I was grading tests for a seminary course I was teaching. In his essay one student wrote, “The only thing I fear is zombies.” I wrote back, “Zombies? You fear zombies? There is no such thing. They are the figment of someone’s imagination!”
I’ve laughed about that ever since. This guy is going to be a minister of the gospel and he fears zombies.
“No fear allowed.” That should be the sign across every believer’s doorway. Anyone doing even a cursory reading of Scripture has encountered text after text informing God’s children–reminding them, teaching them, again and again–that we are not to fear.
God is insulted when His children fear. It’s as though we believe the enemy and not Him.
Here are some of our favorite texts on “No Fear Allowed” that come to mind…
“Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them” (2 Kings 6:16). Elisha’s words to his panicky servant who had just seen the enemy encircling the city are good for us today. Don’t be afraid: We outnumber them.
“Do not be afraid of (those to whom I send you), for I am with you to deliver you,’ declares the Lord” (Jeremiah 1:8). Later, same chapter, God said, “Do not be dismayed before them, lest I dismay you before them. For behold, I have made you today as a fortified city, as a pillar of iron, as walls of bronze against the whole land….” (1:17-18). Don’t be afraid: The Lord is with you. And, do not fear because you are invincible.
“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not look anxiously about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you; surely I will uphold you by my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10). Don’t be afraid: Your Heavenly Father is on the job!