Fear is a major topic in the Bible, with nearly 600 different verses using the word "fear" or "afraid," and many more addressing the topic. Fear is usually an underlying cause of all sorts of other problems like eating disorders, depression, OCD, panic attacks, cutting, and on and on. The Bible tells us there is a good kind of fear, the fear of the LORD. At the same time, the most frequently appearing command in the Bible is "Do not fear." This is a negative command, "Do not..." that corresponds most closely to the positive command, "Rejoice in the Lord!" Fear takes away joy.
Jesus directly contracts ungodly fear with faith. When the disciples are in a boat with Jesus on the Sea of Galilee, a "furious storm" caused waves to sweep over the boat. Meanwhile, Jesus was calm enough to sleep! The disciples woke him up and said, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!" Now, there is nothing wrong with what they said. They came to Jesus and asked for help. Without his help, they probably would drown. However, Jesus knows that they are not simply asking for help. He knows their hearts, that they are greatly afraid, and he rebukes their fear. "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" (Matthew 8:26)
The principle here is that a lack of faith leads to fear. Therefore, a strong faith drives out fear. When the Bible talks about a strong faith, it is not simply talking about believing something without doubt or believing something even if there is no evidence. It is talking about trusting in someone. In this case, Jesus is calling on us to trust in his power and authority.
Consider what happens when Jesus gets to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. Two demon possessed men greet Jesus with great fear, calling him the Son of God and saying, "Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?" (Matthew 8:29). Notice that the demons know exactly who Jesus is, "the Son of God," and have great faith in his authority. They have confidence that he will torture them one day and can do so now, even before "the appointed time," if he chooses. Their faith in him causes fear, whereas the disciples lack of faith in him causes their fear.
Throughout Matthew 8 and 9, the authority of Jesus is presented and we are called to respond. Jesus demonstrates authority over sickness (Matthew 8:1-17), authority over nature (8:23-27), authority over demons (8:28-34), authority over sin (9:1-7), and even authority over death (9:18-25). Those who trust in his authority are commended. Jesus says that a Roman centurion has "great faith." (Matthew 8:10), while rebuking the disciples "little faith."
The point is that if we really recognize and understand who Jesus is, it will determine what kind of fear we have. If we are opposed to Jesus, as the demons were, recognizing his authority should cause fear, fear of him. Everyone who has sinned against God and has not received forgiveness by turning to Jesus, repenting from sin, and trusting in him to forgive is heading toward judgment. Those in this category should fear God. This is why the Bible speaks positively about fearing God.
However, when you are a disciple of Jesus and have your sins forgiven, you shouldn't fear anything else. Why not? Because Jesus is in control. Why fear the wind and the waves when the one who created them and can calm them with a word is in the boat with you? The key to overcoming fear is to know and have confidence that Jesus is really in control, and know that he is on your side. This is not a promise to eliminate all problems, but when problems come Jesus can stop them. If he doesn't, they serve a greater purpose. Either way, we have no need to fear. As Paul says, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?" (Romans 8:35)
If you struggle with fear, study Jesus' authority in the Gospels and ask for his help to increase your faith!
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