Fear Not!

“Fear not” is one of the most repeated commands in the Bible. God says it to shepherds, prophets, soldiers and a frightened nation. The reason is always the same: he is with us.

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee.” Isaiah 41:10

“Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.” Isaiah 43:1

“Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” Joshua 1:9

“Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27

“Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” Luke 2:10 (all KJV)

If someone asks what it means: “It’s from the Bible. God tells his people not to be afraid, because he is with them.”

What it is. “Fear not” is God’s answer to fear, said again and again. It does not say “you will never be afraid.” It says what to hold on to when you are.

The reason is who is with us. Look at what follows the colon each time.

• “For I am with thee.” (Isaiah 41:10)
• “For I have redeemed thee... thou art mine.” (Isaiah 43:1)
• “For the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” (Joshua 1:9)
• “Good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” (Luke 2:10)

Peace Jesus gives. “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)

More of the same.

• “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me.” (Psalm 23:4)
• “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1)
• “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
• Jesus to John, who fell at his feet: “Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore.” (Revelation 1:17-18)

What it does not mean. It does not mean bad things won’t happen. It does not mean you shouldn’t feel fear. It is not “think positive,” and it is not about being brave. The comfort is who is with us, not how strong we are.

What to say if someone asks. “It’s from the Bible. God tells his people not to be afraid, because he is with them.”

Want to know more? messagemerch.org/gospel

messagemerch.org