Faith in Fear – How to Respond to Fear in Crisis?

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In times of crisis, fear can grip our hearts, leaving us paralyzed and uncertain. Whether it’s a global pandemic, a personal tragedy, or an unexpected life challenge, fear often becomes our unwelcome companion. But how should we, as people of faith, respond to fear? This is where faith in fear comes into play. By turning to our faith, we can find strength, peace, and guidance even in the darkest times.

Understanding Fear

Fear is a natural human response to perceived threats. It triggers our fight-or-flight response, preparing us to deal with danger. While this response is essential for survival, it can also overwhelm us, especially when the threat is not immediate or physical. The Bible acknowledges fear but also provides a powerful antidote—faith.

Fear in Egypt: The Israelites’ Longing to Return

One of the most striking examples of fear in the Bible is the Israelites’ reaction during their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. Despite witnessing God’s miraculous deliverance from slavery and His continuous provision in the wilderness, the Israelites frequently expressed a desire to return to Egypt. This longing stemmed from fear and uncertainty about their future.

The Bondage Mindset

The Israelites had been slaves in bondage in Egypt for generations. Though their life in Egypt was harsh, it was familiar. When faced with the challenges and uncertainties of the wilderness, their instinct was to retreat to what they knew, even if it meant returning to bondage.

This is vividly illustrated in Exodus 14:11-12, where the Israelites, upon seeing the Egyptian army approaching, cried out to Moses:

“Were there no graves in Egypt, that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you dealt this way with us, to bring us out of Egypt? Is not this the word that we spoke to you in Egypt, saying, ‘Leave us alone that we may serve the Egyptians’? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.”

TLV

Their fear of the unknown overshadowed their memory of God’s past faithfulness. They preferred the certainty of slavery over the uncertainty of freedom.

This teaches us a valuable lesson: fear can distort our perception and make us yearn for familiar misery over unfamiliar liberation.

This teaches us a valuable lesson: fear can distort our perception and make us yearn for familiar misery over unfamiliar liberation. #faithoverfear #biblicalwisdom Share on X

The Golden Calf Incident

Another significant example was the incident with the golden calf. While Moses was on Mount Sinai receiving the Torah, the people grew anxious and demanded Aaron make them gods to lead them back to Egypt.

Exodus 32:1 (NASB) says:

“Now when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down from the mountain, the people assembled around Aaron and said to him, ‘Come, make us a god who will go before us; as for this Moses, the man who brought us up from the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.'”

NASB

This act of idolatry was rooted in fear and impatience. The Israelites’ fear of abandonment led them to create an idol, revealing how fear can drive people to seek security in the wrong places.

The Report of the Spies

Perhaps the best example of fear among the Israelites was their reaction to the report of the spies. When Moses sent twelve spies to scout the Promised Land, ten returned with a report that terrified the people.

Numbers 14:1-4 describes this scene:

“All the congregation lifted up their voice and cried, and the people wept that night. All the children of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron, and the whole congregation said to them, ‘If only we had died in the land of Egypt! Or if only we had died in this wilderness! Why is Adonai bringing us to this land to fall by the sword? Our wives and children will be like plunder! Wouldn’t it be better for us to return to Egypt?'”

TLV

Their fear of those that were inhabitants of the Promised Land overshadowed their faith in God’s promise to BRING them to the land He promised. This lack of trust led to severe consequences, as God then stated that that generation would not enter the Promised Land but would wander in the wilderness for forty years.

Learning from Their Fear

The Israelites’ repeated desire to return to Egypt teaches us valuable lessons about fear and faith. Fear can make us idealize the past, even when it was a time of suffering. It can cause us to forget God’s past faithfulness and His promises for the future. The longing to return to Egypt was not just a physical desire but a spiritual failure to trust in God’s plan and provision.

For us today, the challenge is to recognize when fear is leading us to cling to the past rather than trust God for the future. As we face our own “wilderness” experiences, we must remember God’s faithfulness and choose faith over fear.

Just as God led the Israelites with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, He promises to guide and protect us. Deuteronomy 31:6 encourages us:

“Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.”

NASB

Let’s hold on to this promise and move forward in faith, knowing that God’s plans for us are good and His presence is with us always.

