What does the Bible say about faith vs. fear?

Quick answer

Faith is the opposite of fear. Faith is the confident trust in the God who made the universe, who loves us unconditionally, and who wants us to abide with Him. God encourages us not to fear but to trust in His goodness and mercy.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Faith is the opposite of fear, offering confident trust in God’s love, presence, and provision, even in trials. The Bible teaches that faith is a gift from God, cultivated through His Word and strengthened by prayer and worship (Hebrews 11:1; Romans 10:17). Fear arises from unbelief and challenges, but God calls us to trust Him and promises peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7). Scripture shows that faith grows through reliance on God during adversity, turning trials into opportunities to deepen our trust (Romans 5:3–5). As we meditate on God’s promises, we learn to replace fear with faith, assured that God will guide, provide, and sustain us.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

In Joshua 1:6-9 the LORD told Joshua he should not fear because He would always go with him. “Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. 8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” [emphasis added]
When the Israelites were caught between the water and the pharaoh's army they were encouraged to “fear not, stand firm and see the salvation of the LORD.” (Exodus 14:13; 20:20)

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

Trust in Jesus conquers our fears (Matthew 10:31; 17:7; Mark 5:36).
Each one of us will experience fearful situations that God is able to walk through with us (John 16:33; Romans 8:31–39).
His peace "surpasses all understanding" and "will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7).
God did not give us a spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7).
Faith is a complete trust in the God of the unseen (Hebrews 11:1).
Love casts out fear (1 John 4:18).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Fear is our human reaction to the trials that we will face in this life, but God promises us that we can experience peace in every situation. Without trials, faith does not mature or strengthen. God understands our weaknesses and fears, but He also commands us to use trials as opportunities to grow our faith. In Scripture, we see many examples of people who experience adversity and lean on God. We can learn to allow God's Word to saturate our thoughts and use trials as stepping-stones to build greater faith that God is good and will take care of us.

As children of God, we are capable of taking hold of the promises that God describes in the Scriptures. There are verses for every kind of fear! When we face anxiety about the future: God will "instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you" (Psalm 32:8). When we face financial trouble: "And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19). When we experience physical ailments or hardships: "… suffering produces endurance and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us" (Romans 5:3–5).

UNDERSTAND

God calls us not to fear.
Perfect love casts out fear.
God calls us to replace fear with trust in Him.

REFLECT

What fears or anxieties are you currently facing, and how can trusting God’s promises help you overcome them?
How has your faith grown through times of adversity, and what lessons can you apply to your current challenges?
How can you deepen your understanding of God’s love to replace fear with confidence in His provision?

ENGAGE

As followers of Jesus, what should our response be to fear?
What practices are helpful to replace our fear with trust in God?
How can we encourage others who are experiencing fear?