Where does fear come from? Fear comes from our fallen, sinful, adamic nature. “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear but of power, of love, and of a sound mind” (II Timothy 1:7 KJV). Fear also comes from the devil. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary, the devil as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (I Peter 5:8).

God has constantly dealt with the fear factor in man. Before God commissioned Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, he had to address the fear factor. “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed; for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest” (Joshua 1:9). How can that promise help alleviate your fear? Meditate on it.

When Jesus walked on the stormy sea to get to his terrified disciples, he came at the darkest hour. “And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, ‘It is a spirit’. And they cried out in fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them saying ‘Be of good cheer. It is I, be not afraid’” (Matthew 14:22-33). How can this account help you punch through your fear? Know that the God who stills the storm is with you.

My dad and Uncle Leon loved to hunt together. The first time I was allowed to hunt with them, we scared up a rabbit. I drew a bead on it with my gun and followed it until it got out of range. “Why didn’t you shoot?” my uncle asked. ‘Well, it wouldn’t stop,” I replied. Later, I had an unusual incident happen. A terrified rabbit ran out of a briar patch with our beagle in hot pursuit. The scared rabbit ran straight toward me and sat down right between my feet. I obviously couldn’t shoot. Should I give it a kick? Our panting beagle sat on his haunches, cocked his head, and looked at me. For a while, the trembling rabbit didn’t stir. It just sat there between my feet. “I guess you know where you’re safe,” I said. “You’re saved today.” I gave it a little shove with my foot and the rabbit hopped away from it’s protector into the woods. Uncle Leon came around the corner of the briar patch and asked, “Where did the rabbit go? It came in your direction.” “It must have gotten away,” I replied.

I never did become a good hunter. But I learned some valuable lessons. Where do you run in the time of need? Where do you run when the predators of trouble, worry, and fear pursue you? You can run to the Lord who stands with open arms, waiting for you to come and huddle in the protection and security of who He is.

King Solomon said, “The name of the Lord is a strong tower. The righteous run into it and are safe” (Proverbs 18:10). The name of the Lord represents His person, authority, and character. (See Exodus 3:14-15 and Acts 4:12.) Each name of God in the Bible is a revelation of who He is. You can put your confidence in His name. (See Psalm 20:7.)

The Word of God tells us that, “perfect love casts out all fear” (I John 4:18). Your trust and love of God can only be as perfect as your understanding of God’s power and love for you. Kay Arthur wrote an inspiring book entitled The Peace and Power of Knowing God’s Names. She maintains that learning who God is by name is the answer to every painful, stressful, or fearful situation in life. She learned by the painful experiences of divorce, the suicide of her husband, and single parenthood, that she could depend on God to see her through every tragedy and fear. When you know God’s names revealed in His Word, you can begin to grapple with His power, His purpose, and His incomparable love for you.

David declared, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me” (Psalm 23:4). Jesus came to destroy the fear and power of death by His death and victory on the cross for you. (See Hebrews 2:14-15.)

“Fear not.” God has this promise for you. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).