Do Not Be Afraid

A common way that God approaches His people is to invite us to move away from fear. “Do not be afraid” is a greeting from God the Father and from Jesus that we hear again and again in the Bible. 

What if we took this invitation seriously?

I wonder how many times I have allowed fear to triumph over my faith. Like many, I can name specific clear times when fear seemed to take over. I am sure if I explored more deeply, however, I would find that fear may have played a role in less obvious times: fear may have kept me from sharing my faith in certain situations, from speaking up in the name of the kingdom of God, or from taking a courageous stand when simply blending in with the crowd – even the “Christian” crowd – was easier. 

There are 365 exhortations not to fear in the Bible (one for each day of the year, as the saying goes). The prevalence of this theme teaches me at least two things. First, it reminds me that there are a lot of frightened people in the Bible! This actually gives me some encouragement – it reminds me that when I am afraid, I am not alone.

Many of the greatest heroes of the faith, including those whose stories are the most beloved portions of Scripture, were, simply put, afraid! They, just like me, needed all of those reassurances because they struggled with fear – fear of the unknown, fear of change, fear of lack of direction, and fear that the plans of God were replacing the plans they already had in place.

But, the lesson does not end there. The good news is that we have a God who, over and over again, wants to make sure that we are not afraid. God wants us to trust Him, and God is confident that we can participate in His kingdom and in His purposes. As a dad, I remember many assurances to my boys when they were small that there is no need to be afraid. “We’re together, and mom and I are watching over you,” I would remind. 

This week, may we all use the many reminders in the Bible to embrace faith instead of fear. May we hear the voice of God Himself, through the presence of the Holy Spirit, saying, “We’re in this together. I am watching over you. There is no need to be 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)

Prayer for the week:

“Father God, I am afraid. I admit it. The threats against me are real – at least some of them. I need your protection; I need you to rescue me. Keep your promises, and save me.

I also need you to banish the fear itself. Panic is its own threat to me. The chemical toxins released by fear cripple my body and my mind. Anxiety sickens me and brings out the darker elements of my soul. Yes, I am learning to trust you and to lean into your love and rest that comes from a confidence of your goodness, but I still struggle and suffer the damages of the radioactive debris that my fears leave behind.

You gave certain fears as a gift, to guard and motivate me against real danger. I need it also learn to approach you with utmost care and respect. But I have given fear a domain it never deserves. I have let it rule me. I have made survival a god in my life, and its tyranny drives me to my knees, not in gratitude but in terror. It’s a sick kind of false worship. Deliver me from fear’s grip, through the love and power of Jesus Christ. Amen.” (Prayer by Mark and Jill Herringshaw)

Charles W. Christian is managing editor of Holiness Today.

Written for devotions with Holiness Today

Please note: All facts, figures, and titles were accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of original publication but may have since changed.