Everyone feels fear. Sometimes our fears are imagined. At other times, they seem like palpable, present entities bred from an experience with this complicated world. For instance, you may be afraid of losing a loved one to an illness or disease. Many of us fear for the safety of our children. Some of us are afraid of freak accidents or financial troubles. But looking over your shoulder, waiting for something terrible to happen is no way to live. As Christians, we have an antidote to fear. We need to turn our gaze from fears to God, the Father. He alone protects us from the real and imagined monsters of our minds. Here are four great Bible verses to reflect on, when you are overcome by fear.
“I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.” Psalm 34:4-5
This psalm is a song of Praise by David after God delivered him from King Saul. Like most of us, David tried to combat his fear with human solutions. Despite this weakness, the Lord delivered him from his fears. This psalm is a reminder that though we are weak and forgetful, our merciful God will time and again come through for us. He will be our refuge.
“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
When we are confronted by threats, we can choose to focus on fear, or we can choose to have faith. Fear centers us. Faith focuses on God’s authority and goodness. Those who have faith will relinquish their fears and wait for the Lord to deliver them.
"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.” Isaiah 41:13
The imagery of a powerful God holding our hand is just as heartening to us as it was to the people of Israel to whom this verse is addressed. It is an encouraging image and one that is meant to calm the fearful, turbulent mind.
“You shall not fear them, for it is the LORD your God who fights for you." Deuteronomy 3:22
Giving in to fear becomes a habit. This is because we think our battles are ours to fight and we spend too much time trying to figure out how to fight them. It is futile to battle fear ourselves. Let God do the heavy lifting. Trust in him, for if he is for you, which human entity or institution can be against you?