07/24/2026
overcoming anxiety…
Fear is a tricky word and concept, especially in the context of Scripture. There are lots of times in the Bible where it says, “Do not fear,” but there are also lots of other scriptures in the Bible that say, “Fear the Lord”. So, which is it, and what do we do? Spoiler: it’s both and all! Let’s break down the difference.
“Do not fear.”
This type of fear is the sort of fear that comes from self-preservation. It shows up when people are afraid of the power of the angels that appear to them, or when individuals are afraid of the battle before them, or the enemy that is pursuing them. It’s a fear that seeks to preserve and shows itself as anxiety.
In your own life, it might be the fear and anxiety you feel in social settings when you’re anxious about how a conversation went. It’s the fear you may feel as you parent your kids or send them out into the world, afraid of what they might encounter. It’s also the same fear that keeps you enslaved to the false comfort of your phone, bed, and toxic habits. It’s not of God, it holds you back, and that’s why God calls us out of it so often in the Bible!
“Fear the Lord.”
This fear is clearly good. We’re being commanded to it, actually! Fear of the Lord is the deep reverence, respect, and acknowledgement of power that we experience when we view God correctly. It’s the fear that causes us to repent and to honor His ways. It’s never mistaken as anxiety.
This fear actually brings about freedom because, when we fear the Lord, we can’t help but to bind ourselves to the things of God and do what He is calling us to. Fear of the Lord means we are no longer limiting God to what we are “comfortable” with, but instead, we see Him as the all-powerful, all-knowing, and ever-present God of the Universe who exists outside of space of time.
So, to put all of that simply… Do not fear or be anxious about the consequences of these earthly things that have no control over your soul, but rather, fear the Lord; for He is the Author of your life and holds the keys to eternal life.
