Author's Note: All previous volumes of this series are here. The first 56 volumes are compiled into the book "Bible Study For Those Who Don't Read The Bible." "Part Two," featuring volumes 57-113, was published in December 2022.
Thanks for clicking on the final installment of our "Fear Not" three-part mini-series. If you were busy glorifying God and missed Parts 1 and 2 about the Old Testament verses, please take a few moments to read them before diving into Part 3, which covers the New Testament.
We begin now with the verse I chose to end Part 2: Jesus said, "Do not fear, only believe" (Mark 5:36).
Then I added, "That verse is now on auto-repeat in my head." And it should be in everyone's mind since it is the takeaway message behind all the "fear-not" passages.
Always remember that "fear not" is both a call to trust in God and an invitation. You can't trust in God unless you believe in God. Therefore, when the Lord or His angels say, "fear not," they are not denying the danger or downplaying your fear but are inviting you to draw close and trust in Him.
Still, trusting God in challenging circumstances can lead to outcomes that are not ideal. However, we can always take comfort in knowing that God knows our past, present, and future, "and we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28). (I love how St. Paul finished my sentence, and that could start a trend.)
We move on to one of the most famous fear-not verses that changed the course of human history. (And I am not being overdramatic or overstating the circumstances.)
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When the angel Gabriel delivered Mary some unexpected "expecting" news, he said:
"Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God" (Luke 1:30). Alternatively, you might read: "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God" (Luke 1:30 ESV).
Most significant was Mary's obedience, and why God chose her to be Jesus's mother, because she said to Gabriel:
"I am the Lord's servant; may your word to me be fulfilled" (Luke 1:38). This is a perfect example of "fear not" in action. Mary loved and trusted God, even as she fully understood how scandalous her pregnancy would be, especially for Joseph. Notably, she embodied what her Son later preached: "Do not fear, only believe."
In Matthew's Gospel, Jesus encourages His disciples to proclaim the Gospel even in the face of persecution. The Gospel is truth, and although evil will try to stop the disciples by placing obstacles in their path, the truth will prevail, so…
"Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known" (Matthew 10:26).
Our next "fear not" or "do not be afraid" Gospel verse is also from Matthew. The takeaway is that knowing God and His infinite power will help you through the storms of life. (But sometimes it takes a long time to recognize that He did help you.) To paraphrase: the disciples were fearful when they saw Jesus walking on water, thinking it was a ghost:
"But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.' Peter gets out of the boat and, with faith, walks toward Jesus, until Peter becomes afraid and cries out, 'Lord, save me.' Jesus responded with a now-famous verse, 'You of little faith, why did you doubt?'" (Read the whole story in Matthew 14:22-36).
Speaking of fear and doubt in conjunction with our "fear not" theme, I shall repeat what I wrote in Part 1 of this series because it is key to navigating the "fear not" concept:
"Years ago, I read that the devil's favorite tools are fear and doubt, both of which keep humankind in a state of anxiety. Fear and doubt freeze us into inaction, keeping us from making decisions, taking risks, or moving forward as children of God." So next time you are plagued with fear and doubt, remember that combo stems from the evil one.
Our final Gospel verse is a beautiful, calming message that reiterates Jesus' saying: "Do not fear, only believe," but incorporated into a fuller teaching:
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid" (John 14:27).
Beyond the Gospels are some inspiring "fear not" verses. The next is from Hebrews, which conveys a similar message included in Part 2 from Psalm 118:
"The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?" (Psalm 118:6). The still unknown author of Hebrews obviously read that verse when writing:
"So we can confidently say, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?'" (Hebrews 13:6).
What follows is an extraordinary verse from St. Paul that speaks to our heart and soul:
"For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control" (2 Timothy 1:7). John continues that theme, contrasting fear and love:
"There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love" (1 John 4:18).
After three studies about "fear not," is anyone feeling less fearful? I certainly am, and that is a blessing. Honestly, I "felt called" to write this series due to my own fear and anxiety stemming from an exhibit about the Shroud of Turin that I am producing in Orlando, Florida, opening on March 13. Fortunately, along the way, I have been comforted by reading and writing these verses that speak most lovingly of God's power, summarized by Jesus: "Do not fear, only believe."
Then, in Part 1, we discussed the "fear of the Lord" theme when a "miracle message" magically appeared under my desk, titled "Gift of the Fear of God." The first sentence read:
"This gift keeps us in due respect before God and in submission to his will, turning us away from everything that may displease him."
Whether we are fearing God or asking Him to shield us from fear, we must always pray for His guidance so we can do His will and glorify Him with our lives. Amen!
Note that I am still sending a photo of the "miracle parchment" upon request, and love reading all your kind messages—blessing to all who have taken the time to write.
Myra Kahn Adams is a conservative political and religious writer. Her book "Bible Study For Those Who Don't Read The Bible" reprints the first 56 volumes of this popular study. "Part 2," reprints Vols. 57 –113. Order it here.
Myra is also the Executive Director of the National Shroud of Turin Exhibit. You can help support our new exhibit in Orlando, Florida, opening on March 13, 2026. Contact: Myraadams01@gmail.com
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