It is a beautiful and comforting thing to open the Word of God in times of confusion and uncertainty and to be reminded and reassured of God’s instruction to not fear. It can seem easier said than done in this world to not be anxious or fearful in light of what we see before our eyes and hear with our ears.
However, as believers in Christ, we trust in the One we cannot presently see before our eyes. We trust in His promise of eternal life as we live in the now and not yet of that promise. We trust in His Word that is more certain and truthful than anything else. When God says not to fear, we can trust Him because He is not a man that He should lie.
Turn on the news any day of the week, and you will quickly find a reason for us to become anxious, angry, frustrated, or fearful. The times in which we live can certainly cause us to lean more on our understanding or to feed on the lack of understanding or confusion perpetuated among us.
I do not know about you, but it can be daunting and emotionally tiring thinking on the issues in our country. It can be heartbreaking to see the things taking place overseas, and feelings of helplessness for those who are suffering are real and for some, overwhelming.
And yet, though we have legitimate concerns and emotions, those of us who are believers in Christ can be in the midst of chaos, upheaval, and turmoil and be without fear because of Almighty God.
Where is the best place to turn in these times for encouragement, peace, and clarity? The best place to turn is to the Word of God. We can read time and again of God encouraging His people to not fear and to trust Him, and we can be encouraged by these words from God as those who are His people.
Fear Not the World
We find one of the first utterances to encourage the people of God in Exodus 14 in the account of God saving His people from Pharoah by parting the Red Sea. God used Moses to encourage the people to trust in the Lord while Pharoah drew near.
Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent” (Exodus 14:13-14).
Moses encouraged Joshua to be strong and courageous and to not fear or be in dread of the people whose nations would be conquered by God on their behalf. He assured Joshua that God would not leave them or forsake them (Deuteronomy 31:6)
Verse 8 in this same chapter goes on to say, “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”
We find that David encouraged his son Solomon in 1 Chronicle 28:20 to not be fearful in doing the work of serving the Lord in building the temple, telling him that the Lord would not leave him. We also see numerous examples from the psalmists in times of distress and fear being comforted by God.
Psalm 34:4 says, “I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 94:19 says, “When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.
Psalm 55:22 encourages us to cast our burden on the Lord and as we do, He will sustain us while not allowing us to be moved.
We can do as the Psalmists did in understanding that when we are afraid, we can place our trust in the Lord. (Psalm 56:3) The Word of God is such a comfort to us because we know it to be true.
He Is Victorious
In the New Testament, we see Jesus Christ reiterating similar words found in the Old Testament, which I find interesting. He tells His disciples He will not leave them nor forsake them and to not fear. He encourages them with His peace He gives that the world cannot give. He tells them their hearts are not to be troubled nor to fear (John 14:27).
In the Sermon on the Mount, He instructs those listening to “not be anxious about tomorrow for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Words such as this minister to us even today as we face some of the things we do.
If Jesus tells us in His Word not to worry about tomorrow, then we need not worry. This seems easier said than done, but we have a wonderful Savior who has never left us nor forsaken us. We need not be anxious about our life when we are secure in Christ Jesus.
The epistles offer great instruction for us to glean from and to apply to our lives as we endure hardships and face uncertainty in this world. Philippians 4:6-7 has been a personally encouraging passage in the trials of life and in times of impending anxiousness,
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding shall guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
These are such beautiful words to remember daily. Peter tells fellow believers to cast all our cares and anxieties upon Him because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). Casting our cares upon Him is trusting in Him to truly watch over us and take care of us no matter what we may face. Our peace is found in Christ.
What Does This Mean?
Our hope is found in Christ. Our faith rest solely in Christ alone. He truly gives peace the world cannot give or comprehend. If we should suffer for righteousness’ sake, we are to have no fear of those who do such things (1 Peter 3:14). We can rest in the Lord through every season and every moment.
Be encouraged by the Word of God daily. If you have to shut off the news and every other reminder of this fallen world around you, do that and get alone with God in His Word. Meditate on His promises and His faithfulness. We need not fear, dear Christian. We need not fear because the Bible tells us so.
For further reading:
How Is God Not the Author of Fear?
5 Powerful Verses for When You’re Struggling with Fear
Why Has God Not Given Us the Spirit of Fear?
What Does it Mean ‘Fear Not for I Am with You’?
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