As I read through the Christmas story once again, I’m struck by the fear that our biblical friends encountered. I suspect I would have been afraid if I were in the presence of an angel as well. But in each case, the angel said, “Do not be afraid.”

I’ve been afraid and as an adult I’ve faced fear. Fear of terrorist attacks. A loved one dealing with serious illness. The death of someone I don’t know how to live without. Unemployment.

Perhaps you are facing a fearful situation of your own. If so, I want you to know that God knew how fear would creep into our lives. And in His all-knowing way, God offers some words of encouragement.

It’s hard to say how many times “fear not” or its equivalent can be found in Scripture, but there are over 100 references on this topic. God knew fear would be an issue for us and He gave us plenty of material to guide us through each step of fear.

On multiple occasions, Joshua was told not be afraid and trust God. He was told to be strong and courageous. God gave Joshua all he needed. Including confidence to go forward and win the battle.

Perhaps you are asking yourself, “Can I trust and have confidence that God is going to lead me into my own battle and that I can go without fear?” Please know that the answer is yes! God is right by your side in each battle. If I hadn’t experienced this personally, I could not be so confident.

David found himself fearful on occasion and in Psalm 34 he expresses his plan for overcoming fear. “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.” (Psalm 34:4 – NIV)

David also gives encouragement with his words in Psalm 27:1 (NIV). “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?” What do we have to fear? Only fear itself.

With God on our side and His Holy Spirit within us, we can live lives where fear cannot cripple us. We can live strong and courageous lives.

So what is my plan for conquering fear? I spend time in God’s Word. I listen to what He has to say to me about it. I spend time in conversation with God. I tell Him about my fears. What is truly making me anxious about the situation and release those fears to Him. Then again, I listen to what He has to say.

If you are fearful today, take heart, if you have cried out to God, He has heard you. But I would encourage you take action. I’ve listed the Scripture reference to every passage with the words “do not be afraid.” Why not take the time to read through these verses?

If you tend to be an anxious person, why not read one of these verses every day? When you’ve completed the list, start again.

I’ll be honest. Sometimes it takes more than one time to put these fears aside, but at the end of the day, I know that God is with me and because of that, “I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13 – NIV)

Genesis 15:1

Genesis 21:17

Genesis 26:24

Genesis 46:3

Exodus 14:13

Exodus 20:20

Numbers 14:9

Numbers 21:34

Deuteronomy 1:17

Deuteronomy 1:21

Deuteronomy 1:29

Deuteronomy 3:2

Deuteronomy 3:22

Deuteronomy 7:18

Deuteronomy 20:1

Deuteronomy 31:6

Deuteronomy 31:8

Joshua 1:9

Joshua 8:1

Joshua 10:8

Joshua 10:25

Joshua 11:6

Judges 6:23

1 Samuel 12:20

2 Kings 1:15

2 Kings 19:6

2 Kings 25:24

1 Chronicles 22:13

1 Chronicles 28:20

2 Chronicles 20:15

2 Chronicles 20:17

2 Chronicles 32:7

Isaiah 10:24

Isaiah 37:6

Isaiah 40:9

Isaiah 41:14

Isaiah 43:5

Isaiah 44:2

Isaiah 44:8

Isaiah 54:4

Jeremiah 1:8

Jeremiah 30:10

Jeremiah 40:9

Jeremiah 42:11

Jeremiah 46:27

Jeremiah 46:28

Ezekiel 2:6

Ezekiel 3:9

Daniel 10:12

Daniel 10:19

Joel 2:21

Joel 2:22

Zechariah 8:13

Zechariah 8:15

Matthew 1:20

Matthew 10:26

Matthew 10:28

Matthew 28:5

Matthew 28:10

Luke 1:13

Luke 1:30

Luke 2:10

Luke 12:4

Luke 12:32

John 12:15

John 14:27

Acts 18:9

Acts 27:24

Revelation 1:17

Revelation 2:10

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna