Psalm 3:6 (NASB20) I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people Who have set themselves against me all around.
Psalm 3 is said to be from David when he was fleeing from his son Absalom. In it David says that God is his shield and his salvation. He says that he cried out and the Lord answered him; that he lied down and slept because the Lord sustains him; that he does not fear even if 10 thousand people surround him.
David trusted God and surrendered his life into God’s hands. His fearlessness and his faith are a testament to his level of surrender to, and trust in, the Lord. David didn’t live a perfect life, but he never held anything back when it came to trusting God. Even when he was fleeing from his enemies he did it with a trust that God would work everything out eventually — and without a sense of fear or personal ambition. He simply put his life in God’s hands and lived there.
This is the way to live. In a state of fearless surrender and trust to the Lord, God. Even though enemies may pursue and surround us — the Lord is our shield and our salvation!
Psalm 23:4 (NASB20) Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
This passage from Psalm 23 is perhaps one of the most well known in the whole Bible. God is our good shepherd. He guides us with His rod and protects us with His staff. We have no need to fear because He is with us — and who can stand against the Lord!
Death may loom over us and cause us to feel a sense of dread, but God is with us even there. Life certainly is no less foreboding at times, but we have no need to fear when we are following God and trusting Him. That doesn’t mean it will always be pleasant — we still have to walk through the valley — but we don’t need to fear or dread it, only surrender our life and our will to God in it.
Psalm 27:3 (NASB20) If an army encamps against me, My heart will not fear; If war arises against me, In spite of this I am confident.
Psalm 27 is about fearless trust in the Lord. In it David says that the Lord is his defense and salvation — whom shall he fear or dread. He talks about not being afraid of his enemies because God is with him. Instead of focusing on his fears or his adversities he instead turns his heart to praising God and worshiping Him. He says that in the day of trouble God will hide him in His tabernacle, and that he only longs to live in the house of the Lord.
Even though his father and mother have forsaken him, David says that God leads him on a level path. God does not turn him over to false witnesses, but teaches him His ways. He says we just have to be strong, take courage, and wait for the Lord.
Psalm 34:4 (NASB20) I sought the LORD and He answered me, And rescued me from all my fears.
Psalm 34 is thought to be from David when he pretended to be insane in front of king Abimelech. It is about God rescuing sinners from their guilt and shame. It says that God is near to the brokenhearted and those who are crushed in spirit. That he saves those who turn to him from their guilt, but is against those who hate the righteous. It says the angel of the Lord camps around those who fear Him, and that those who fear Him do not lack anything.
When we fear God, we have all we need to get through life. Think about it. How do we get through life? One day at a time. And how do we get through the day? One moment at a time. And how do we get through each moment? By surrendering to God, turning our heart to Him, meditating on His word, and seeking His glory. Moment by moment, day by day, from now until forever — the Lord is my strength, my shield, my provision, and my salvation. I shall not want. I shall not be afraid. Thank you God! Amen.
Psalm 46:2 (NASB20) Therefore we will not fear, though the earth shakes And the mountains slip into the heart of the sea;
Psalm 46 is about God being in control. The earth may shake, but God will not be moved. It is His voice that shakes it. We do not have to strive — only rely on Him. He puts and end to wars. He is the Lord of armies and our stronghold.
God is powerful beyond our imagination and in control of far more than we even know about. Only through meditating on Him and His word can we even begin to fathom His greatness and power, and even diligent meditation can’t begin to comprehend it. God’s greatness is beyond measure. Will you trust in Him and rest in His hands? Or will you lean on your own understanding?
Psalm 49:16 (NASB20) Do not be afraid when a person becomes rich, When the splendor of his house is increased;
Psalm 49 is about the deception of riches. When a person is ambitious and achieves many worldly goals they are looked upon as successful, but this Psalm reminds us that we can’t take that stuff with us when we die. We can spend our whole life building up our own glory, but it perishes with us. What are we doing that will endure? What legacy are we leaving for our generations after us? Life is not about accomplishments, it’s about impact; not how far you can rise above others — but how you can help others grow and thrive with you.
