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◄ Being Scared►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Being scared, or experiencing fear, is a common human emotion that is addressed throughout the Bible. Fear can arise from various situations, including threats to physical safety, uncertainty about the future, or spiritual challenges. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings on how to understand and respond to fear, emphasizing trust in God as the ultimate source of peace and security.

Biblical Instances of Fear

1.Adam and Eve: The first instance of fear in the Bible occurs after Adam and Eve disobey God in the Garden of Eden. When they hear God walking in the garden, they hide because they are afraid (Genesis 3:10). This fear is a result of their awareness of sin and separation from God.

2.Abraham: InGenesis 15:1, God addresses Abraham's fear by saying, "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward." Here, God reassures Abraham of His protection and promises, encouraging him to trust in divine provision.

3.Israelites at the Red Sea: When the Israelites are trapped between the Red Sea and the pursuing Egyptian army, they are terrified. Moses tells them, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today" (Exodus 14:13). This passage highlights God's power to save and the importance of faith in His deliverance.

4.Gideon: InJudges 6, Gideon is called by God to deliver Israel from the Midianites. Despite his fear and feelings of inadequacy, God assures him, "Peace be with you. Do not be afraid, for you will not die" (Judges 6:23). Gideon's account illustrates how God equips and empowers those He calls, even when they are fearful.

5.Disciples in the Storm: In the New Testament, the disciples experience fear during a storm on the Sea of Galilee. Jesus calms the storm and asks them, "Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?" (Mark 4:40). This incident teaches about Jesus' authority over nature and the call to trust Him in times of fear.

Teachings on Fear

1.Fear of the Lord: The Bible distinguishes between being scared and the "fear of the Lord," which is a reverential awe and respect for God.Proverbs 9:10 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." This fear leads to wisdom and a righteous life.

2.God's Presence: Scripture frequently reminds believers of God's constant presence as an antidote to fear.Isaiah 41:10 encourages, "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 right hand."

3.Perfect Love: The New Testament teaches that love drives out fear. 1John 4:18 declares, "There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." This passage emphasizes the transformative power of God's love in overcoming fear.

4.Trust in God: Trusting in God is a recurring theme in addressing fear.Psalm 56:3-4 states, "When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" Trust in God's promises and character provides security and peace.

5.Courage through Faith: The Bible encourages believers to be courageous in the face of fear.Joshua 1:9 commands, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Courage is rooted in the assurance of God's presence and faithfulness.

Conclusion

The Bible acknowledges the reality of fear but consistently points believers to God as the source of courage and peace. Through faith, trust, and the assurance of God's love and presence, believers are equipped to face fear with confidence and hope.

Topical Bible Verses

Psalm 56:3
What time I am afraid, I will trust in you.
Topicalbible.org

Psalm 119:120
My flesh trembles for fear of you; and I am afraid of your judgments.
Topicalbible.org

Psalm 119:139
My zeal has consumed me, because my enemies have forgotten your words.
Topicalbible.org

Library

The Disasters Suffered by the Romans in the Punic Wars, which were...
... But at the time we speak of, the fire in the temple was not content withbeing kept
alive: it raged. And when the virgins,scared by its vehemence, were unable...

The Life of Mr. William Row.
... Sermonbeing ended, Scoon said to some of the nobles attending him, You see I have
scared the preacher from meddling with the constant moderator, but I wonder...

Of the Presbyter Anastasius, by whom the Faith of Nestorius was...
... or that he denied the Divinity of Christ: but he seemedscared at the... alarm he
manifested on this subject just exposed his extreme ignorance: forbeing a man...

1869-1870. Emigration of Families --A visitor's Impressions --The...
... and not miss the 'bite and the sup.' It was washing-day; but the old lady left her
tub 'right away,' and hoped we would not be 'scared,', by herbeing in a...

God's Care Over Me
...Being entirely absorbed in my devotion, I did not know that there was any danger
until... as we were going through a bit of timber, the mule gotscared and began...

Preface to the Present Edition.
... Roe. He himself was on the point ofbeing seized, when he was struck by
a contagious fever, whichscared away his pursuers. Though...

section v.
... the Devil, were it in his power, would do the like; whichbeing impossible, his... I
can hardly think there was ever anyscared into Heaven; they go the fairest...

The Arrest
... Probably Judas,being ahead of the band he was leading, went somewhat into the... there
remained on His face some traces of the Agony, whichscared the onlookers....

Ephesians iv. 17
... How long will ye go on and never cease trifling, "being darkened in the understanding"?...
into the fire, and boldly into the candle also, and yet arescared at a...

Thanksgiving to God for Deliverance from the Evils Expected Owing...
... We werescared all day long by innumerable rumours, and disturbed and agitated on
every side; and were every day... Who can helpbeing struck by their position?...