Today, it’s easier to have fear than faith. Yet 365 times, the Bible commands us to “fear not.” 

A recent poll found that 6 in 10 Americans believe that today’s COVID-centric news cycle is negatively impacting their mental health. Another 57% have become so stressed out by the nightly news that they have ceased watching it. 

Governments and the media may deal in fear, but God reminds us to have faith. True faith remembers that God still rules and reigns from His throne. Through His Word, He assures us that He watches over His children at all times. 

Take to heart these five practical steps to overcome fear with strong faith. 

1. Remember Who God Is

Psalm 27:1 says, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”

Isaiah 51:12-13 reminds us, “I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass; And forgettest the LORD thy maker, that hath stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth; and hast feared continually every day because of the fury of the oppressor, as if he were ready to destroy? and where is the fury of the oppressor?”

Lamentations 5:19 declares, “Thou, O Lord, remainest for ever; Thy throne from generation to generation.”

For more assurance of God’s omnipotence in unsettling times, ponder Psalm 27, Psalm 91, and Isaiah 51. 

2. Claim God’s Promises

When distressed, David “encouraged himself in the Lord his God” (I Samuel 30:6). Time and again, when David faced discouragement and difficulty, he poured his heart out to the Lord. His prayers of humility and trust can be found in the Psalms. 

2 Peter 1 says that we have been given “Exceeding great and precious promises.” These promises are ours, but do we claim them? Do we live them?

Isaiah 41:10 has been a long-time favorite of mine. “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” 

Hebrews 13:5 assures, “For He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”

3. Consider God’s Past Faithfulness

What has God done in the past, as recorded in history and his Word? Additionally, what has he done in your life? 

Psalm 77:11-13 says, “I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old. I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings. Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary: who is so great a God as our God?”

We serve the God who parted the Red Sea and delivered His people from Egypt. He is the God that providentially brought America into existence. 

Do we remember His faithfulness? The hymn reminds us, “As Thou hast been, Thou forever wilt be.”

4. Meditate on Scripture

Meditating on scripture helps us to think biblically, grounding us in God’s reality. Psalm 1 and Joshua 1:8 describe the practice and benefits of meditating on scripture. 

Without the perspective of scripture, we are as helpless as Elisha’s servant, who trembled in fear when he viewed the Syrian host surrounding the city. By contrast, Elisha’s eyes were opened to see the armies of God surrounding the Syrian hosts, prompting him to state, “Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them” (2 Kings 6:16).

Do you spend more time following the news or meditating on God’s character and Word?

5. Live Boldly

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego were not afraid because they knew God. Daniel said, “The people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits” (Daniel 11:32). 

Romans 8:31 reminds us, “If God be for us, who can be against us?”

We can live with this confidence. This same conviction sustained the apostles, the early church, and the courageous individuals found in Foxe’s Book of Martyrs. 

Throughout history, those who know God have always conquered. Sometimes, they have been spared from death. Sometimes, they have overcome through death. The three Hebrews understood this reality–that God would deliver them, whether or not they burned. 

We live in some of the most exciting times in history, times filled with opportunity. God has placed each one of us here “For such a time as this.”

We’ll only be able to rise to today’s challenges if we develop unshakable faith in God. In the end, His reality is the only reality that truly matters.

Read More: A Christian’s Response to Fear in Uncertain Times

Question: How can we develop and display faith in these times?