The Opposite of Fear Isn’t Courage
Most people would say that courage or bravery is the opposite of fear. Certainly, these are two positive traits, and they definitely relate to fear, but when our hearts are drifting toward fear, the answer isn’t to try to muster courage. If you know the Bible, your mind might have gone to Joshua 1:9 as a counter to this previous assertion.
This verse gives us a peek into God’s conversation with Joshua, Israel’s new political, military, and spiritual leader. God said, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (ESV).
You might be thinking, isn’t this a command to be courageous? Yes, it is, but the last clause brings great clarity to how we ought to think about this command. Another way of stating it is, “Because the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go, be strong, and don’t be discouraged.” God’s command to be courageous is based on his promise of presence, not Joshua’s personality, ability to work up an emotion, or a human ability to wrangle in his fear.
If the opposite of fear isn’t courage, what is it? It’s love. God’s promise of his presence isn’t simply linked to his omnipresence. This promise is personal, and his care of us springs from his love. The Apostle John put it best when he said, “Perfect love drives out fear” (1 John 4:18, NIV). This isn’t our love for God. Our love will never be perfect. This is God’s love for us. His love is perfect, and in that reality, we find confidence that can result in personal courage.
What’s the link between love and courage? I like to think of it this way: Psalm 147 speaks of God’s love and power. I love my children and desire to help them whenever they have a significant need; but no matter how much I love them, I’m limited by my lack of resources. Likewise, our world is full of people who have significant power but aren’t good, so they exercise their power for selfish purposes.
When you’re prone to fear, remember that the God of the universe, who is perfect in love and power, is not only on your side but also by your side. Lean into his perfect love and discover God’s antidote to fear.
Mark Renfroe and his wife, Amy, have been involved in field missions work for 30 years. Mark served as the area director for Assemblies of God World Missions and currently serves as the chief missions officer for World Challenge.
