Overcoming Fear: Trusting in God's Word for Strength

Fear is a powerful emotion that can easily grip our hearts and minds. It creeps in and takes hold, causing us to worry and doubt. We all have fears that we wrestle with on a daily basis. Perhaps you fear never finding the right person to marry, or if you are already married, you fear that your marriage will never improve. Maybe you fear failing at work or losing your job. Health concerns can also be a source of fear, whether it's worrying about what illness you might have or how you might die. And for those with children, fears about their well-being, relationships, and faith can be constant companions.

But have you ever stopped to consider that your fears may be exactly where Satan is targeting you most? He preys on our insecurities, anxiety, and distress, pouring the gasoline of lies on our fears, trying to convince us that God is powerless, indifferent, or distant. Even King David, a man after God's own heart, cried out in Psalm 13:1, "How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?"

In times of fear, it can feel as if God is far away. We may question His power, His love, and His presence in our lives. But the truth is, God is not powerless. His power is immeasurably great (Ephesians 1:19). God is not indifferent towards us; He cares for us as a loving Father cares for His child (1 Peter 5:7). And God is not distant; He is near to all who call on Him (Psalm 145:18). However, when we are consumed by fear, it can feel as though God is far away.

It's important to recognize that sometimes God feels far from us in trials because we have put ourselves out of earshot from His Word. We neglect to seek His guidance and comfort through Scripture, and instead, we allow our fears to consume us. But just as King David did, we can find hope and strength in God's Word.

In Psalm 56, David writes from a place of deep fear and distress. He had been seized by the Philistines while running from Saul's army. David thought he might find refuge among the Philistines if they had forgotten who he was. However, some servants of the king recognized him and he was captured. David was now running for his life from one murderer with an army of soldiers, only to find himself in the arms of another jealous and dangerous enemy. These were his "trials of various kinds" (James 1:2).

David describes his situation in Psalm 56:

"Be gracious to me, O God, for man tramples on me; all day long an attacker oppresses me; my enemies trample on me all day long, for many attack me proudly... All day long they injure my cause; all their thoughts are against me for evil. They stir up strife, they lurk; they watch my steps, as they have waited for my life" (Psalm 56:1–2, 5–6).

David lived each day not knowing if it would be his last. He faced constant danger and the constant threat of death. Yet, in the midst of his fear, he declares, "I shall not be afraid" (Psalm 56:4, 11). How could he say that when he was on the run and in captivity?

David's secret was in putting his trust in God. He knew where to turn in the face of his fears. He writes, "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?" (Psalm 56:3–4).

David understood that trusting in God meant trusting in His Word. He didn't just pray vague prayers of hope; he anchored his pain, longing, and fear in specific promises from God. Instead of dwelling on the terrifying mountains in front of him, he set his mind on what God had said to those who love Him. And in doing so, the threats no longer seemed threatening because they were being drowned out by a louder voice – the voice of God's Word.

If we want to learn how to trust in God in the midst of our fears, we can find guidance in Psalm 119. This psalm exalts and celebrates the power of God's Word like no other. It is the longest chapter in the Bible, and it is filled with verses that speak to the comfort and strength found in Scripture.

The psalmist in Psalm 119 declares:

"My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word!" (Psalm 119:28).
"I am severely afflicted; give me life, O Lord, according to your word!" (Psalm 119:107).
"You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word" (Psalm 119:114).
"I rise before dawn and cry for help; I hope in your words" (Psalm 119:147).
"Princes persecute me without cause, but my heart stands in awe of your words" (Psalm 119:161).

Even in the midst of sorrow and affliction, the psalmist finds strength and hope in God's Word. It is his hiding place, his shield, and his source of awe and wonder. When he doesn't know what to say because the trials are so heavy, he cannot get enough of God's voice. His only hope for healing, strength, protection, help, and deliverance is written in God's book.

Trusting in God means trusting in His Word. It means clinging to Him and His promises when we are afraid. Instead of focusing on our fears, we set our minds on what God has said. We drown out the lies of the enemy with the truth of Scripture. We anchor ourselves in the hope and peace found in God's Word.

We can take comfort in knowing that God is for us. David affirms this truth in Psalm 56: "This I know, that God is for me. In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me?" (Psalm 56:9–11).

Trusting in God means trusting what He says. And what does God say in His Word? He says that He is for us. If God is for us, who can be against us (Romans 8:31)? What can man do to us?

When fears come knocking at our door – and they will come, even today – we know where to turn. We know the voice we need to hear, the voice that instills a peace that surpasses all understanding. Jesus said, "In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). And because we are in Him, and He lives in us through faith, we have overcome the world (1 John 5:4–5).

So, the next time fear creeps into your heart, remember the example of David. Put your trust in God and His Word. Anchor your fears in His promises. And declare with confidence, "I shall not be afraid."