Why Does God Keep Saying, "Do Not Be Afraid"? (Part 3): Choosing Faith Over Fear

Thank you for coming back to read Part 3!

In Part 2, we looked at the different kinds of fear we experience and how some fears can actually serve a good purpose to make wise decisions. We also looked at how fear can become a problem when we allow it to control us or cause us to believe our fears more than God's promises.

So, what do we do when fear comes?

We choose faith.

David had his fair share of fears. He was hunted by King Saul for years. He hid in caves, fled from his enemies, and lived as a fugitive. There were moments when he felt overwhelmed, distressed, and uncertain about what would happen next.

Yet David didn't allow fear to have the final word. Instead, he continually brought his fears before God.

In Psalm 56:3, David writes,

"When I am afraid, I put my trust in You."

Notice that David didn't say, "If I am afraid." He said, "When I am afraid." Fear was something he experienced, just as we do. The difference was that David chose to respond to fear with faith. Rather than allowing fear to control him, he trusted God who was greater than his circumstances.

Later in the same psalm, David declares,

"In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?" (Psalm 56:4)

Think about David's situation for a moment.

King Saul wasn't simply threatening David with words. He was actively pursuing him with a marching army. David had every reason to be afraid. Yet David chose to trust God instead of his circumstances. His confidence wasn't that nothing bad could happen. His confidence was that his life was in God's hands. If you think about it, what is the worst that could happen to David? He could have died and been with God. David's life was in God’s hands. What can a mortal man really do to him? Absolutely nothing!!

David understood that his greatest security wasn't found in escaping Saul—it was found in belonging to God. That same truth applies to us. Fear may knock on the door, but we don't have to invite it in and let it take control. Like David, we can honestly admit when we are afraid while also choosing to put our trust in Him.

Our circumstances may be frightening, but they are never greater than God who holds our lives in His hands. No matter what fear you face today, remember that God is still saying,"Fear not, for I am with you" (Isaiah 41:10).

As we know, Satan is the author of fear, not God.

When God created the heavens and the earth, everything He made was good. There was no fear, anxiety, worry, or panic ruling over mankind. Adam and Eve lived in the presence of God without fear or shame. Fear entered the picture after sin entered the world. When Adam and Eve disobeyed God, one of the first things we see is fear. Adam said, “I was afraid” (Genesis 3:10).

Sin brought separation, and with that separation came fear. The enemy has continued to use fear as a weapon to deceive, discourage, distract, and keep God's people from trusting Him. But fear does not have to rule our lives. God did not create us to live as slaves to fear. He calls us to live by faith and trust in Him. This is why throughout Scripture, God repeatedly reminds His people, “Do not be afraid.”

1 John 4:18 says,

"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love."

Paul reminds us in 2 Timothy 1:7,

"For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."

God wants to deliver us from fear; the enemy does not. Whenever we give way to fear, we give access to the enemy to use it against us, to discourage us, distract us from God's promises, and tempt us to doubt God's goodness.

Whenever we give way to faith, we give access to God in our lives to better us. As we trust Him, He strengthens us, gives us peace, increases our confidence in His promises, and reminds us that He is in control.

It becomes a choice for us: Are we willing to operate in faith or in fear?

As believers, we need to continually remind ourselves that God is always with us.

Although we cannot see Him physically, He makes His presence known through His Word, His Holy Spirit, His faithfulness, and His work in our lives. Just knowing that He dwells within us should calm our fears and remind us that we are never alone.

God told Joshua,

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9)

When you feel alone in the middle of your worries, your fears, or your anxiety, remember this: God is with you.

When you don't know what tomorrow holds, God is with you.

When life feels overwhelming, God is with you.

When fear tries to convince you that you've been abandoned, God is with you.

And because He is with you, He will help you.

Psalm 46:1-2 reminds us,

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea."

Think about it for a moment.

The earth and the mountains represent the things that seem stable and unshakable. Even if those things collapse, even then our faith in God keeps us steady.

When everything around us seems unstable, God remains unchanging.

When everything around us is shaking, God remains our solid foundation.

When everything around us feels uncertain, God remains faithful.

Circumstances may change. Nations may rise and fall. The earth itself may tremble. But our God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. That is why we do not fear.

Thank you for reading! I hope this study encouraged you to trust God more deeply and reminded you that no matter what you're facing, He remains faithful. If this post blessed you or helped you see His Word in a new way, feel free to share it with someone who may need this reminder today.

Until next time, may you continue to walk in His peace and rest in His unchanging promises.

Shalom!