“We fear men so much, because we fear God so little. One fear causes another. When man’s terror scares you, turn your thoughts to the wrath of God.” - William Gurnall
This is probably the most biblical answer to conquering fear. Not only what the Lord HAS done for me, but what He WILL do for me in the future. We need to rely on God in His promises and what He said he will do. And why would we trust that God would help us? We need to trust in how God describes Himself in the Bible.
A Consuming Fire
Deuteronomy 4:24; 9:3
Hebrews 12:29
A Fortress
2 Samuel 22:2
Psalms 18:2; 91:2; 144:2
Nahum 1:7
A Defense
Psalm 5:11; 31:2
Isaiah 31:5; 37:35
Zechariah 9:15; 12:8
A Refuge
Exodus 33:22
Deuteronomy 33:27
Psalms 27:5; 31:20; 46:1; 71:3
Isaiah 25:4
Zechariah 9:12
A Shield
Genesis 15:1
Deuteronomy 33:29
Psalms 33:20; 84:11; 115:9
But it’s not just what God says about Himself in His Word, but also what He says about believers in Him. It’s important to understand what our relationship with the Lord is. It should be noted in the following that there are more instances where God calls us these things. Writing them all down would make this blog too long. There are more than likely other words that God describes Himself and us. God in His Word calls us:
The Bride of Christ
Isaiah 62:5
2 Corinthians 11:2
Revelations 19:7; 21:2; 22:17
Children of God
Romans 8:16-21; 9:26
1 John 3:10
Sons of God
John 1:12
Romans 8:14
Galatians 4:7
Philippians 2:15
1 John 3:1
Heirs of God
Romans 8:17
Titus 3:7
If we are the bride of Christ; children, sons, and heirs of God, wouldn’t you think that God would take care of us? Even though I don’t have children, I have a wife. If anyone messes with my wife, they mess with me. The Lord knows what we can deal with, and the extent of the trials we will face. But you may not be convinced of this promise yet. We see the heart of God’s faithfulness as our provider in Matthew 6:25-34, and as our Father who is looking for us in the parable of the lost sheep (Luke 15:1-7), the lost coin (Luke 15:8-10), and the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32). In Romans 8:28 reads, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purposes”. No matter how bad the situation is for us, God will use it for His good.
So if this is all true, then what does God’s Word say about giving in to fear. What does this mean? It means that we do not trust in His faithfulness and we call Him a liar.
Revelation 21:7-8 – He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolotars, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.
Of all these sins worthy of eternal hell, cowardly leads the pack. Why is that? Cowardly, in the King James is fearful. In Greek, it is deilos, which is having a fear that keeps you from doing a thing. The word is also used in Matthew 8:26 and Mark 4:40 which talks about when the disciples when they were fearful of being on the stormy waters of the Sea of Galilee. Why is that so important? Our courage is fueled by our faith in God. If we lack courage, it’s only because we lack faith. If we lack faith, we insult the integrity of Almighty God.
So today, think about God. Meditate on His power, might, and Holiness. When you feel scared, and fear about sharing your faith, think of the One who you are glorifying as you talk about Christ, the Father, and the Holy Spirit. Think about it, you are giving glory to God, worshipping Him as you share your faith. It can't get any better than that.
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