The Bible teaches that when a person dwells in the shelter of the Most High, they will abide in the shadow of the Almighty and thus, they will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day (Psalm 91:1-16).
This is possible because such a person has come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. “God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love” (1 John 4:16-18)
It is noteworthy that God has given us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. (2 Timothy 1:7). He has also commanded us not to fear, for He is with us and will strengthen , help and uphold us with His righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10). As a result, we should cast all our anxieties on Him, because He cares for us. (1 Peter 5:7).
So the best way to deal with fear of any kind is to hold on to God’s Word, especially these precious words of our Lord Jesus: “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 ESV). Even King David knew the secret and power of God’s Word in dealing with fear; “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?” (Psalm 56:3-4)
Believers did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear (Romans 8:15). They are to have faith in God who is able to deliver them from every challenging situation. In general, the following Biblical truths will help people in overcoming fear:
- the Lord, your God is holding your hand and telling you not to fear, for He will help you – Isaiah 41:13
- the Lord, your Creator and Savior, calls you by name to say, “You’re mine!” and commands you not to fear – Isaiah 43:1
- Jesus wants you to come to Him with your load of fear and He will help you to overcome – Matthew 11:28-30
- the Shepherd is with you, so you need not fear. For He will train you to find comfort in Him -Psalm 23:4
- act upon the encouraging words of other believers who assure you of God’s help and justice – Isaiah 35:4
- it is not God’s will for you to suffer shame, so don’t fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated – Isaiah 54:4
- Jesus wants us not to fear people nor be anxious for anything, but fear only the God who cares for our lives – Luke 12:4-7
- when you fear God and delight in His commands, bad news won’t make you afraid as your trust in God will give you victory over all situations – Psalm 112:1, 7-8
- when you do what is right do not fear what others fear – 1 Peter 3:14
- trust the Holy Spirit to give you the words to say and you won’t fear public witnessing for Christ – Mark 13:11
- claim God’s promise that He has set you free from fear by removing your punishment and turning back your enemy -Zephaniah 3:15, 17
Author: Godwin Goziem Jireh