God Can Free You from Fear

Let’s face it: We all battle a thick layer of underlying fear that wraps around our hearts. This fear shows up in many ways: in nightmares, in runaway anxiety, in procrastination, in anger or depression or doubt, perhaps in panic attacks and post-trauma nerves.

In the story of Zechariah, imagine him in the hallowed Holy Place of the temple, alone, standing amid the flickering lights of the lampstand, holding the pan of incense in his hand and carefully transferring its contents onto the live coals. He had never been inside that room and never would be again. He tried to take it all in without botching his task. He knew large crowds of people were waiting for him outside.

Suddenly, Zechariah caught a glimpse of a presence beside him, and an angel of the Lord appeared to him. When Zechariah saw him, he was understandably gripped with fear. But the angel said, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah” (Luke 1:11–13).

The Bible is full of similar verses that tell us not to fear or fret. God never tells us to be unafraid without giving us a reason, often linked to a promise, a fact, a truth, or an attribute of God. For example, here in Luke 1, Gabriel said that Zechariah shouldn’t be afraid because God was sending him the answer to his prayer.

As people of faith, we’re not immune to fear, but we should never stay in its prolonged grip. We need a sanctified courage that lets us help the terrified people in the world around us. We have the Spirit of God, and He does not give us a spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7).

You need not remain fearful, because God is a shield to you, your very great reward. He has treasure to give you; He will show you His salvation; He is with you, in your midst, a great and awesome God; He is with you wherever you go. The battle isn’t yours but God’s. He is with you. He is for you. He will help you.

And you are worth more than all the sparrows on earth!

Lord God, thank you that you want to eradicate fear from my life. Free me, I pray, from the fear that threatens to consume me, and replace it with your peace, rest, and joy. Amen.