5 Fear-Fighting TruthsSýnishorn

God Will Help You with Your Fear

Do you have faith and yet experience fear? For so long I didn’t understand why God tells us, “Do not be afraid” and yet gives us bodies that are physically wired to experience fear.

Our nervous system triggers our flight-or-fight response. It’s automatic and always involves fear. This protects us and helps us survive. If a bear comes charging through the door, we need to feel fear. So if we’re “wonderfully made” like the psalmist says, then how do we reconcile what God seems to tell us to do with how he’s created us to feel?

As someone who has wrestled with fear for most of my life, I’ve asked that question often. And as I looked closer at what God says, I finally found my answer. Verses that say, “Do not be afraid” are almost always spoken to or for someone who is already afraid.

Israelite armies about to go into battle.

Mary being startled by an unexpected angel.

The apostle Paul facing a serious storm.

In other words, when God says, “Do not be afraid,” it is most often offered as a reassurance, not issued as a command. He’s not saying, “Don’t ever feel fear.” He’s saying, “Here’s why you don’t have to stay afraid.”

Do not fear, for I am with you. (Isaiah 41:10)

Do not fear; I will help you. (Isaiah 41:13)

Do not fear . . . I have called you by your name; you are Mine. (Isaiah 43:1)

It’s the kind of language a loving parent would use to comfort a child who’s afraid of the dark. A compassionate mom or dad knows their little one is going to be okay, but they give words that soothe hearts and calm minds anyway. And most beautiful of all, their love defeats the fear.

If we wait to do God’s will until we don’t ever feel fear, then we will stay stuck. He’s okay with our trembling hands, knocking knees, and pounding hearts. After all, he designed the bodies that experience them—and he spent thirty-three years in one.

When we struggle with anxiety or fear, the enemy can try to use it as an opportunity to make us feel guilt or shame. That’s when we can pause and ask God for help, knowing he understands and never condemns us.

God will come alongside us in our uncertain moments and give us the reassurance we need. Then he’ll lead us out of fear and into holy courage.