The Opposite of Fear is Trust
Andy Manley
2 Timothy 1:7
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
Fear can be healthy. We usually talk about fear as something that needs to be avoided and overcome. However, fear can be totally healthy. When we’re standing near the edge of a cliff, the fear of falling keeps us from getting too close. Every once in a while we would make loud noises and we’d carry bear spray when we were hiking in Montana. Being afraid of Grizzlies can save your life!
The problem is when we let fear control our emotions and lead our actions. Fear has a way of making our world feel small. It robs us of our ability to focus on multiple things. We’ve all been there. Our focus is only on the bad that can happen.
It’s interesting how often fear comes up in the Bible. It’s even more interesting to see how God consistently encourages us to not be afraid. When an angel showed up to Mary to tell her about Jesus being born, the angel said to not be afraid. When Joseph was wrestling with what to do because he found out his soon to be wife was pregnant, the angel said to not be afraid. When Joshua was about to become the leader of Israel and lead them into the promised land, God told him to not be afraid.
These people didn’t know what the future held. But, they knew they could trust in God.
The opposite of fear is trust.
This doesn’t mean that when we feel fear that we need to feel guilty that we aren’t trusting God. But it does mean that we have an opportunity to overcome our fear.
I read an awesome quote from a site called Got Questions. It said, “Trusting God is a refusal to give in to fear. It is a turning to God even in the darkest times and trusting Him to make things right. This trust comes from knowing God and knowing that He is good.”
We have a God who created everything that’s around us. He specifically chose to create you, wanting a relationship with you. He knows the future and He is totally in control. Hard times and confusing situations are going to come up. But we have a God who promises to be with us in the middle of them and carry us through them.
Isaiah 41:10
So 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.