What Causes Fear According To The Bible
Fear is a universal human emotion that we all experience at some point in our lives. If you’ve ever asked yourself “Why am I afraid?” or wondered what the Bible says about the root causes of fear, you’re not alone.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: According to the Bible, the root causes of most fear stem from lack of faith and trust in God, allowing the enemy (Satan) to create strongholds of fear in our minds, or refusing to acknowledge God’s power and sovereignty over difficult situations.
In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore the various psychological and spiritual causes of fear addressed in the Bible. We’ll look at bible verses about the spirit of fear and how to combat it. Expect open and honest discussions around topics like worry, anxiety, the future, the unknown, and more.
You’ll come away with clarity around what causes fear biblically, and actionable ways to face your fears with courage and faith.
Lack of Faith and Trust in God
Not trusting in God’s goodness and faithfulness
One of the main reasons people struggle with fear is that they fail to trust in God’s goodness and faithfulness (Psalm 107:1). When faced with difficult circumstances, people tend to doubt that God really has their best interests at heart.
However, the Bible repeatedly affirms that God is good and His plans are always for our well-being (Jeremiah 29:11). As His children, we can be confident that He will provide everything we need in His perfect timing (Matthew 6:25-34).
Our limited perspective prevents us from seeing the full picture, but we must believe that God is working all things for good even when life doesn’t make sense (Romans 8:28).
Rather than giving in to fear, we must cling to God’s promises and remember how He has proven His faithfulness time and again. As we walk in intimacy with Him each day through prayer and studying His Word, our trust will grow.
We will be able to face uncertain futures with peace and hope, resting in the truth that our good Father has it all under control.
Doubting God’s power and sovereignty
Another major factor that contributes to fear is failing to recognize God’s absolute power and sovereignty. When we doubt that God is big enough to handle the situation we’re facing, anxiety quickly sets in.
However, Scripture makes it clear that the Lord is all-powerful; nothing is too difficult for Him (Jeremiah 32:17). He rules over everything and His plans cannot be thwarted (Psalm 115:3). There is no problem He cannot solve or circumstance He cannot redeem for our good and His glory.
In the midst of chaos, God remains in complete control. He allows hard times for reasons we cannot yet grasp, but we can trust His heart and capabilities. He will provide strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow as we rely on Him (Isaiah 41:10).
Instead of succumbing to fear, we must remind ourselves of who God is – the Almighty One who holds the whole world in His hands. He is more than able to bring us through any storm.
Allowing circumstantial fears to override eternal perspective
It’s easy to become overwhelmed by fears related to our current circumstances – concerns about health, safety, finances, relationships, and more. However, these temporal issues should not eclipse the magnificent eternal hope we have in Christ.
God promises everlasting life to those who put their faith in Jesus (John 3:16). For believers, death is not something to dread but rather a passageway into the Lord’s presence and paradise (Philippians 1:21-23).
When we take our eyes off eternity and become consumed with earthly worries, we are essentially allowing temporal fears to override our eternal perspective (Colossians 3:2). Of course, it’s understandable to have concerns about worldly troubles, but we must not allow these matters to instill anxiety.
God is our rock and refuge; He will uphold us and meet every need (Psalm 46:1-3). As we keep our minds set on the glorious future He has secured for us, it puts our temporary struggles here on earth into proper perspective.
Strongholds and Attacks from the Enemy
Fear as a scheme of the devil
The Bible teaches that fear does not come from God, but is a scheme of the devil to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). Satan uses lies, deception, and false evidence to paralyze believers with unhealthy dread or anxiety.
He exploits past hurts or traumas and convinces people that the worst will happen. This stronghold of fear gives the enemy a foothold in one’s life.
For example, someone with a fear of flying may be bombarded with thoughts that the plane will crash, even though statistics show flying is safer than driving. Or someone with a fear of public speaking pictures themselves humiliated and rejected if they mess up, though the audience is often supportive.
These imagined scenarios hold people back from living life to the fullest.
Generational strongholds of fear
Fear and other unhealthy patterns can become ingrained in families over generations. Children may pick up irrational fears and phobias from observing parents or elders expressing excessive anxiety or practicing restrictive “safety behaviors.” Abuse and trauma also open doors for oppressive fear.
