Introduction

Fear is one of the most natural human emotions. It can keep us safe—but it can also hold us back, consume our thoughts, and steal our peace. As followers of Christ, we’re not immune to fear—but we are invited to live differently. Scripture doesn’t deny fear; it simply calls us to something greater: faith.

My wife and I are on vacation in Costa Rica, and on a tour we took this morning, one of the people was wearing a T-shirt that said “Faith over Fear”.

That got me wondering what it looks like to live that way? What does it really mean to choose faith over fear?

God Is With Us—Always

Let’s start with one of the most frequent commands in Scripture: Do not be afraid. It appears over 300 times in the Bible. That’s not a coincidence—it’s a reminder we need regularly.

Isaiah 41:10 reassures us:

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.

Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

Fear loses its grip when we realize we’re not alone. God Himself walks with us.

Perfect Love Drives Out Fear

When fear rises, love can overcome it. Not just any love—God’s love.

The Apostle John reminds us:

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

John, in 1 John 4:18 (NIV)

The more we internalize how deeply we are loved by our Heavenly Father, the less room fear has to fester.

Jesus Slept through the Storm

Mark 4:37–40 tells the story of Jesus and His disciples in a boat during a violent storm. While the disciples panicked, Jesus slept.

Unafraid.

When they woke Him, He calmed the storm with a word—but not before asking:

Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?

Jesus, in Mark 4:40 (NIV)

The message? Jesus is in the boat with us. Even when the storm rages, He is not alarmed. If He is at peace, we can be, too.

Nothing Can Separate Us

Fear often whispers to me, What if everything falls apart? What if I lose it all? But Scripture answers that with a bold assurance in Romans 8:38–39:

For I am convinced that neither death nor life,
neither angels nor demons,
neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,
neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation,
will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Paul the Apostle, in Romans 8:39 (NIV)

Not even our deepest fears can sever that connection.

Faith Isn’t the Absence of Fear

Faith doesn’t mean we’ll never feel afraid. It means we choose to trust God more than we trust our fears.

Psalm 56:3 puts it simply:

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.

Psalm 56:3 (NIV)

We may still tremble, but we cling to God’s promises anyway.

Our Ultimate Destination Is Secure

And here’s the bottom line—what ties all of this together.

As believers, our eternity is already secured. Heaven awaits. Heaven, which is so much more glorious and beautiful and peaceful than our best day in our favorite place on this planet.

We are children of God. We are sealed with His Spirit.

So what do we really have to fear?

Jesus says in John 14:1–3:

Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.
My Father’s house has many rooms… I am going there to prepare a place for you.

Jesus, in John 14:1-3 (NIV)

And Colossians 1:27 reminds us of this great mystery:

Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Paul, in Colossians 1:27 (NIV)

The hope of glory isn’t wishful thinking—it’s a guaranteed inheritance. Because of that, we can live boldly, love generously, and walk in peace.

Conclusion: What Do We Have to Fear?

So when fear knocks, remember this:
You are never alone.
You are deeply loved.
You are held in the hand of the One who commands the storm.
And your future is secure.

Faith over fear isn’t about bravado—it’s about surrender. It’s not pretending life doesn’t get scary—it’s trusting that even when it does, God is greater.

And if God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31 (NIV))

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