Faith Over Fear: Biblical Meaning Behind It

Dictionary describes fear as a feeling of anxiety and agitation caused by the presence or nearness of danger, evil, or pain. Fear one of the many emotions we feel, and multiple things can make us feel afraid; change, loss, pain, uncertainty, etc. 

It is only human to feel scared, but as believers, it is important to remind ourselves why we have to pick our faith over our fears each time.

What Does Faith Over Fear Mean

Picture this scenario. A little boy plays on the rooftop of a house, and after a while, because he isn’t being very careful, he slips through the railing and goes over the edge. Everyone flies into a panic as he dangles from the edge of the house. If his father comes up to him and says, “Jump, I’ll catch you”, you can bet all your money that he will. Why? He has an innocent, absolute trust in His father.

But wait. The fact that he jumps doesn’t mean he wasn’t scared of falling. It doesn’t mean he was giggling as he dangled over the edge. It also doesn’t mean he didn’t look down to the ground and think, “It’s so high up here”, or “I’m scared”.

But at that moment when his father says “Jump”, he can see hope. It doesn’t also mean he didn’t hesitate for a second and think, “what if daddy doesn’t catch me?”

Why then does he jump? He does so because he thinks, “It’s Daddy. Daddy is big and strong. Daddy won’t let me get hurt. He’ll always catch me.”

That is what choosing faith over fear is. It is being swamped by trials, overwhelmed with emotions, and trembling from being afraid of what looks bigger than you, but making a choice to trust God and His promises regardless. It is looking past the magnitude of the mountain before you and looking to God, believing that He is bigger than every mountain.

Looking carefully at Psalm 23:4, it is walking through the valley of the shadow of death and fearing no evil because the Lord is with you and comforts you. That is the faith over fear meaning.

How To Choose Faith Over Fear

There’s a kind of fear that comes from instant occurrences like your sibling popping out from behind a door with a scary mask. That type of fear give you an adrenaline rush which lifts quickly and you settle back to your neutral state. But there’s another type of fear that shackles you and holds you down. The fear of the unknown, fear of persecution, and anxiety.

In moments when facing such fear, it can be hard to see anything but how scarce you feel. However, as hard it is, look forward. God is here and has provided through His Word how you can fight those fearful moments.

• Remind yourself that such fear is from the devil

The Bible says in  2 Timothy 1:7

“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” 

If it’s not from God, then it should never be allowed around you. Any fear that cripples you is from the devil. This verse also shows that fear is a spirit and can be bound too! 

Our Lord has given us a spirit of power, love, and self-control, not fear.

• Remind yourself that you are a child of God

Romans 8:15 says, “For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”

Remembering the fact that you are God’s child gives you boldness in the Holy Spirit to overcome your fears. You are a child of a God who reigns over worlds that exist and worlds to come. You mustn’t fear because your Father dominates and rules over fear and anxiety. 

• Pray

Philippians 4:6 says,  “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”

Always bring your fears before God. He understands your emotions best. There’s a peace that fills your heart after you lay your burdens down at His feet. Talk to God today. It’s the most beautiful and most heart warming thing to do daily. 

• Remind yourself that God is with you

He says to you in Isaiah 41:10,” Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

He also says in 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.”

The knowledge that God roots for you will give you the strength to choose faith over fear.

• Meditate on the Scriptures to remind yourself of God’s Power

Like David says in Psalm 27:1  “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”

Instead of looking at the seemingly bad situation, feed on God’s Word. The Lord of Host and Maker of the Universe fights for you. He is greater than all you are scared of. And because of this, your victory over that circumstance is assured.

Can You Be Scared And Still Have Faith

Fear is a normal reaction to our storms. When Peter leaped off the boat to walk to Jesus on the water, you can bet he was still scared at that very moment.

Heb 11:1 says that faith is the conviction of things not seen. Even if it seems like there’s no hope in sight, you believe that there is.

What matters is that even though you feel fear, you choose to have faith and let your faith influence your reaction to that situation.

Final Thoughts

When the lies of the devil creep in, whose report shall you believe? Choose to believe what God says over the voices in your head. Like a child, believe your Father and pick faith over fear each time.

Reflect on what the Psalmist says in 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?” 

Our Lord Jesus didn’t promise us a bump-free ride here on earth. He said that our path will be full of troubles. But, He also promises us that He has overcome the world, and we have overcome likewise.