Why Should Christians "Be Not Afraid"?
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The emotion of fear can lead you in many different directions. While some fears are completely rational, there are times fear can arise suddenly with no logic or reason attached to it. Whether your fear is rational or irrational, fear is more than just an emotion; fear is also an enemy. This enemy attacks with the goal of overpowering you because when that happens, it can stop you in your tracks, paralyze you, or keep you from moving forward.
We all know people, including ourselves, who were paralyzed in one way, shape, or form because they were afraid. As believers, how do we deal with this issue of fear? We have been given a different mandate. God encourages us many times in the Bible not to be afraid or walk in fear. Yet, despite these exhortations, we have the real possibility of experiencing fear. So how do we bridge this gap?
The answer lies in understanding why should we “be not afraid”? When you understand this, it will help you overcome any fear and allow you to walk in confidence.
What Does the Bible Say about Being Unafraid?
One of the reasons we don’t have to be afraid is because God has given us promises. Let’s begin by looking at some of the encouragements God gives us to remind us we don’t have to be afraid
“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).
“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest” (Joshua 1:9, KJV).
“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).
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6).
“God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging”(Psalm 46:1-3).
These verses address many of the things we are often afraid of, but they also shine the light on why you should not be afraid. The number one reason you don’t need to be afraid is because God’s presence goes with you. Just knowing God is with you should be enough to calm all your fears, but there is more that comes with that. Along with his presence comes his promises, his peace, his protection, and his provision. God is careful to leave no stone unturned, and for this reason when you walk with him, you can walk in confidence and not be afraid.
How Many Times Does the Bible Say This?
One thing we can say for certain is God knows us. He knows we all have a capacity to be afraid. Which is why he reminds us so often in Scripture to be not afraid.
Some have said the term “fear not” or “be not afraid” appears in the Bible 365 times, one for each day of the year. I am still trying to verify if that is true, but whether it is or isn’t this one truth remains. God knows who you are, and he wants to encourage you to find your strength and courage in him and nowhere else. In him is where you will find everything you need to overcome any fear or worry this life can bring to you.
“As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust” (Psalm 103:13-14).
Why Should We "Be Not Afraid"?
Let’s dig a little deeper into why we should be not afraid.
Here is a truth – you are going to face issues in this life. In John 16:33 Jesus gave us what I call the most overlooked promise in Scripture. He told us in this world you will have trouble. This trouble may come in different forms, but it is trouble nonetheless. The way we meet the promise of trouble is with the promise of his peace and his presence. In this same verse Jesus says this,
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
The reason you don’t have to be afraid is because we have God’s peace and his presence, which are designed to overcome the fears we have and will experience in this life.
Is Fear Sinful or Wrong?
Is it sinful or wrong to be afraid? As I said at the beginning, fear is an emotion. One thing you must be careful about is judging your emotions as sinful, right, or wrong. Emotions are neutral; they are simply how you feel in that moment. It is how you respond to your emotions that can become sinful or wrong.
A great example of this is the spies in Israel. In Numbers 13-14, Moses sent twelve spies into the land of Canaan to get a report about the land God had promised to give them. Ten of the spies came back afraid because they said the people in the land were like giants. Initially their fear was not sin. However, it is what they did after this that led them to sin. The Bible tells us they spread a bad report about the land to dissuade the Israelites from entering the land. This was their sin.
Never forget that fear is an emotion and you cannot control how you feel. However, you can control how you react to it. It is your reaction and how you handle your fear that will determine if it becomes sinful or not.
What Should We Do When Fear Creeps In?
The natural question to ask about being afraid is what should you do when this emotion of fear is trying to overtake you? David gives us the answer.
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise — in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” (Psalm 56:3-4).
What I love about this Psalm is the honesty of David. He didn’t say if I am afraid, he said when I am afraid. This again points to the reality that we will have moments of fear in life. It is part of the journey. However, the next thing David says is equally important. When fear creeps in, he puts his trust in God.
This is where you should turn. Let the hope and promises of God’s word become your source of comfort and confidence. Ultimately, it does not matter what you are afraid of because God has given you a promise in his word to calm that fear. He has also given you his presence, which allows you to find peace and rest even in the presence of any fear you may experience. In the moments of your greatest fear, remember he is your refuge and strength and that is the place you need to run to.
We Don’t Have to Stay Afraid
Fear is coming. I can’t tell you when, how, or from what direction, but there is something that will happen in your life that will cause you to be afraid. The good news is you don’t have to live in that fear. You can and should make fear a temporary occupant in your heart.
The next time you are afraid, run to God because he desires to embrace you. You should acknowledge that fear like David did but then bring whatever is making you afraid into God’s presence and let him help you overcome it. God never said we would not be afraid; he simply reminds us we don’t have stay afraid. The best part is, he gave us everything we need in this life to walk through it and be not afraid.
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