In facing our fears, we can find strength and hope by remembering that we are not alone. God, who delivered the Israelites from Egypt and guided them through the wilderness, is the same God who walks with us today. Our task is to trust Him, even when the path is unclear, and to choose faith in the face of fear.

Faith Over Fear

The phrase “Faith in Fear” might seem contradictory, but it embodies the idea that faith can coexist with fear and ultimately overcome it. The Bible is filled with verses that encourage us to trust in God despite our fears.

For instance, in Isaiah 41:10 God reassures us:

“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.”

TLV

More Biblical Examples of Faith in Fear

Throughout the Bible, in addition to the Exodus from Egypt, we see numerous examples of individuals who faced their fears with faith.

Take David, for example. When confronted with the giant Goliath, he did not let fear deter him. Instead, he said, “The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine” (1 Samuel 17:37, NASB).

David’s faith in God’s deliverance was greater than his fear of the giant.

In the New Testament, we see the disciples’ fear during a storm. When they woke Jesus, He responded, “Why are you afraid, you men of little faith?” (Matthew 8:26, NASB). Jesus then calmed the storm, demonstrating that faith in Him can bring peace even in the most turbulent times.

So how can we cultivate faith in the midst of fear in our own lives?

Biblical and Practical Steps to Cultivate Faith in Fear

1. Prayer and Meditation: Spend time in prayer, seeking God’s presence and peace. Philippians 4:6-7 (TLV) says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the shalom of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Messiah Yeshua.”
2. Scripture Reading: Fill your mind with God’s promises. Verses like Psalm 23:4 (TLV), “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me,” remind us that we are never alone.
3. Community Support: Lean on your faith community for support. Hebrews 10:24-25 (TLV) encourages us, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good deeds, and do not neglect our own meetings, as is the habit of some, but encourage one another—and all the more so as you see the Day approaching.”
4. Worship and Praise: Worship shifts our focus from our problems to God’s power. As Psalm 34:4 (NASB) says, “I sought the Lord, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears.”
5. Acting in Faith: Sometimes, faith requires us to take action despite our fears. James 2:17 (TLV) reminds us, “So also faith, if it does not have works, is dead by itself.” By stepping out in faith, we demonstrate our trust in God.

The Role of Community

Community plays a vital role in helping us navigate fear. The Sages of Galilee emphasized the importance of community in forming a resilient and supportive environment. In times of crisis, our faith community can provide comfort, encouragement, and practical help. This communal support is deeply rooted in Jewish tradition and can be seen in how the early Messianic Jewish communities supported each other, as described in Acts 2:44-47 (TLV).

The Power of the Shekhinah

The concept of the Shekhinah, God’s divine presence dwelling among His people, offers profound comfort. Midrash (interpretations of the Biblical text in the Talmud) explains how the Shekhinah provides a sense of God’s immediate presence and support, especially in times of fear and uncertainty​​. Knowing that God dwells among us can bolster our faith and help us face our fears with courage.

Messianic Jewish and Christian Perspective

Faith in Yeshua (Jesus) offers a unique assurance. Yeshua’s promise, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful” (John 14:27, NASB), speaks directly to our need for peace in fearful times. His resurrection is the ultimate victory over fear and death, providing a solid foundation for our faith.

My Final Thoughts on Faith in Fear

Having faith in fear is not about denying that fear but about making a conscious choice to trust God in the midst of it.

By grounding ourselves in prayer, scripture, community, worship, and action, we can face our fears with confidence. As we go through the challenges of life, let’s remember the words of Psalm 56:3-4:

“When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You. In God, I praise His word. In God, I trust—I will not fear.”

TLV

In times of crisis, let’s hold fast to our faith, knowing that God is with us. With Him by our side, we can overcome fear and find peace and strength. Let your faith be your guide, leading you to a place of hope and courage.

NASB – “Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Copyright by The Lockman Foundation“

Tree of Life (TLV) – Scripture taken from the Holy Scriptures, Tree of Life Version*. Copyright © 2014,2016 by the Tree of Life Bible Society.  Used by permission of the Tree of Life Bible Society.

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