God wants to set families free from this curse so they can receive His love and peace. As it says in Isaiah 54:13, “All your children will be taught by the Lord, and great will be their peace.” Breaking free requires identifying root causes and lies, renouncing agreements made with fear, and stepping out in courageous faith.
Lies and false evidence appearing real
The enemy whispers lies in attempt to terrify believers through “false evidence appearing real.” Common lies include: something disastrous is about to happen, you’re in grave danger, there is reason to panic, or God won’t protect you.
Seductive as they seem, these lies contradict God’s promises of love, protection, and purpose as stated in Jeremiah 29:11-14.
The way to break deception is by capturing thoughts, identifying distortions, rebuking in Jesus’ name, and proclaiming truth (2 Cor. 10:5). For example, when experiencing fear before an important event, believers can reject lying thoughts of inadequacy and claim their identity and confidence in Christ.
As Isaiah 41:10 says, “Do not fear for I am with you.”
Refusing to Acknowledge God’s Sovereignty
Trying to control everything
We live in a world that values independence and self-reliance. However, the Bible teaches that true freedom comes from acknowledging that God is sovereign over all things (Daniel 4:35). When we try to control every aspect of our lives, we fail to trust in God’s perfect timing and plan.
Attempting complete control often leads to anxiety, stress, and fear as we worry about variables we cannot predict or manipulate. King Solomon wisely said, “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established” (Proverbs 16:3).
Surrendering control to God brings confidence, peace, and rest.
Not accepting God’s timing
Human nature inclines us to seek instant answers and solutions. But that is not always God’s timing. Ecclesiastes 3:11 declares, “He has made everything beautiful in its time.” When we try to force outcomes according to our schedule rather than waiting on the Lord, we demonstrate a lack of faith in God’s sovereignty.
Getting ahead of God often leads us into harm’s way. The sons of Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, offered “unauthorized fire” before the Lord, and He struck them dead. They failed to acknowledge that right timing is crucial in spiritual matters.
Believing the worst will happen
Fear and anxiety often tempt us to envision the worst-case scenario. When the Israelites neared Canaan, they gave in to fear and disbelief, saying, “The land…devours its inhabitants” (Numbers 13:32).
Due to their refusal to acknowledge God’s power and reliance on negative assumptions, that whole generation perished in the wilderness.
In contrast, the apostle Paul wrote, “We know that for those who love God all things work together for good” (Romans 8:28). Affirming God’s sovereignty leads to optimism, whereas doubting His goodness leads to pessimism and distress.
How to Overcome Fear Biblically
Have faith and take God at His Word
The Bible tells us that faith is the antidote to fear (Mark 5:36). When we trust God’s promises and act on His word even when afraid, He gives us peace of mind and courage to press on (Isaiah 41:10). We can be confident that He will watch over us.
Submit fears and worries to God in prayer
God invites us to cast all our anxiety on Him because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). When fearful thoughts flood our mind, we can redirect our focus to God in prayer by acknowledging His control and power over every circumstance. As we do, His presence reassures us (Psalm 34:4).
Memorize uplifting Bible verses about fear
Scripture gives us so many encouraging promises about overcoming fear. When we regularly meditate on them, these truths renew our minds and build faith to walk in confidence and boldness:
- “God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
- “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” (Psalm 23:4)
- “Perfect love drives out fear.” (1 John 4:18)
Accept God’s power and timing over situations
Often fear and worry arise when we try to control everything rather than trust God’s sovereign plan. But we can surrender outcomes by releasing their timing to Him and relying on His might rather than our own.
As we acknowledge that God works all things for our good in His perfect way and time (Romans 8:28), He fills us with a peace that passes understanding (Philippians 4:6-7).
Conclusion
As we’ve explored, the Bible points to several root causes behind our fears, including lack of deep trust and faith in God, strongholds of fear set up by the enemy, and refusing to acknowledge God’s power and sovereignty over all circumstances.
The good news is that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). By leaning on Him wholeheartedly through faith and prayer, we can experience breakthrough from all types of fear and worry.
It is my hope that this article provided clarity around what causes fear biblically, and gave you practical tips for facing your fears with courage and an eternal perspective. May you be filled with God’s peace and joy as you walk in bold faith one day at a time!
