fearful

2 Timothy 1:7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” Another translation reads, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (NKJV). There are many things in this life that will tempt us to fear.

Fear of Disease or Global Pandemic

This is what the Lord says to me with his strong hand upon me, warning me not to follow the way of this people: “Do not call conspiracy everything this people calls a conspiracy; do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it. The Lord Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread” (Isaiah 8:11-13). 

Fear of Cancer

“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). 

Fear of Life Circumstances

But now, this is what the Lord says . . . “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior” (Isaiah 43:1-3). 

Fear of Religious Persecution

“Hear me, you who know what is right, you people who have taken my instruction to heart: Do not fear the reproach of mere mortals or be terrified by their insults” (Isaiah 51:7). 

But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened (1 Peter 3:14).

Fear of Loneliness

“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). 

Fear of Bad News

Surely the righteous will never be shaken . . . They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes” (Psalm 112:6-8). 

Fear of Sudden Disaster

Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the Lord will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared (Proverbs 3:25-26).

Fear of Anxiety

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in ChristJesus (Philippians 4:6-7). 

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27). 

Fear of Being Confused and Overwhelmed

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Psalm 46:1-3,10 says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling…. Be still, and know that I am God…”

God Has Not Given Us the Spirit of Fear

In times of trouble, God says, “Be still (take your seat), and know that I am God (fasten your seatbelt).” To paraphrase, Psalm 46:10 is saying, “Take time to be quiet and remember who I am.”

“It is only through Scripture, applied to our hearts by the Holy Spirit, that we receive the grace to trust God in everything…. I want you to find rest from the weariness of worry and the plagues of doubt and fear. I want us to be a distinctive people — people who step out in faith even when the future is fuzzy, people whose lives reflect a quiet peace and calm assurance because we have cultivated perfect trust in God” (Swindoll, Perfect Trust).

Revelation 21:8, KJV: “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” … This is the second death. ‘”