What is fear in the Bible? Fear is a powerful emotion we all know well. It can range from a quiet, background feeling to a force that shapes our choices and actions. In the Bible, fear often serves as a signal that something might be dangerous or unsettling, urging us to seek protection or guidance. At its core, fear can be a natural response meant to keep us safe. However, when fear becomes overwhelming, it can trap us, preventing us from living fully. So, what exactly is fear in the Bible, and why does it appear in so many forms?
In our lives, fear often takes different shapes—fear of the unknown, of failing, of being alone, or even fear of things that seem harmless but feel real to us. Each type of fear may feel unique, but they share one thing in common: they point to something deep within us. This section explores the roots of fear from a biblical perspective, seeking to understand what fear means in the Bible and how it connects to our experiences.
What Is Fear in the Bible?
When we ask, “What is fear in the Bible?” we quickly find it’s not a simple concept. The Bible discusses fear in many different ways, and not all forms of fear are seen as negative. In some passages, fear is a form of respect, such as the “fear of the Lord,” which brings wisdom and reverence. Other verses talk about fear as something that weakens us, urging us not to be afraid because God is with us. Fear is both a signal and a barrier in the Bible. It signals the need for God’s guidance and presence, yet it can also create distance between us and the peace He offers.
Understanding fear in the Bible helps us see that fear is not simply about avoiding what scares us. Instead, it’s about learning where to place our trust. When the Bible talks about fear, it often points to our need for connection with God rather than being overcome by the situations or thoughts that frighten us. This perspective allows us to explore how our own fears—whether they seem big or small—can teach us about faith, dependence, and ultimately, freedom.
“He will be the stability of your times, a wealth of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is His treasure.”
– Isaiah 33:6
Childhood Fear Overseas
When I was three, I left the comfort of America and moved overseas to Africa, where my grandparents raised me in a rural area. English wasn’t the primary language there, so life felt very different and challenging from the start. Growing up in the countryside brought me face-to-face with experiences that planted deep seeds of fear. These were not just small worries but real fears that shaped my childhood and stayed with me even when I returned to America.
The darkness in rural Africa was unlike anything I’d ever seen. Unlike America, where streetlights keep the night from feeling pitch black, our home used small, temporary lamps to light up the rooms at night. The darkness, terrifying. I dreaded going outside, especially at night, where there was no light to guide the way. Even simple things, like going to the restroom, became terrifying because the restroom was outside, and you had to walk through the shadows to reach it.
Another event that stirred deep fear in me was my first experience with death. At nine years old, I attended my first funeral, and it shook me to the core. The sight of people mourning, the weight of finality, and the feeling of something beyond my understanding made me fear not just funerals but the unknown itself. It wasn’t just the events unfolding—it was the overwhelming sadness in the air, something I could grasp because of the somber songs that filled the space, and fear grappled at me. That night, I lay awake, trembling, feeling more vulnerable than I ever had before.
Growing Up with Fear
As a child, my imagination ran wild in the dark. I remember looking at the aluminum-covered cupboards in my grandparents’ home. When the light from our small lamps reflected off them, I saw strange shapes and shadows that looked like monsters waiting to jump out. My heart would pound every time I saw those reflections, making it hard to convince myself that they weren’t real. These experiences left a mark, shaping how I felt about safety and the unknown.
Even after returning to America as an adult, the fears I had grown up with didn’t simply fade away. I found it difficult to stay alone in a house or apartment, where the silence and empty rooms stirred up old, lingering feelings. The memory of those dark nights in Africa returned with unsettling force, like a residual trauma that still clung to me. It was as if the fears I thought I had left behind had followed me back, haunting me in moments of solitude. Staying alone wasn’t just lonely; it resurfaced the deep, unresolved fear I had carried for years, a fear I couldn’t talk to anyone about—a silence within itself wrapped in fear.
Turning Fear into a Story of Hope
My story is just one of many, but I believe that sharing these experiences can help others recognize their own fears. Perhaps you, too, have memories that make your heart race or places that feel hard to revisit. Fear is part of the human experience, but when we look at it through the lens of faith, it transforms. It goes from being a weight we carry alone to a journey we share with God, who promises to walk beside us.
