Part III: Fear-Less Faith: ‘Be Not Afraid’

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged,

for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9

Today, we will be talking about Part III of the ‘Fear-Less Faith’ series. Just to recap, in Parts I & II of this series, we have been talking about ‘Fear-Less Faith’—How to fear less, and trust God more. We learned that fear has an upside and a downside. On the upside, fear can be a great motivator, as when we are preparing for an upcoming exam and want to do well. It may actually help us study a little harder to do well, and pass the exam. On the downside, when fear goes unchecked, anxiety, depression, and worry may roll in, serving as a major distraction, that negatively affects ones relationship with others, particularly Jesus, robbing us of God’s peace. Certainly fear, anxiety and worry can shatter one’s peace, leaving them feeling vulnerable.

John 14:27

^“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.”

In Holy Scripture, the terms ‘Be not afraid’ and ‘Do not fear,’ appear 180 times. In fact, according to an online website called Bible Gateway, the term ‘Be not afraid’ is used 97 times in the Holy Bible, and the term ‘Do not fear’ is used 83 times in both the New and Old Testament. These 2 simple phrases not only encourage us to avoid worry and fear, they are God’s timeless words to us all, actually directing us in the Old Testament, and Jesus guiding us in the New Testament. These directives provide clear instructions to help us fight fear and find peace in our daily lives.

So let’s take a look at what the Bible has to say about fear. Here are some life-giving scripture passages that talk about fear:

 “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

 

“If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,”
    and you make the Most High your dwelling,
¹⁰ no harm will overtake you,
    no disaster will come near your tent.
¹¹ For he will command his angels concerning you
    to guard you in all your ways…”

Psalm 91:9-11

“Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
¹⁵ He will call on me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
¹⁶ With long life I will satisfy him
and show him my salvation.”

Psalms 91:14-16

This scripture passage is all about the promises of God for each of us. In it, He reminds us that we need to trust God, and call upon His holy name, especially in our times of greatest need. Psalm 91 tells us about what God promises He will do for those who love Him:

• He will rescue you.
• He will protect you.
• He will answer your prayers.
• He will be with you in times of trouble.
• He will deliver you.
• He will give you new life.
• He will save you.

Genesis 28:15
“I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go…I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”

Philippians 4:13

“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”

Mark 5:36

 “Jesus said: ‘“Do not be afraid; just have faith [in me].”’

Hebrews 13:6

“The Lord is my helper, [and] I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?”

Luke 12:27
“Even the hairs of your head have all been counted. Do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows.”

Luke 8:50

“Jesus answered him, ‘“Do not be afraid; just have faith and you will be saved.”’

Luke 2:10

 “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.”

 

RECAP: In order to fight fear, anxiety, and worry, and walk in fear-less faith, we need to see fear as the enemy it can be. We need to trust in Jesus, God’s only Son, our Lord and Savior. We need to believe that God is working all things out for good, no matter how things may appear at any given time. It is important to understand that God will fight our battles with us, even for us on our behalf if we reconcile with him and ask for His help.

 

^“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 their threats do not be frightened.” But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord.

I Peter 3:13-15

 

Yes– When we become overwhelmed by fear, anxiety or worry, we need to turn to Jesus, Our Rock. Fear-less faith is the result of putting fear in check, and placing our hope, our trust in Jesus. We need to name and claim our fears as they arise, turn it all over to God, and trust in Him whole-heartedly. It is also vitally important to pray and ask for Jesus’ help. He will never ever turn His back on you. As Psalm 91 says, He will answer your prayers and rescue you! He will always make a way for you to find peace, enabling you to live in fear-less faith!

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9

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