By Barron Greenwalt, Pastor of En-Joy Ministries

Fear and anxiety are universal struggles, woven into the fabric of our human experience. From common phobias like heights or spiders to deeper anxieties about our purpose, abilities, or even our relationship with God, fear can grip us in ways that feel overwhelming. Our culture today is saturated with anxiety; men and women alike are bombarded with messages that amplify worry, often pointing to psychotherapy or medication as the only solutions. While these may have their place, God’s Word offers a different path, one rooted in His strength, His truth, and His joy. As Christians, we are called to a bold witness, standing firm against fear and anxiety, trusting in God’s promises and the guidance of His Holy Spirit. After all, as Nehemiah 8:10 declares, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.”

The Bible is clear: God does not want us to be dominated by fear. In 2 Timothy 1:7, we read, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” This verse is a cornerstone for overcoming fear. A “sound mind” speaks of disciplined thoughts, good judgment, and the ability to make decisions rooted in God’s truth. Fear, on the other hand, is not from God—it can immobilize us, making us feel powerless and alone (1 John 4:18). But God equips us with His power through the Holy Spirit, His perfect love through Christ (Romans 5:5), and the mind of Christ to make sound choices. When we lean into these gifts, we can overcome fear rather than be overwhelmed by it.

Consider Jacob, a man who experienced God’s presence in remarkable ways: dreams, visions, and direct promises (Genesis 28:10–17; 35:11–12). Yet, even Jacob wrestled with fear. In Genesis 42:1–4, facing famine, Jacob’s fear of losing his youngest son, Benjamin, nearly paralyzed him. He had already lost Joseph (or so he thought), and the pain of that loss fueled his anxiety about the future. Like Jacob, we often let past pain or insecurities cloud our trust in God’s plan. Life’s challenges can expose our fears, tempting us to let them define our decisions. But God calls us to choose faith over fear, standing on His Word, which is “a lamp to our feet and a light to our path” (Psalm 119:105).

Jacob’s story doesn’t end in fear. In Genesis 43:11–17, he faced a painful choice: keep Benjamin safe at home and risk starvation or trust God and send him to Egypt. Unbeknownst to Jacob, God had already positioned Joseph in Egypt to provide for their family (Genesis 45:16–18). God’s solution required Jacob to act, to step into the unknown despite his fear. Similarly, God’s answers to our fears may push us into uncomfortable places, but we must trust His leading. As Psalm 56:3 reminds us, “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” By moving forward in faith, we open the door to God’s provision and blessing.

Jacob’s journey culminates in Genesis 46:1–5, where God meets him in a vision, calming his fears and affirming His promise to make Jacob’s family a great nation. Fear had blinded Jacob to God’s bigger plan, but when he surrendered his worry, he saw God’s redemption unfold. This is a powerful lesson for us: fear and anxiety can keep us from the incredible future God has planned. When we give our fears to God, His purposes become clear, and His joy strengthens us to move forward.

Our culture may normalize anxiety, but God’s Word gives us a better way. Joshua 1:9 commands, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Courage is not an absence of fear but the decision to act in faith despite it. Daniel’s boldness in the lions’ den (Daniel 6) shows us what it means to stand firm in God’s strength, even in the face of death. As Christians, we are called to a bold witness, refusing to let fear, anxiety, or intimidation dictate our lives. Instead, we renew our minds with God’s truth (Romans 12:2), trusting that He provides a way to overcome fear because He commands us not to be afraid (Isaiah 41:10).

At En-Joy Ministries, we believe that studying God’s Word and relying on the Holy Spirit equips us to combat fear and anxiety. God’s promises are not empty; He is with us, strengthening us, and guiding our steps. When we anchor ourselves in His truth, we find the courage to face life’s challenges and the joy to live out our calling. Let’s choose today to trust God with our fears and our future, knowing that His joy is our strength and His Word lights our path.

Barron Greenwalt is the pastor of En-Joy Ministries, dedicated to helping believers live boldly in God’s truth and joy.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your unchanging Word and the promise of Your presence that casts out all fear and anxiety. As we leave this study, may Your peace, which surpasses understanding, guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). Fill us with Your joy, our strength, and embolden us to be courageous witnesses for You (Nehemiah 8:10; Joshua 1:9). Guide our steps by the light of Your Word and the power of Your Holy Spirit (Psalm 119:105). May we walk in Your love, with sound minds, trusting You with every fear and every future moment. In Jesus’ name, Amen.