Stop Telling People Not To Be Afraid

Some well meaning Christians have been passing it around social media that the Bible says the phrase “do not fear” or “do not be afraid” 365 times, which is 1 time for every day of the year. They also are reminding their followers that the phrase “do not fear” isn’t a suggestion, but a command.

Here’s the thing, though.

And I hate to burst the bubble. (Eh. Not really, I actually adore bursting bubbles.)

BUT.

The phrase “do not fear” or “do not be afraid” does not appear in the Bible 365 times. In fact, depending on what version you’re reading it can be as little as 97 times.

Bummer, I know.

Also, the phrase “do not be afraid” … I don’t know. A command? I mean, it’s said as a statement, of course, but is it a command? Is God commanding his children NOT to be afraid?

A few weeks ago Jordan woke up around 11:30PM screaming. We’re not sure why, but she was scared and clearly afraid.

Crying.

Trying to catch her breath.

Not able to verbalize why she was afraid.

You know what I said to her?

“Don’t be afraid Jordan, that’s a command.”

HA.

Instead, I said, “sweet little girl, it’s OK, your mommy and daddy are here. It’s OK to be afraid, but you are not alone.”

This is an important distinction to make, I think, when we read these “do not be afraid” verses in the Bible - they aren’t commands to push our very real emotions away, but they are reminders that we are not alone in the midst of the fear that is consuming us. We might be afraid, but in the midst of the fear we can know that we are never alone and that sense of the presence of the Divine can bring a deep sense of peace that can eventually override any fear that we might have.

I tell you all of that because I want you to know that if you’re afraid of COVID-19 and if you’re afraid of running out of things and if you’re afraid of what’s going to happen next week or next month or if you’re afraid of losing someone you love to the virus.

Man.

“My sweet friend. It’s OK.

Your Creator.

The Divine.

The Spirit.

Jesus.

The Christ.

YAHWEH.

ALLAH.

Abba.

… Is here. It’s OK to be afraid, but you are not alone.”

I hope that can bring you some peace tonight as you lay your head down to sleep. There is no shame in being afraid and just because your neighbor isn’t afraid doesn’t invalidate your own feelings. My prayer for you tonight is that you feel the presence of God with you and that you don’t stay in fear, but are able to move into a sense of peace in the coming days.

Much love,