Faith Over Fear

What is fear? Dictionary.com defines fear as: (noun): a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined; the feeling or condition of being afraid. Synonyms: alarm, angst, dread, horror, worry.

During covid for two years many residents in my suburb had encouraging religious signs saying: “Faith over Fear.” For many Americans fear of sickness or death from the disease, occupied the minds of millions. When faced with fighting the German Vermont of WW II, Patton said, “Never let yourself be captive to your fears.”

In addition, President Roosevelt gave his famous “fear” speech at his First Inaugural Address. The depression had reached its depth. Roosevelt’s first inaugural address outlined in broad terms how he hoped to govern and reminded Americans that the nation’s “common difficulties” concerned “only material things.” “So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself -- nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.” (emersonkent.com)

What Roosevelt was saying here was that the US economy could get better if people would only have confidence in it. He was saying that the only reason the Depression was happening was because people were afraid. So the only thing to be afraid of was their fear-- the only problem remained.

Roosevelt's famous expression relates to the idea of fear by showing how crippling and debilitating it can be if people let it rule their lives.

Roosevelt wanted the American people encouraged with hope, confidence, and optimism for the future. He realized how debilitating fear can be, how crippling it is to the human psyche, and how it can sap people's strength and moral fiber. (First inauguration of franklin D. Roosevelt – Wikipedia)

On the other hand, the Bible has much to say about fear. Out Christian God remains a figure of protection from fear. The psalmist said: “… (we) dwell in the shelter of the most high and rest in the shadow of the almighty. …because he loves me, says the Lord, I will rescue him (you) … I (the Lord) will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him …" (Psalm 91) Your faith will give you strength during times of fear and stress times of your life.

The following are inspiring prayers from the Bible.

On the other hand, the Bible has much to say about fear. Out Christian God remains a figure of protection from fear. The psalmist said: “… (we) dwell in the shelter of the Most High and rest in the shadow of the almighty. … he will call on m, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble… “ (Psalm 91) Your faith will give you strength during times of fear and stress times of your life. The following are inspiring prayers from the Bible on the topic of faith and fear.

Psalm 34:4-5 “I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.”

Matthew 8:25–27 The Lord will calm your fears as he quieted the troubled waters around his disciples.

Luke 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid

Psalm 91:4–5 “He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day.” Psalm 56:3–4 “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?” 2 Timothy 1:7 “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” Psalm 34:4 “I sought the Lord, and He heard me, And delivered me from all my fears

Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”

Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord will be with you wherever you go.”

Isaiah 41:8-10 “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

John 14:25-27 “Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

18 Lamentations 3:57 Do not be afraid for God hears your prayers

Psalm 118:6 The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?

Psalm 112:6–8 ; Romans 8:38-39; Psalm 107:28-30 ; Proverbs 29:25; Deuteronomy 3:22 ; Hebrews 13:5–6 ; Psalm 27:1 , 4 Psalm 46:1–3 ; 1 John 4:18–19; Mark 5:36