What are you afraid of? Is it spiders? Maybe you don’t like dogs? Maybe clowns freak you out (because let’s face it, clowns are just weird). Or maybe your fears are a bit bigger. Do you watch the latest news on terrorist attacks and worry that they’re going to get you? Or are you scared that your friends are going to judge for who you are?

Whoa, we’re getting deep. Let’s pull back a bit.

Fear affects all of us. Whether it’s fear of speaking in public or fear of pending doom, we all face fear at some point or another. The problem is these fears can stop you from doing things that you would otherwise do. Most of us will try and avoid doing things we’re afraid of, and sometimes we will literally run away.

So what does the Bible say?

But what to you think the Bible tells us to do when we’re afraid. Is it avoid fear at all cost? Are we meant to pray? Or should we just man up and not be afraid?

Well surprisingly, it’s the last one (though the Bible puts it a bit friendlier than that). Look what God tells Joshua when he begins to feel afraid.

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 NIV

God said to Joshua ‘do not be afraid‘ but then He tells him why, ‘for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go‘. In fact, God doesn’t just say this to Joshua. All through the Bible we can find this phrase. And you know when the Bible makes a point of repeating itself then it must be important.

So next time you feel afraid of something, take a moment to remind yourself that God is with you. And if God is with you then you don’t need to be afraid. Remember…

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7 NLT

List of some of the Bible verses that say ‘Do not be afraid for I am with you’ (or something similar)

• Deuteronomy 31:6
• Joshua 1:9
• Psalm 23:4
• Psalm 118:6
• Isaiah 41:10
• Jeremiah 1:8
• 1 Chronicles 28:20