Never fear, God is near!
“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.” (Isa. 41:10 ESV)
Two kinds of fear
It’s important to understand that there are two definitions of the word fear and they have very different meanings from each other. According to the Word of God we are commanded not to do one but we must to do the other. It’s important to know the difference between the two. We are commanded in Scripture to fear God (the fear of God) and not to fear man or the devil (worldly fear). So, what does this mean? The following are the two definitions.
Worldly fear - The most general term for this kind of fear implies anxiety and usually loss of courage. Itis defined as “dread, fright, alarm, panic, terror, trepidation, and/or painful agitation in the presence or anticipation of danger. This kind of fear is not from God, “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” (2 Tim. 1:7 ESV) By the way, the command, “Don’t be afraid” or “fear not” (both are essentially the same thing) is the command most given in the Bible. In fact, you will find it said in one way or another 365 times, one time for each day of the year! And understand that worldly fear is the exact opposite of faith; you can’t have faith when you allow worldly fear.
The fear of God - The Bible refers to the fear of God over 300 times. It is very different than worldly fear described above. This kind of fear is defined as a feeling of respect and wonder for God who is supreme and powerful. We are commanded to fear God this way. The fear of God is very positive! “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!” (Psalm 111:10 ESV), and “The fear of the Lord leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm.” (Prov. 19:23 ESV)
In other words, to know the fear of God is to know no fear of man.
God has commanded: Be strong and courageous
We are not to give in to worldly fear! We are strong and courageous when we realize God is always with us.
“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” (Deut. 31:6 ESV)
“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.” (Josh. 1:9 ESV)
If worldly fear attacks do this
“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, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:6-7 ESV)
“I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.” (Psalm. 34:4 ESV)
Therefore…
“The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Psalm 118:6 ESV)
“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.” (Isa. 41:13 ESV)
“…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 ESV)
“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.” (1 John 4:18 ESV)