In a world that often feels like it's spinning out of control, it's easy for fear to creep in and take root in our hearts. We worry about our jobs, our health, our families, and the future. The news cycle can be a constant barrage of reasons to be afraid, and personal challenges can feel overwhelming. But as believers, we have a profound truth to cling to: when fear surrounds you, you can trust God and take courage, for He will never leave or forsake you.
The Source of Our Courage
Our courage doesn't come from our own strength or resilience; it comes from knowing who God is and His unchanging character. Deuteronomy 31:6 tells us, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." This promise, given to Moses as he prepared to hand over leadership to Joshua, is a timeless truth for us today. God's presence is the ultimate antidote to fear.
Examples of God's Faithfulness Amidst Fear
The Bible is full of powerful examples of those who found strength in God's presence when facing immense fear. But God's faithfulness isn't just a historical concept—it’s a living reality today.
I remember a season in my own life when fear was a constant companion. My family and I had made the drastic decision to sell our home and move to a new city. One week after we arrived in the new city the company that moved me suddenly closed. I was a consultant and not an employee so there was no unemployment compensation. Here we were in a new city with no job, no money, and honestly, no prospects. The anxiety of providing for my family in that kind of scarcity was immense. Each morning brought a wave of fear: How will we pay rent? Where will our next meal come from?
Yet, as the weeks turned into several months, something miraculous happened. God provided everything we needed. Groceries would appear. Bills would be paid. The specific resources to sustain my family kept arriving, and to this day, I honestly cannot tell you where the exact source of that provision came from. There was no single generous donor, no lottery win, just a consistent, inexplicable flow of what was required. It was a tangible, daily testament that God is faithful to His promise: He never leaves or forsakes us. He proved Himself to be my provider, turning a situation that should have been terrifying into a living demonstration of His grace.
This personal story echoes the mighty acts of faith throughout scripture:
1 Samuel 17:37 NIV The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine. Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you.”
David's courage wasn't born of his own might, but from his trust in God's past faithfulness.
Daniel 3:16-18 NIV[16] Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. [17] If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. [18] But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”
God met them in the fire, proving His presence even in the direst circumstances.
Daniel 3:24-27 NIV [24] Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, “Weren’t there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?” They replied, “Certainly, Your Majesty.” [25] He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.” [26] Nebuchadnezzar then approached the opening of the blazing furnace and shouted, “Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!” So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire, [27] and the satraps, prefects, governors and royal advisers crowded around them. They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them.
Matthew 8:23-27 NIV[23] Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. [24] Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. [25] The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” [26] He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. [27] The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”
This story reminds us that even when our circumstances seem overwhelming, Jesus is with us, and He has authority over every storm.
The Source of Our Courage
Our courage doesn't come from our own strength or resilience; it comes from knowing who God is and His unchanging character. Deuteronomy 31:6 tells us, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." This promise, given to Moses as he prepared to hand over leadership to Joshua, is a timeless truth for us today. God's presence is the ultimate antidote to fear.
Examples of God's Faithfulness Amidst Fear
The Bible is full of powerful examples of those who found strength in God's presence when facing immense fear. But God's faithfulness isn't just a historical concept—it’s a living reality today.
I remember a season in my own life when fear was a constant companion. My family and I had made the drastic decision to sell our home and move to a new city. One week after we arrived in the new city the company that moved me suddenly closed. I was a consultant and not an employee so there was no unemployment compensation. Here we were in a new city with no job, no money, and honestly, no prospects. The anxiety of providing for my family in that kind of scarcity was immense. Each morning brought a wave of fear: How will we pay rent? Where will our next meal come from?
Yet, as the weeks turned into several months, something miraculous happened. God provided everything we needed. Groceries would appear. Bills would be paid. The specific resources to sustain my family kept arriving, and to this day, I honestly cannot tell you where the exact source of that provision came from. There was no single generous donor, no lottery win, just a consistent, inexplicable flow of what was required. It was a tangible, daily testament that God is faithful to His promise: He never leaves or forsakes us. He proved Himself to be my provider, turning a situation that should have been terrifying into a living demonstration of His grace.
This personal story echoes the mighty acts of faith throughout scripture:
- David and Goliath: Imagine the terror of facing a giant warrior, fully armed and boasting. The Philistine army undoubtedly instilled fear in the Israelites. Yet, young David, with unwavering faith, declared,
1 Samuel 17:37 NIV The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine. Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you.”
