Isaiah 41:10 – Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’

So often, I have felt afraid. Afraid of big things happening in the world and culture. Afraid of “small” things in my personal life. It is often said that the Bible mentions 365 times to not be afraid, but it is possible to understand that we should not be afraid yet still feel afraid.  

The journey from a life of anxiety to a life of peace with God is not linear. Please do not lose heart or feel guilty about feeling afraid. God is our loving Father and He is patient.  He knows and recognises our weaknesses, including tendencies to be afraid.

“For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.” – Psalm 103:14

But God is also strong and mighty to save (Zephaniah 3:17). He is able to rescue from that pit of fear and set your feet on the rock (Psalm 40:2).

Moses

“But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?”” – Exodus 3:11

Moses was chosen by God to lead the people of Israel out of slavery in Egypt. There were many reasons why he may have felt afraid to embark on this journey. Moses was no political leader, and the people had been enslaved for generations; what could he say to convince Pharoah? But God in His love reminded Moses Who would be with him. He told Moses that God who had been with their ancestors was with him (Exodus 3:12;15).

God is with you too. He will never leave or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). God is with you because He loves you and you are precious to Him (Isaiah 49:15-16).

When you feel afraid, firstly remember that God is with you. I encourage you to even imagine God literally standing beside you like a Father stands next to their child. God goes with you because He is the good shepherd (John 10:11). No matter how far you go, you cannot leave His reach for you; His hand is not too short to stretch out to you (Psalm 139:7-10). The assurance that God is with you, and His awesome presence at which the earth shakes (Nahum 1:5) is surrounding you unseats the magnitude of any fear or scary situation you are facing (Psalm 23:4).

Gideon

“So he said to Him, “O my lord, how can I save Israel? Indeed my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.”” Judges 6:15

Often but not always, fear comes from a feeling of inadequacy. We feel that we are not strong enough, wise enough, or able enough to handle the big situation ahead. We may feel we do not have enough income to manage to pay the month’s bills, or we do not have enough qualifications to apply for the job, or even enough of a walk with God to share the Gospel.

Beloved, we are not called to be “enough”. Christ is our sufficiency (2 Corinthians 3:5). Anything we are able to do, we are able to do because of God’s great mercy.

“Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God” 2 Corinthians 3:5

You do not have to face that mountain alone. The God who made five loaves and two fish sufficient to feed a crowd of thousands is still alive. The God who called a Shepherd boy to be king is still alive. The God who called a former persecutor, and a former tax collector, and even a former adulterer to share His Gospel is still alive! Stop looking inward for sufficiency and start looking up! Look to God. When you feel afraid, remember that God is with you to give you the knowledge and wisdom and provision you need (Psalm 56:3).

Peter

“But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying “Lord, save me!”” Matthew 14:30

It is important to keep your eyes on Jesus when you feel afraid. Put your attention back on Him and His great love for you. Reminding yourselves of the truths that He promises to never leave us, to protect us, to guide us, to shield us brings you peace in the midst of a storm.

We must also use prayer. When you feel afraid, pray. Call to God and He will answer. Let God know you are afraid. Tell Him what is making you afraid and then ask Him for what you need. Trust that He has heard you and continue to fix your mind on the truth of His word (Philippians 4:6-8).

The Bible is full of people who were afraid at various points in their lives. Many people who were greatly used by God expressed fear, so do not condemn yourself if you wrestle with this very human emotion. But do not be led or ruled by fear. At the name of Jesus, every knee must bow including the knee of fear. Call out to God like Peter to save you from fear and believe that He will deliver you (Psalm 32:4).

“I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4

With love,

Faith.