Have you ever wondered what does the Bible says about fear but didn’t know where to start looking?  When I found myself beginning to wonder about fear in the Bible, I began studying God’s Word for the answers. During my study, I found two important commandments He gives to us about fear. 

What Does the Bible Say About Fear? | Our 2 Commandments 

1. His Commandment Not to Fear the World

He commands us not to fear the world, and He calls us to do what is right in His eyes even if the world disagrees and even if it will cost us. Do you remember when Peter and John proclaimed Jesus after his crucifixion and spoke against the wishes of the high priest Annas?

“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. But seeing the man who was healed standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition.

But when they had commanded them to leave the council, they conferred with one another, saying, ‘What shall we do with these men? For that a notable sign has been performed through them is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. But in order that it may spread no further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name.’ 

So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered them, ‘Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.’

And when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people, for all were praising God for what had happened. For the man on whom this sign of healing was performed was more than forty years old.” Acts 4:13-22 (ESV)

Stand Your Ground 

This story shows that Peter and John’s purpose was to speak what God commanded them even when it went against the orders given to them by their leaders. 

That commandment still stands true today. Even if a leader in our area wants us to stop doing something– or to do something– that we believe goes against God’s Word and what He wants us to do or not do, we need to put our faith in God and have the courage and boldness to stand our ground, even if it means we will face negative and severe consequences from worldly authority.

2. His Commandment to Fear God

God is love! (1 John 4:8) It is because of His lavish love for us that He sent His only Son to die for our sins and to give us everlasting life through faith in Jesus. Because we often think of God as being all-loving, we sometimes forget that God also commands us to ‘fear Him.’ 

The kind of fear He desires for us to have toward Him is a reverence and awe so that we realize He is so ‘other than’ mankind; He alone is worthy of all praise, honor, and glory! Because He is perfect in love and in knowledge, He has given us commands to follow that He gave to us for our good so that we will not be taken captive by sin, which always leads to pain and sorrow. He longs for us to ‘fear Him’–to respect, revere, and worship Him–so that we will honor Him and obey His commands. If we love Him, He tells us, we will obey Him. (John 14:15-17) Obedience to Him demonstrates our fear and awe of Him. 

In Ecclesiastes 12:13, God tells us our chief responsibility in life is to fear Him and to keep His commandments. When we fear– or know, worship, and revere Him for Who He really is–a Holy God, Who is  All-Powerful and in control of the Universe and always Loving, we will be released from all of our other earthly, unholy fears. Just like with Peter and John, who defied the authorities and continued to preach the gospel Jesus had commanded them to share, we can be released from the ‘fear of man’ when we are consumed by a fear of our Holy God. When we fix our eyes upon God, we will realize how great He is and how small in comparison are our earthly fears, worries, and anxieties. Throughout His Word, we are reminded to trust God with our fears and anxieties because He will strengthen us and uphold us. 

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 (ESV)

A Clear Word from God

Do you remember ever feeling fearful about a decision you had to make because you wanted to make the right one? Your emotions were pushing you towards one direction, and your mind and logic were moving you in the other direction? I have, and that’s when I pray and ask for a clear word from the Lord. 

I have said: “I want to love, serve, and obey You first, Father. Lead and direct my decision. I do not want my will, but Your will to be done.” When I pray with those words, I’m showing God that I fear and love Him and that I trust His will to be better than my will. I encourage you to pray like that when you are facing a life decision. The way He leads may or may not be the way you had hoped, but if you obey His leading, you will be blessed, and you can be assured that His way and His will are always better than yours!

It’s important to remember to follow a clear word from God, even if it impacts your relationships or your job. When you decide to follow Him and trust that His way is always best, you will live a life of peace, joy, and contentment that is only found in Him.

A New Perspective on Fear  

When I fear God, Who is Holy, I will be released from every unholy fear. When I succumb to my unholy fears, it demonstrates that I don’t really fear and love God.  

Lord, thank You for creating me to be one of Your warriors for Your kingdom’s purpose! Increase my fear of and love for You so that I truly can be set free from every unhealthy, unholy fear and live boldly and courageously for the unique purpose you have put me on Earth. I long to be used by You and to please You in all that I do! Amen.

You are one of His warriors, and you were created with a unique purpose!

True View Ministries founders Julie and Jamie offer workshops and seminars that focus on equipping God’s warriors to live a life free of fear, worry, and anxiety. Learn more about scheduling a workshop for your next event.