We tend to stand in awe of those who have fame and wealth as if they hold some special status in life. We must remember that they still suffer from the human condition — from the deep longing for meaning and fulfillment. Money cannot fill that void — only God can. We do not need to fear the rich — even though they might use their riches for evil — because, ultimately, it is those whose hope and trust is in the Lord that will find the rest that their soul thirsts for.
Psalm 56:4 (NASB20) ... Psalm 56:11 (NASB20) In God, whose word I praise, In God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? ... In God I have put my trust, I shall not be afraid. What can mankind do to me?
This is a Psalm of David from when he was seized by the Philistines. In it he takes refuge in God and His word. He cries out about the deception and destructive intentions of people. But he celebrates the protection and faithfulness of God.
There are people out there who want to do harm to others. There are people who oppose us based on superficial things. There are people who oppose us ideologically. There are people who just want to see the world burn.
No matter what happens, everyone returns to dust — but God is eternal. We do not need to fear those who pose a temporary threat to us in this life because the one who gives us eternal life cannot be harmed and we belong to Him. We praise Him and He saves our souls from death, and our feet from stumbling.
The threats of man are limited to the physical world — but our true identity, our true life, is in the spiritual realm. We do not need to fear the physical world, only endure it for a little while.
Psalm 64:4 (NASB20) To shoot from concealment at the innocent; Suddenly they shoot at him, and do not fear.
Psalm 64 is about people who plot and speak evil things. They boast and take pride in their plans and schemes, but they will bring shame upon themselves. God will rebuke them and wound them with the truth. And all their schemes will turn against them in the end because God will have the victory, and truth and justice will reign supreme.
We must endure evil people in this world, of that there is no question. But they are not to be our main focus. We only need to focus on God. The wicked will suffer the fruits of their wickedness in due time, and the righteous will boast in the Lord.
How much of your attention do you give to the wickedness of people? How much of that attention should you give to God instead?
Psalm 78:53 (NASB20) He led them safely, so that they did not fear; But the sea engulfed their enemies.
Psalm 78 is a remembrance of everything God did to bring Israel out of Egypt, through the wilderness, and into the promised land. The Psalm says that they did not fear, but we know that they did fear. They feared Pharaoh’s army before God parted the Red Sea, and they feared to enter the promised land when they reached it the first time.
Even though they feared and complained, God was faithful to them, and fought their battles and provided for their needs. Every time they were afraid God stepped in and led them safely, so that they did not fear any more.
We often fear things and get anxious about things, then we pray to God and he answers our prayers, and we take it for granted — maybe remembering to say thank you once in a while. Then tomorrow comes and we find something else to fear or complain about, and God steps in again, and the cycle repeats.
We can be a lot like Israel — even when we try not to be. We get ourselves worked up about things, then finally get overwhelmed and give it to God, and He relieves us of our burden only for us to burden ourselves again with something else.
There are those moments where we are relieved, though. Those moments where the rest and refreshment of God’s presence is fresh in us. Those are the moments we are to live in, and defend in our hearts. We do not need to fear or worry because God is taking care of us. He always has, and He always will.
Psalm 91:5 (NASB20) You will not be afraid of the terror by night, Or of the arrow that flies by day;
Psalm 91 is about God’s protection over the one who trusts in Him. It’s from this Psalm that Satan quoted one of his temptations to Jesus in the wilderness — “On their hands they will lift you up, so that you do not strike your foot against a stone” Psalm 91:12.
One thing that stands out to me is that this Psalm says that God rescues us from the deadly plague, and we will not be afraid of the plague that stalks in darkness. That just seems like timely reassurance to me.
The whole Psalm talks about God’s total protection of those who trust in Him. That we are secure in Him. That He will answer us, rescue us, and show us His salvation. This truly is a Psalm to meditate on if you are ever feeling fear.
Thank You God for Your protection and salvation. Amen.
Psalm 94:19 (NASB20) When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your comfort delights my soul.
