This content may contain affiliate links.
Quoted scriptures are from the New International Version translation.
Here are 7 times God told His people “do not be afraid” in scripture:
1. Genesis 15:1
Abram was concerned that though his estate was large, he had no heir. A servant in his house would end up inheriting everything, to Abram’s great dismay. God then speaks to Abram in a vision.
“Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.”
God lays out the famous promise that Abram would have an heir of his own flesh, and that his offspring would one day be as innumerable as the stars in the sky.
2. Isaiah 41:10
Addressed to the Israelites in exile, God speaks through the prophet Isaiah, reminding His people that He is in control and His powerful arms are wrapped around them.
“So 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.”
3. Joshua 1:9
About to lead the Israelites to the Promised Land, Joshua is full of fear. God reassures him of His continual presence.
“Have not I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
4. Matthew 10:28
Jesus is preparing the disciples to send them out into the world to spread the gospel. He warns them that persecution will come. But Jesus says people should not fear each other – they should fear God in reverence of His eternal power.
“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”
5. John 14:27
While the peace and security the world offers comes from money and status, which can be wiped away in a day, our Lord offers us his own supernational peace that no type of earthly destruction can erase.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
6. Deuteronomy 31:6
Moses had become old and learned from God that he would not cross over to the Promised Land with the Israelites. They would have to trust that God, along with their new leader Joshua, would be there to protect them as they headed into a land full of enemies.
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
7. Isaiah 43:1
In another message of comfort from God to the Israelites, the Lord emphasizes that He has chosen them, made them His personal possession, and subjects of His divine protection.
“But now this is what the Lord says – he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: ‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.”