David's courage wasn't born of his own might, but from his trust in God's past faithfulness.
- Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: These three men faced the terrifying choice of bowing down to an idol or being thrown into a blazing furnace. Their response, rooted in trust in God's sovereignty, demonstrated incredible courage.
Daniel 3:16-18 NIV[16] Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. [17] If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. [18] But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”
God met them in the fire, proving His presence even in the direst circumstances.
Daniel 3:24-27 NIV [24] Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, “Weren’t there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?” They replied, “Certainly, Your Majesty.” [25] He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.” [26] Nebuchadnezzar then approached the opening of the blazing furnace and shouted, “Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!” So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire, [27] and the satraps, prefects, governors and royal advisers crowded around them. They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them.
- Jesus Calms the Storm: The disciples, seasoned fishermen, were terrified when a fierce storm threatened to capsize their boat. He rebuked the wind and the waves, and there was complete calm.
Matthew 8:23-27 NIV[23] Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. [24] Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. [25] The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” [26] He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. [27] The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”
This story reminds us that even when our circumstances seem overwhelming, Jesus is with us, and He has authority over every storm.
Practical Steps to Trusting God and Taking Courage
When fear starts to engulf you, here are some practical ways to anchor yourself in God's promises:
Immerse Yourself in Scripture: God's Word is filled with declarations of His faithfulness and commands to not fear.
Psalms 23:1-6 NIV [1] The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. [2] He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, [3] he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. [4] Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. [5] You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. [6] Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Isaiah 41:10 NIV [10] 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.
Let these truths sink deep into your soul.
Prayer: Talk to God about your fears. Lay them before Him, knowing that He listens and cares. Ask Him for His peace and courage.
Philippians 4:4-7 NIV[4] Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! [5] Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. [6] Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. [7] And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Remember Past Faithfulness: Reflect on times in your own life when God has come through for you (like the provision for my family in that new city). Just as David remembered God rescuing him from the lion and the bear, recall God's past victories in your life.
Community: Don't isolate yourself when you're afraid. Share your struggles with trusted Christian friends, family, or your church community. They can pray for you, offer encouragement, and remind you of God's truth.
Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV[24] And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, [25] not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Worship: Engaging in worship can shift our focus from our fears to the greatness of God. Sing hymns or contemporary worship songs that declare His power and love.
Psalms 34:3-4 NIV [3] Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together. [4] I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.
He Will Never Leave or Forsake You
This is the ultimate promise that combats all fear.
Hebrews 13:5 NIV Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
No matter what challenges you face, no matter how deep the fear—whether it's facing a giant, enduring a furnace, or facing a financial crisis with an empty wallet—God is with you. He is not a distant, uncaring deity, but a loving Father who walks alongside you through every valley. Take courage in this truth today!
When fear starts to engulf you, here are some practical ways to anchor yourself in God's promises:
Immerse Yourself in Scripture: God's Word is filled with declarations of His faithfulness and commands to not fear.
Psalms 23:1-6 NIV [1] The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. [2] He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, [3] he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. [4] Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. [5] You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. [6] Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Isaiah 41:10 NIV [10] 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.
Let these truths sink deep into your soul.
Prayer: Talk to God about your fears. Lay them before Him, knowing that He listens and cares. Ask Him for His peace and courage.
Philippians 4:4-7 NIV[4] Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! [5] Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. [6] Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. [7] And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Remember Past Faithfulness: Reflect on times in your own life when God has come through for you (like the provision for my family in that new city). Just as David remembered God rescuing him from the lion and the bear, recall God's past victories in your life.
Community: Don't isolate yourself when you're afraid. Share your struggles with trusted Christian friends, family, or your church community. They can pray for you, offer encouragement, and remind you of God's truth.
Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV[24] And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, [25] not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Worship: Engaging in worship can shift our focus from our fears to the greatness of God. Sing hymns or contemporary worship songs that declare His power and love.
Psalms 34:3-4 NIV [3] Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together. [4] I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.
He Will Never Leave or Forsake You
This is the ultimate promise that combats all fear.
Hebrews 13:5 NIV Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
No matter what challenges you face, no matter how deep the fear—whether it's facing a giant, enduring a furnace, or facing a financial crisis with an empty wallet—God is with you. He is not a distant, uncaring deity, but a loving Father who walks alongside you through every valley. Take courage in this truth today!
RSS Feed