Psalm 94 is about God’s vengeance on those who rebel against Him. It talks about people taunting God saying that He does not hear or see. But it points out that God is so much greater than man, and that He disciplines those whom he loves, and teaches from His law.
The Lord will not abandon us, but He will destroy the wicked who rebel against Him. He is a refuge to those who trust in Him, but He returns the injustice of the evil ones back upon them. God is patient, but He is also just. He may endure wickedness for a time, as to give a chance for repentance, but He will not endure it forever. He will bring justice. We only have to trust in Him.
Psalm 112:7-8 (NASB20) He will not fear bad news; His heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD. His heart is firm, he will not fear, But will look with satisfaction on his enemies.
Psalm 112 is about the prosperity of the one who fears the Lord. It says this person delights in the Lord’s commandments, and his descendants will be mighty on the earth with wealth and riches in his house. He will not be shaken but will be remembered forever. He will not fear, but look “with satisfaction” upon his enemies. The righteous will be exalted, and the wicked will be vexed and perish.
This is a sweet promise to those who trust in the Lord. Faith is like all good things. It must be persisted in. You don’t get in shape by going to the gym for a week. You get in shape by going to the gym on a regular basis, and not stopping. Similarly, you don’t get God’s blessings by having short bursts of faith in desperate times of need. He may give you momentary relief, but His blessings will endure to the generations of those who are constantly bowed down before Him with their heart and mind set on Him.
Trusting in God is not something that can be compartmentalized. It’s something that permeates the life of the righteous. And the fruit of this trust is a fearlessness about life and the schemes of the wicked. There is no need to fear when you know God, because you will know that all things, all circumstances, all of creation is in His hands, and bends to His will, and He is just and loving and all powerful.
Psalm 118:6 (NASB20) The LORD is for me; I will not fear; What can man do to me?
There are quite a few verses in Psalm 118 that are quoted quite often, and fairly well known. It is a mighty Psalm praising God and giving thanks to Him. The Lord is powerful and mighty and it is better to trust in Him, to take refuge in Him, than to place any trust or hope in people — even in noblemen.
Though the nations surround me, in the name of the Lord I will fend them off. There is no need to fear man who is weak and powerless before the Lord. The Lord is for me; I will not fear; What can man do to me?
The Lord disciplined me severely but did not turn me over to death. I will give thanks to You God, for you are my salvation. This is the day that the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy is everlasting.
We live in a temporary world, but we have an eternal God. There are things that are presently beyond our understanding. Things that God promises us, and assures us of. Things that our spirit assures us are true. The truth of God’s word unfolds all around us. We need only hear with the ears that He gave us, and see with the eyes that He opened. Every breath we take is from Him.
The natural result of trusting God, relying on Him, and resting in Him is that there is no place for fear in our lives. At that point all anxiety and striving are gone. And what else is there but to continually give thanks to the Lord and praise and worship Him. Once all the weight of worldly concerns are lifted, our hearts are unburdened and we can’t help but praise God in awe and wonder.
Trusting God may begin by us not being afraid to follow Him — or should I say by us stepping out in courage to follow Him. I’m not talking about great heroic acts. I’m talking about those first few steps where you’re not quite sure, but you’re willing to try.
When you take those first few steps in faith He is right there, like the Good Father He is, ready to catch you if you fall. Just as He led Israel out of Egypt. At some point He builds us up and requires us to be brave in our trust of Him. Just as he required Israel to go in and take the promised land. But ultimately, the fruit of absolute fearlessness is only born by absolute trust in Him — like Jesus showed us when He willingly went to the cross.
Trusting God is the opposite of fear, and the fullness of that trust results in the elimination of all fear. Just as the fullness of the light of God eliminates all darkness, and the fullness of the righteousness of God eliminates all evil. Jesus showed us that complete trust in God overcomes even death, and it is by His complete trust in God that He overcame death not only for Himself, but for everyone who trusts in Him. So, do not fear, but trust in the Lord!
με αγαπη,
BJ