“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1). Reflecting on what is fear in the Bible, I realize that fear isn’t just about external threats but also about what’s within us. It can be a guide, teaching us where to find true security. The Bible reminds us to “fear not,” not because fear isn’t real, but because we have a place to turn when fear becomes overwhelming. Just as I had to learn to face the fears of darkness and loss, I now see fear as an invitation to rely on something stronger than myself—a peace that goes beyond my understanding.
Fear as a Catalyst for Growth
Rather than viewing fear as a barrier, we can see it as an opportunity. Fear has the potential to help us grow when approached constructively. Here are some ways that fear, including fear discussed in the Bible, can be a powerful tool for development.
- Self-Awareness: Fear reveals areas of vulnerability, highlighting where we feel unprepared or insecure. When we view fear as a signal rather than a setback, it helps us identify the areas in our lives where growth is needed.
- Resilience: Confronting fear builds resilience. Each time we face a fear, we strengthen our ability to handle challenges in the future. This process makes us more adaptable and courageous over time.
- Clarifying Values: Fear can reveal what matters most. Often, our fears are connected to things we don’t want to lose, like relationships, purpose, or faith. By examining these fears, we gain insight into our core values and can prioritize what’s truly important.
- Motivation for Change: Fear can serve as motivation. When we feel afraid, it can push us to take action, develop new skills, or make changes in our lives. This motivation helps us prepare and build stronger foundations.
- Spiritual Growth: From a biblical perspective, fear can bring us closer to God. The Bible speaks of the “fear of the Lord” as reverence, encouraging us to rely on God’s wisdom when navigating fear. This kind of fear strengthens faith and deepens our relationship with God.
Connecting the Dots: How Fear Fuels Intrusive Thoughts and Anxiety
Fear can be deeply connected to intrusive thoughts and anxiety, especially for those with ADHD, like me. ADHD makes it difficult to shut down racing thoughts, and fear only feeds this. What begins as a simple fear can spiral, turning into anxious thoughts that feel difficult to control. These intrusive thoughts, which come out of nowhere and seem impossible to stop, often leave us feeling isolated and overwhelmed.
However, understanding what is fear in the Bible from a biblical perspective can provide a sense of hope.. “Do not be anxious about anything,” Paul wrote, “but in every situation, by prayer and petition…present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6-7). This isn’t simply advice to push fear away. It’s an invitation to face fear, knowing we don’t have to carry it alone. Instead of letting fear grow, we’re reminded that God is there, ready to carry the burden with us. I’ve found that meditating on verses like these grounds me, helping me find calm amid the worry and anxiety.
What’s Next: Practical Ways to Overcome Fear
We’ve started the journey by exploring what is fear in the Bible, weaving together personal stories and biblical insights to deepen our understanding. But what’s next? The next steps will dive deeper, showing you how to transform fear into resilience and peace. Each part of the series will guide you in a new way, helping you use fear as a stepping stone to personal and spiritual growth.
- What is Fear in the Bible? Spiritual vs. Cognitive Distortions
We’ll explore the difference between fear that feels like a spiritual struggle—creating a sense of distance from God—and fear that comes from cognitive patterns, like overthinking. Understanding both types will help you see and address each one. - Fear from Past Trauma or Guilt
Many fears are connected to past trauma or guilt. This section will examine how these experiences create lasting fear and offer compassionate steps, using faith and practical approaches, to help you find peace. - Fear from Sin or Mistakes
Fear often stems from regrets or past mistakes. We’ll look at how to face these fears through biblical teachings, helping you find forgiveness, self-compassion, and a path forward. - Practical Ways to Manage Fear
Finally, we’ll dive into hands-on techniques to actively manage and overcome fear, such as grounding exercises, affirmations, and building resilience through faith.
Each part will build on the last, taking you step-by-step through the process of transforming fear into an opportunity for growth and peace.
