Tags: Fear of the unknown, what causes fear, overcoming fear, biblical perspective on fear, King James Bible fear not, faith over fear, Christian courage
In the quiet moments of our lives, when the world is still and our thoughts wander, there is an invisible foe that visits every soul at some point: fear. Many believe that fear is the direct result of imminent danger—an attacking lion, a raging fire, an armed enemy. But in truth, most fear is not born of danger at all. Instead, it is conceived in the vast and murky territory of the unknown. It is the uncertainty, the “what ifs,” and the dark spaces our minds cannot illuminate that strike the deepest chords of terror in the human heart.
The Bible, the timeless and unchanging Word of God, acknowledges the reality of fear. Yet, it repeatedly commands: “Fear not.” How can we obey this divine instruction in a world overflowing with uncertainties? To truly conquer fear, we must first understand it—not merely as a reaction to danger, but as the fruit of ignorance and unbelief.
Fear and the Unknown: A Biblical Case Study
Consider the disciples on the storm-tossed Sea of Galilee. In Mark 4:37-40 KJV, we read:
“And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?”
Notice the Lord’s question: “Why are ye so fearful?” Danger was real—waves threatened the ship. Yet their terror came from their lack of understanding of who was with them. The danger was real, but the fear was magnified by the unknown: “Master, carest thou not that we perish?” They did not fully know or trust the One sleeping in the boat. Their fear was not the storm; it was the question: Does He care?
So it is with us. The dangers of life—loss, pain, sickness, opposition—are real enough, but they are amplified by the unknowns: When will it strike? Will I survive? What if I am alone? Fear is the shadow cast by things unseen.
How the Unknown Breeds Fear
- Ignorance of the Future
One of the greatest sources of fear is our ignorance of tomorrow. Proverbs 27:1 KJV warns: “Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.” It is the not knowing that keeps people awake at night. Will the test be positive? Will my business survive? Will my children be safe?
Because we cannot see beyond this moment, our minds fill the blank spaces with shadows. The result? We fear what might happen, rather than dealing with what is.
- Ignorance of God’s Sovereignty
Another root is ignorance of God’s control. Fear gains power when we forget that our lives are in the hands of a sovereign, loving Father. Psalm 56:3 KJV says: “What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.”
Trust drives out fear because it replaces the unknown with a known certainty: God is in control.
- Ignorance of Our Security in Christ
Many Christians live in fear because they are unsure of their standing in Christ. They fear they may lose their salvation, that they can fall out of grace by a single misstep. Yet the Lord Jesus declared in John 10:28 KJV: “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.”
The unknown of “Am I really saved?” produces fear. Assurance, built on Scripture, casts out that fear.
The Enemy Exploits the Unknown
Satan, the father of lies, is a master manipulator of the unknown. He whispers doubt: “Did God really say…?” (Genesis 3:1 KJV). From Eden onward, he has planted seeds of suspicion about God’s goodness and man’s security.
When Eve stood before the forbidden tree, danger was present—but it was the unknown about God’s command that Satan twisted. “Ye shall not surely die.” And when she believed the serpent’s lie, fear and shame entered humanity’s heart.
Fear vs. Danger: Not the Same
Some danger demands a healthy respect—standing too close to a cliff’s edge should make us cautious. But this is not fear; it is prudence. Biblical fear of true danger leads to wise action (Proverbs 22:3 KJV: “A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.”)
True fear that paralyzes, that robs sleep and steals peace, is the child of the unknown. It makes mountains out of molehills. It imagines enemies where there are none. And it keeps Christians from living boldly for Christ.
Faith: The Antidote to the Unknown
So how do we overcome fear? By replacing the unknown with the known promises of God. Faith is not blind—it is seeing what God has said and staking your life upon it. Hebrews 11:1 KJV defines it: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
Faith deals with the unknown not by removing it, but by overshadowing it with the certainty of God’s Word.
Practical Ways to Fight the Fear of the Unknown
1. Know the Word
The more Scripture you hide in your heart, the more the unknown loses its terror. Psalm 119:105 KJV says: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
In darkness, the unknown reigns. In light, fear flees.
Resource: For daily Bible reading, visit www.biblegateway.com and choose the King James Version to keep your faith anchored in truth.
2. Remember Past Deliverances
David stood before Goliath not because he ignored danger, but because he remembered what God had already done. 1 Samuel 17:37 KJV: “The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine.”
When fear comes, recall past victories. Keep a journal of answered prayers. Your past is proof that the unknown is known to God.
3. Live in Daily Dependence
Jesus taught us to pray: “Give us this day our daily bread.” (Matthew 6:11 KJV). We are not commanded to carry tomorrow’s burdens today. Fear grows when we try to live tomorrow’s worries on today’s strength.
4. Fellowship with the Courageous
Iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17 KJV). Surround yourself with believers who trust God. Their faith will strengthen yours. Isolate yourself, and fear multiplies.
5. Speak Truth to Yourself
When fear whispers the unknown, speak the known: “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” (Hebrews 13:5 KJV). Memorize verses like 2 Timothy 1:7 KJV: “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
When Danger Is Real—Fear Still Doesn’t Have to Rule
Even when real danger comes, faith holds the ground. Consider Daniel in the lions’ den (Daniel 6). The danger was undeniable—hungry lions waiting. But Daniel’s faith turned the den into a display of divine power.
The three Hebrew children faced the fiery furnace (Daniel 3). They did not deny the danger. They declared: “Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us…but if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods…” They faced the unknown outcome with unwavering trust.
Perfect Love Casteth Out Fear
1 John 4:18 KJV says: “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.”
When we know the perfect love of God through Christ, fear loses its hold. The unknown is no threat to Him who knows all things. His perfect love is our refuge when shadows loom.
A Call to Courage
Dear Christian, the shadows of the unknown may seem deep, but they are only shadows. They have no substance when the Light of the World is with you.
Do not allow fear to dictate your steps. Do not allow the enemy to rob you of joy, ministry, and peace by whispering uncertainties. Arm yourself with the Sword of the Spirit—the Word of God. Walk by faith, not by sight.
The next time fear grips you, remember: It is not the danger that terrifies—it is what you do not know about it. And then remind yourself: God knows. He knows the beginning from the end. And He holds you in His hand.
Final Encouragement
Christian courage is not the absence of danger—it is the presence of faith in the face of the unknown. May you stand firm, anchored by His promises. Let the world tremble at shadows; you walk boldly in the light.
“Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” — Luke 12:32 KJV
Read more inspirational articles at www.cpadavao.com. Stand firm in faith. Fear not. The unknown is not unknown to God.
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