What is the Difference Between Faith & Fear?

Faith and Fear. We hear about both of them a lot, but what actually is the difference? Why is it so popular to say that faith conquers fear? Let’s unpack this a little bit.

Some people believe fear is the opposite of faith. That isn’t exactly true. The definition of fear is believing something will happen before it does. The definition of faith is believing something will happen before it does.

These two words require the same action…belief. The difference is where you put your focus.
You can look at the enemy, the world, and your circumstances, or you can look at Jesus, His Word, and the promises of God. Faith is trusting that God can handle anything that we would be afraid of.

Let’s talk about a few Bible verses that talk about faith overcoming our fears!

1. The Bible’s Definition of Faith

Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” That give us such a clear definition of what faith really is! Spend some time dwelling on that for a minute.

2. God Will Uphold You

Isaiah 41:10 says, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” This tells us to trust God to be our strength instead of our own might. Literally, do not fear.

3. God Does Not Give Us the Spirit of Fear

2 Timothy 1:7 is proof of this, ^“for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” Notice what He does give instead! Power. Love. Self-control. We can hold fast to faith and lean into these things.

4. Trust In the Lord Instead

Psalm 56:3, “What time I’m afraid I will trust in Him.” As I mentioned earlier, faith and fear aren’t opposites so much as they are different ways we focus our belief. Do we believe in what scares us or our God more? We can choose to shift our focus away from what makes us afraid and towards the God we trust!