I still recall sitting in the front row of a conference years ago, quietly shaking in my cute red boots. They’re supposed to make me feel a bit more like a superhero, but they’re not working so well tonight. I laugh to myself at the irony. In a few minutes, I’ll step onto the stage and speak about anxiety. Yet as I wait, my heart races along and I inwardly pray for calm.
One of my fellow speakers confesses that it has always seemed like a paradox for God to tell us, “Do not be afraid” and yet give us bodies that are wired to experience fear. As someone who has worked as a counselor and life coach, I’ve studied a lot about how our brains work. We actually can’t help it when our nervous system triggers our flight-or-fight response. It’s automatic and always involves fear. So if we’re “wonderfully made” like the psalmist says, then how do we reconcile what God seems to tell us to do with how he’s created us to feel?
As someone who has wrestled with fear for most of my life, I’ve asked that question often. And as I looked closer at what God says, I finally found my answer. Verses that say, “Do not be afraid” are almost always spoken to or for someone who is already afraid.
Israelite armies about to go into battle (see Deut. 20:1-4).
Mary being startled by an unexpected angel (see Luke 1:30).
The apostle Paul facing a serious storm (see Acts 27:23-26).
In other words, when God says, “Do not be afraid,” it is most often offered as a reassurance, not issued as a command. He’s not saying, “Don’t ever feel fear.” He’s saying, “Here’s why you don’t have to stay afraid.”
Do not fear, for I am with you. (Isa. 41:10)
Do not fear; I will help you. (Isa. 41:13)
Do not fear . . . I have called you by your name; you are Mine. (Isa. 43:1)
It’s the kind of language a loving parent would use to comfort a child who’s afraid of the dark. A compassionate mom or dad knows their little one is going to be okay, but they give words that soothe hearts and calm minds anyway. And most beautiful of all, their love defeats the fear.
If we wait to do God’s will until we don’t ever feel fear, then we will stay stuck. He’s okay with our trembling hands, knocking knees, and pounding hearts. After all, he designed the bodies that cause them—and he spent thirty-three years in one. When we experience anxiety or fear, the enemy can try to use it as an opportunity to make us feel guilt or shame. That’s when we can pause and ask God for help, knowing he understands and never condemns us.
God will come alongside us in our uncertain moments and give us the reassurance we need. Then he’ll lead us out of fear and into courage. Cute red boots aren’t even required. (Although in my professional opinion they’re still highly recommended.)
Cheering you on,
Holley
MORE FOR YOU
- Want reminders of truth that will help when you feel afraid? Download this free resource I created for you: 12 Fear-Fighting, Faith-Building Scripture Cards.
- If you’d like a devotional book that includes brain science AND biblical truth about anxiety for yourself or someone you love, then check out What Your Minds Needs for Anxious Moments.
- I have something NEW for you on YouVersion (the Bible app on your phone)! Start this free 3-day devotional plan now: Find Your Purpose Where You Are. AND if you want to go even deeper, listen to the recent More Than Small Talk episode, Find Your Purpose in This Season.
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