spirit and in truth, we are secure in his trustworthiness:

He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. (Psalm 91:4-6)

It is wise to trust in God. In this wisdom, we enjoy God's protection wherever we go:

...but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm. (Proverbs 1:33)

When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. (Proverbs 3:24)

Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared. (Proverbs 3:25, 26)

We need not fear the sinfulness, cruelty and brutality of man:

Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe. (Proverbs 29:25)

On the day the LORD gives you relief from suffering and turmoil and cruel bondage. (Isaiah 14:3)

For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. (Isaiah 41:13)

Where can we go without God being there to shield us from harm? In expressing his love for his people, God described to Israel what he is capable of doing:

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. (Isaiah 43:2)

I, even I, am he who comforts you. Who are you that you fear mortal men, the sons of men who are but grass... (Isaiah 51:12)

Oh, yes, God assures:

Do not be afraid; you will not suffer shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated. (Isaiah 54:4)

In righteousness you will be established: Tyranny will be far from you; you will have nothing to fear. Terror will be far removed; it will not come near you. (Isaiah 54:14)

The LORD Jesus Christ himself teaches:

Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. (Matthew 10:28)

He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" (Mark 4:40)

Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. (Luke 12:32)

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)

The believer in Jesus Christ has received the Holy Spirit. We did not receive a spirit that makes us timid:

For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." (Romans 8:15)

We have nothing to be afraid of in this world nor in the entire universe:

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 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. (Romans 8:37-39)

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7)

Left to ourselves, claims of fearlessness often are merely recklessness and stupid pursuit of self-glory. It is when we fear God with reverent respect that we become wise. In this wisdom we may be bold because we trust in the almighty, all-wise, all-present power and faithfulness of God:

So we may say with confidence, "The LORD is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" (Hebrews 13:6)

"For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the LORD is against those who do evil." Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." (1 Peter 3:12-14)

Has fear robbed you of the joy you should rightfully be experiencing? Invite the LORD Jesus Christ into your life and discover the peace that he promises to those who believe.

See that "How Well Do You Know God" button on the sidebar of this website? That's a good place to start. I want to stand next to you when we worship God in eternity.

God bless you.