Fear is a common and natural human emotion that everyone experiences at times. However, the Bible has much to say about fear, and offers wisdom and reassurance for dealing with it. A key theme throughout Scripture is that while fear itself is not sinful, it can lead us into sin when we allow it to control us. There are nearly 100 verses in the Bible that tell us to “fear not” or “be not afraid.” God does not want us to live in fear and anxiety, but rather to trust in Him. So in that sense, fear can act as a “liar” when it causes us to doubt God’s promises and care for us.
The Bible makes clear distinctions between appropriate, reverential fear of God, and unhealthy, paralyzing fear of circumstances. Proverbs 1:7 says “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” This positive fear motivates us to honor God and obey His Word. On the other hand, 2 Timothy 1:7 tells us “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” This verse indicates that fear does not come from God but from our own warped perspectives and spiritual weakness.
Fear is often rooted in the instinct for self-preservation. But Jesus tells us in Matthew 10:28, “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” This verse helps re-frame our focus. While fear of danger is natural, we should have a holy fear of God that overrides the instinctive fear of man. When we reverence God, we can trust Him with outcomes that may feel threatening to our limited human understanding.
Fear skews our perspective and can cause us to magnify threats beyond reality. It fuels anxiety about the unknown future, causing our imagination to run wild with “what-ifs.” But God assures us He holds the future, and we have no need to worry. Isaiah 41:10 states, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Rather than trying to predict and control everything, we are called to trust God one day at a time.
Fear can cause inaction and paralysis rather than faith-fueled obedience to God. It triggers self-focus and a scarcity mindset of lack. But the Bible urges us to take courageous steps of faith, relying on God’s strength and provision. Joshua 1:9 says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Fear exaggerates the obstacles while shrinking God down in our perspective. But He is greater than any challenge we face.
At times fear may feel overwhelming and inescapable. But we are not left helpless. Psalm 34:4 offers this beautiful promise: “I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.” Going to God in prayer, meditating on His truth, and receiving comfort and strength from the Holy Spirit allows divine peace to quiet our fearful thoughts. As Isaiah 26:3 says, “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”
While the emotion of fear is inevitable, we do not have to be enslaved by it. The more we renew our minds with God’s Word and seek His face, the more our faith can overcome fear’s deception. Rather than believing the exaggerated lies of fear, we can cling to God’s truth and Christ’s perfect love that casts out fear (1 John 4:18). We have this assurance in Isaiah 41:13 – “For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, ‘Fear not, I am the one who helps you.'”
Common Types of Fear the Bible Tells Us Not to Give in To
1. Fear of Death
Fear of death is perhaps one of the most basic human fears rooted in self-preservation. But the Bible tells us that death has been swallowed up in Christ’s victory, and no longer has power over believers. Hebrews 2:14-15 declares, “Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.” Trusting in Jesus’ finished work on the cross frees us from this fear.
2. Fear of Man
We are prone to obsess over what others think of us. But the Bible warns that the fear of man will prove to be a snare (Proverbs 29:25). Pleasing God should be more important than superficial human approval. “The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Psalm 118:6). When we reverence God, we can reject fear of human opinion or retaliation.
3. Fear of Lack/Poverty
It’s easy to fall into anxiety about meeting our needs and those of our families. But Jesus assures us in Luke 12:22-32 that our Heavenly Father knows what we need. He urges us to quit worrying and trust that as we seek God’s kingdom, all these things will be provided as well. “So do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32).
4. Fear of the Future/Unknown
The uncertainty of what tomorrow may bring can fill our minds with “what-ifs.” But God tells us to stop worrying and leave the future in His hands. “Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert” (Isaiah 43:18-19).
5. Fear of Persecution
Standing up for our faith may lead to ridicule or hardship. But the Bible urges us to fear God more than man. Jesus told us that following Him would bring persecution, but He has overcome the world (John 16:33). The apostles rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer for the name of Christ (Acts 5:41). God gives strength to face trials as we trust in Him.
Feeling Afraid? Remember These Promises from God’s Word
“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.” (Psalm 23:4)
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” (Psalm 56:3)
“For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’” (Romans 8:15)
“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.” (1 John 4:18)
“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)
“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?” (Psalm 27:1)
“Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” (Psalm 55:22)
“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)
“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)
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.” (Psalm 94:19)
Practical Ways to Overcome Fear Through God’s Power
It’s one thing to know what the Bible says about fear, but quite another to experience victory over it in daily life. Here are some practical tips for overcoming fear God’s way:
1. Take thoughts of fear captive and make them obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).
When anxious thoughts flood your mind, talk back to them with Scripture truth declaring God’s power and promises. Don’t let those thoughts run wild.
2. Identify and challenge irrational perspectives causing exaggerated fear.
Ask yourself, “What am I assuming here? Is there another way to see this?” Replace worst-case scenarios with biblical truth.
3. Refuse to make decisions based solely out of fear.
Don’t let “what-ifs” and uncertainty stop you from acting on faith. Pray through important decisions instead of panicking.
4. Release the need to control everything, and trust God’s purpose and timing.
Rather than obsessing over hypotheticals, focus on what you can control – your responses to life’s circumstances.
5. Allow past fears that God has brought you through to strengthen your faith.
Remind yourself of God’s faithfulness in your life thus far. What He’s done before, He can do again.
6. Thank God in the midst of the fear rather than waiting for the feeling to subside.
Faith is often acting in spite of fear. As you choose to praise and thank God, faith can overcome feelings.
7. Visualize entrusting the situation causing fear into Jesus’ hands.
Picture giving Him your worries and receiving perfect peace in return as you relinquish control.
8. Allow God’s love to cast out fear’s torment as you receive His acceptance.
The safer you feel in God’s care and forgiveness, the less fear can manipulate you. Security in Him drives out insecurity.
9. Intercede in prayer for others struggling with similar fears.
This shifts focus off yourself and your circumstances onto God’s power to help anyone overcome fear’s grip.
The next time fear comes knocking, remember that you have a refuge in God’s truth and unfailing love. He has not given you a spirit of fear or timidity, but of power. When you feel inadequate to face the challenges ahead, know that His strength will always be enough. Walk forward in faith and confidence, keeping your mind stayed on Him. God promises to be with you every step of the way.