Types of Fear
If you had absolutely no fear, what would change about your life? At this stage, not much would change for me. But if I could go back and remove fear from my younger self, life would look drastically different. I didn’t realize how much fear dominated me: fear of failure, disappointing loved ones, of not being enough. Younger me would’ve denied it, but looking back, most of my angst and behavior grew from fears I didn’t know controlled me.
Fear is a complicated word. Biblically, it can mean reverent awe before God. Physically, it can be the body’s response to danger. Spiritually and emotionally, it might grow from insecurity, unbelief, disobedience, or the illusion of control. For October, I thought we could examine that word: FEAR.
We won’t focus much on physical fears. While Anatidaephobia—the fear of ducks—may be legitimate for some, I’d rather focus on fears that impact faith and spiritual walks. Incidentally, I think the fear of ducks should’ve been called “A-quack-no-phobia.” Bu-dum-tss. Thank you. I’ll be here all week.
Aside from physical, fears can be emotional, relational, or spiritual. They might be reasonable warnings or they could be lies holding a megaphone. Either way, we don’t overcome fear by pretending it’s simple. We overcome it by dragging it into the light of God’s truth and asking, “What are you, where did you come from, and what authority do you have?”
Does Fear Equal Faithlessness?
Many Christians assume fear automatically means spiritual failure. I understand why. Scripture repeatedly says not to fear. Unfortunately, we often turn that command into a fist to bash trembling people instead of an open hand to uplift them. That’s not wisdom or bearing one another’s burdens and it’s certainly not the heart of Christ.
Look at Jesus in Gethsemane. Was He faithless? Spiritually immature? Failing the Father? Of course not. Yet He prayed, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” Jesus showed us fear, grief, dread, and anguish brought honestly before the Father, then surrendered to His will. His feelings probably didn’t magically vanish, but Jesus refused to give fear any authority.
The issue isn’t whether fear arises. It will. The issue is where fear takes us when it’s given authority. Biological fear can warn us when something’s wrong. Spiritual fear, however, gives a false view of God’s character which leads to bondage. Surrendered fear says, “Lord, I’m afraid, but I trust You.” Unchecked fear says, “God can’t be trusted.” Fear itself isn’t sin just because it shows up, but it leads there if it’s given control.
The Non-List
So how is fear surrendered? I wish there was an easy three-step list, but it’s different for each of us. Still, there are common points. Things like acknowledging and identifying, prayer, anchoring ourselves, and seeking help.
What’s In a Name
Acknowledging fear is hard; nobody likes admitting weakness. Naming it can be harder. Sometimes all we know is that something feels wrong. Talk it out with someone trustworthy: an accountability partner, mentor, or pastor. Am I afraid I’m not living up to Christian expectations? Afraid God’s abandoned me? Once identified, I can bring it to God in prayer.
Anchors Away
Another common point is anchoring ourselves in God’s presence and promises. I’m trying not to offer empty-sounding clichés. Things like cast our anxieties on Him or we walk through the valley knowing the Shepherd is with us. God does say, “Fear not, for I am with you,” and I could say, “If God is for us, who can be against us?”
Don’t get me wrong, those truths are very real, but they usually feel hollow when fear grips our hearts. Try remembering specific moments when God met you personally. Maybe a time when a verse suddenly came alive or an old friend called you out of the blue with exactly the right questions? I once had a surprise expense appear, and within 48 hours my job announced an incentive that covered it almost exactly. Those memories help me keep God’s promises anchored to tangible moments.
That doesn’t mean fear immediately disappears. That’d be great. It’d be awesome to flip the truth switch and fear vanish? Instead, I find truth becomes a handrail supporting me as I stumble. Some believers may not struggle with fear this way. Hallelujah! Meanwhile, the rest of us stumble on.
Throwing in the Towel
Then comes surrendering control. That one stings. Fear loves exposing where we’ve mistaken God’s sovereignty for our own. We want to manage outcomes, protect everyone, avoid pain, and guarantee the ending. But God didn’t hand us the universe and say, “You got this.” He says to trust Him, especially with things we can’t control—which turns out to be everything.
Communication is Key
Finally, seek help. Fear thrives in isolation. It grows like mold when we don’t let others speak truth, pray, encourage, or, when necessary, lovingly rebuke. God designed us for community. Partners can hold us accountable, mentors can disciple us, pastors can guide us, and faithful friends can sit with us in pain, so we remember we’re not alone. Sometimes the faithful thing is asking a brother or sister to pray with you because the fear is loud today.
Chasing Goals
The goal isn’t becoming emotionally untouchable. That’s not God’s picture of spiritual maturity. The goal is to recognize fear, answer it with truth, and know where to run. God can turn fear into a doorway to deeper dependence. It can invite prayer instead of panic, reveal misplaced trust, humble us, drive us into Scripture, and send us back into fellowship.
This isn’t about shaming fearful people. I’ve no interest in that, and I’d be a hypocrite for trying. It’s about learning to bring fear into the presence of the Lord, where reverent awe displaces lesser fears and trust in God’s promises grows. In the posts ahead, we’ll name different fears, examine them carefully, and, hopefully, grow together in the strength and knowledge of the Lord.
Final Question: What fears have you struggled with in the past? What truth about God’s character was needed to answer it?
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God.”
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV)
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