There’s one thing you don’t hear on 9-11 and it’s the most important thing. Until you trust these words you’re not in a position of strength to minister God’s comfort to the grieving and his justice to the oppressed and endangered.

“This world is a perfectly safe place to be… as long as you’re in the kingdom of God.”

Huh? If ever there was a day that we’re reminded that we’re not safe it’s 9-11. There are terrorists in our world! There are untold thousands of people in America and around the world who are grieving because a loved one was killed by a terrorist.

The Kingdom of God

Yes, these are frightening and sad realities in our world today. But Dallas Willard’s words remind us of a greater reality, which Jesus was always talking about and demonstrating: the kingdom of God.

God’s kingdom is not just a far off and a way later for when we die—it is present wherever Jesus Christ is Lord (Luke 17:21). He is the King and he’s alive and acting in grace and power with his hosts of angel armies all around you right now.

If we learn to live in terms of the reality of the kingdom of the heavens in our midst rather than the visible world we live in then we will have peace—even in stress, even if we’re endangered, even if we’re harmed or killed.

The Psalmist’s “No Fear” Prayer

3,000 years ago the Psalmist was in a time of darkness, surrounded by enemies, and dealing with bad news. He knew the Lord as his ever-present refuge and fortress. He anticipated the coming of the Christ and his kingdom and he prayed for himself and us, that we would not be shaken, but would be like the gracious and compassionate and righteous man: “He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord” (Psalm 112:7).

I find it helpful to pray the Psalms to Jesus, the one who fulfilled all the prophecies and all the righteousness of the Psalms. So I pray that verse this way:

• “Jesus, I hold you in my heart… I have no fear.”

As a Breath Prayer, I breathe in with a whisper: “Jesus, I hold you in my heart…” And I breathe out with a whisper, “I have no fear.” Inhaling the peace of Christ… Exhaling fear.

I also use it in intercession for others:

• “Jesus, may ______ hold you in her heart… May she have no fear.”

More Soul Shepherding

Psalm 91 is a psalm I turn to often for myself and others when feelings of fear come. Here’s little prayer that distills this beloved Psalm: In Jesus’ Shadow.

“Smile in your Storm” explains how Jesus remained at peace when he and his disciples were in a boat on the Sea of Galilee and being pounded by a terrible storm that threatened their lives.

Bill Gaultiere, Ph.D. & Kristi Gaultiere, Psy.D. ~ http://www.soulshepherding.org

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Most every day I talk to someone who is afraid or anxious (which is generalized fear). Maybe you fear what people think of you… Not having enough money… Public speaking, flying, being far from home, or spiders… Failure or rejection… Losing a loved one… Disease or pain… Death…

We all long for more of God’s peace in the midst of the stresses of our lives!

How Many “Fear Nots” are There in the Bible?

It’s been said that there are 365 “Fear nots” in the Bible, one “Fear not” for every day of the year—actually there are more than 365 “Fear nots” in the Bible! Thank God because we need to be reminded to “Fear not” and trust God everyday.

Many people say, “It’s a nice thought to say that there are 365 ‘Fear nots’ in the Bible, but it’s not true.” Indeed, there is not a version of the Bible that 365 times says, quote unquote, ”Fear not.” For instance, the King James Version says “Fear not” or “Be not afraid” 103 times, but not 365 times.

So why do I say that there are more than 365 “Fear nots” in the Bible?

“Fear” is spoken of over 500 times in the KJV. Furthermore, in addition to the “Fear nots” many times it’s saying “Fear God,” which really means reverence God alone and do not fear anyone or anything else. Expanding the search to look at verses encouraging us not to worry or not to be anxious would add many, many more “Fear not” Scriptures. This is why I say that there are more than 365 “Fear nots” in the Bible.

A Fear Not Prayer

The Psalmist often leads us in a “Fear not” prayer. The Psalms are the Bible’s great soul book, meant to train us to respond to all life situations and difficulties through prayer and trust in the Lord.

One example is Psalm 56. David has been seized by the Philistines and he starts to become afraid, but instead he sets his vision on his Lord and Savior in his midst. He praises God and his word to him: “Fear not!” He puts his trust in the Lord…

When I am afraid,

I will trust in you.

In God, whose word I praise,

In God I trust; I will not be afriad.

What can mortal man do to me?

(Psalm 56:3-4, repeated in similar words in verses 10-11.)

What are you Afraid Of?

What fear is trying to take a hold of you right now? What threat or trouble are you facing?

Pray with David, “When I am afraid of _________, I will trust in you, O Lord.”

And if you’re not afraid now pray it anyway! A time of strength is the best time to pray because then you can “watch and pray” with Jesus, preparing your heart now to take refuge in the Lord when temptation comes.

More Soul Shepherding

In “31 Days to Freedom from Fear” I share 31 of my favorite “Fear nots” from the Bible and introduce an approach for living by God’s “Fear not!” 365 days a year!

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Bill Gaultiere, Ph.D. & Kristi Gaultiere, Psy.D. ~ http://www.soulshepherding.org