Why Does God Tell Us Not to Fear?
God would never instruct us to avoid something that’s good for us. So why does He repeatedly tell us not to fear? While there are many reasons, here we’ll explore four key consequences of fear which are specifically addressed in the Bible.
1. Fear Can Bring About the Very Thing We Dread
In the book of Job, we see a profound insight about the power of fear. Job confesses, “For the thing I greatly feared has come upon me, and what I dreaded has happened to me.” (Job 3:25 NKJV). This verse highlights a sobering truth: when we focus on fear and anxiety, we may unintentionally open the door for the very thing we fear to take root. Fear, when left unchecked, can sometimes attract the negative outcomes we dread.
2. Fear Paralyses Us and Stops Our Usefulness
Fear does not just hold us back; it can completely freeze us in place. In the parable of the talents, a servant who was afraid chose to do nothing with the gift entrusted to him. “And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.” (Matthew 25:25 NKJV). His fear led to inaction, and instead of investing or growing what was given to him, he buried it out of fear.
Similarly, in the time of Nehemiah, the enemies of Israel used fear as a weapon to try and halt the rebuilding of Jerusalem: “For they all were trying to make us afraid, saying, ‘Their hands will be weakened in the work, and it will not be done.’” (Nehemiah 6:9 NKJV). Fear is a powerful tool the enemy uses to paralyze us and stop progress. Just like in Nehemiah’s time, fear can halt the work God has called us to do.
3. Fear and Anxiety Lead to Depression and Physical Decline
The Bible warns that anxiety, can have a detrimental effect on our mental and emotional well-being: “Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad.” (Proverbs 12:25 NKJV). Prolonged fear and anxiety can lead to depression, which in turn can drain our energy and slow down our ability to function. Fear is not only a mental burden; it can also manifest in physical ways. As Jesus said in Luke 21:26, “Men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.”(NKJV). In extreme cases, fear can even cause physical breakdowns. And we know today anxiety is linked to a variety of health issues, from autoimmune diseases to chronic pain, and even a higher susceptibility to common illnesses like colds and flu. Fear impacts both our body and mind, and often in ways we may not fully realize.
4. Fear Separates Us from God
Perhaps the most damaging consequence of fear is how it affects our relationship with God. In the Garden of Eden, after Adam and Eve sinned, Adam confessed, “I was afraid, and I hid myself.” (Genesis 3:10 NKJV). Fear drove Adam to hide from God, and in doing so, it strained their relationship. Fear breeds a lack of faith, and when our faith falters, we grow distant from the one who loves us most. This separation is the ultimate consequence of fear—it erodes our trust in God and weakens our relationship with Him. This is the most harmful impact of fear because it cuts us off from the peace and strength only God can provide.
Conclusion
The Bible is clear: the consequences of fear and anxiety are far-reaching. Fear can invite negativity into our lives, paralyze us from fulfilling God’s purpose, affect our mental and physical health, and even cause a rift in our relationship with God. That’s why God repeatedly tells us, “Do not fear.” He doesn’t want us to live in the torment of worry or anxiety. Instead, He wants us to walk in faith, trusting He is in control and He is with us every step of the way.
God desires to protect us from these destructive consequences, which is why He offers us His peace and invites us to lean on Him, rather than on our fears.
Next time fear creeps in, remember God is greater than any fear we face.
Have you ever had fear about what others might think? Guess what! That is addressed in the Bible too, and is the topic for next week. (Click here for Part 3) and (Click here for Part 1)
