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Because of sin, we live in a scary world. Anxiety is now natural. Even David, a godly leader and fierce warrior, admitted, “Fear and trembling come upon me, and horror overwhelms me” (Ps. 55:4–5). We can relate. We can also face our fears with five biblical actions.
First, repent of sinful fear. Fear of being found out reveals that we are not living well before the all-seeing God (Heb. 4:13). Godly fear should drive us to repent of secret sins that agitate our consciences. We should also repent of fear that exposes our lack of trust in God. John Calvin explained that the Lord “does not forbid every kind of care, but only what arises from distrust.” To rest in God, you need to repent of your failure to rest in Him.
Second, reach out. By hiding our anxiety, we decline friendly counsel and prayer. Instead, Paul pleads for openheartedness and confesses his own weakness, fear, and trembling (1 Cor. 2:3; 2 Cor. 6:1–13; 7:2). Only because of their heart-level friendship could Jonathan “[strengthen David’s] hand in God” against grim fear (1 Sam. 23:16–18). Your anxiety might be like water deep underground. So find wise people who can draw it out and deal with it constructively (Prov. 20:5).
Third, react. Some fears can be fought directly. Those who are afraid that their marriage will falter can work to energize it. Those who are fearful that their children might apostatize can more faithfully pray and disciple. Fear is often exacerbated by guilt and regret due to inaction. But if you are trusting in Christ and striving to prevent bad outcomes, your good Master will call you a faithful servant (Matt. 25:20–23). Don’t worry about what you can’t control; don’t be negligent in what you can change.
Fourth, refocus. Amid many fear-inducing distractions, we should focus on our highest calling: sitting at Jesus’ feet and learning to be faithful disciples (Luke 10:38–42). Moreover, our worries are often fictions that never materialize. Instead of worrying about lightning-strike events, we should ponder the millions of disasters that haven’t befallen us. Face an unknown future by constantly raising Ebenezer stones, affirming that “till now the Lord has helped us” (1 Sam. 7:12).
Finally, rest. We are not sufficient for life’s challenges (2 Cor. 2:16). But God is (2 Cor. 3:5). At the cross, Christ persevered against the worst possible calamity so that He might calm our fears (Heb. 2:15). Jesus’ invitation of rest to those who “labor and are heavy laden” is just what “harassed and helpless” people need (Matt. 11:28–29; 9:36). God has sacrificed Jesus for our sins; can any difficult providence now cancel His love for us (Rom. 8:31–39)?
Amid fearful trials, David trusted God: “I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?” (Ps. 56:4). Follow David’s lead, and it will be said of you, “He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord” (Ps. 112:7).