We all have fears. We try to face them so that we would overcome them. But sadly some who do try end up getting traumatised. We can't shake our fears away. But there's one thing that will make them all go away: the fear of the Lord.
The fear of the Lord is the only thing that will help us drive away all our fears. Proverbs 9:10 says "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." When we fear God, we will gain wisdom and understanding why we shouldn't fear the evil one who can't even touch those who are born of God and does not sin (see 1 John 5:18).
Drive your fears away
Our fears aren't simply driven away the moment we meet Christ. At the time of conversion and salvation, we often say that we don't fear death anymore, and in the joy and peace that we receive after surrendering our lives to Christ, we can also say that we don't fear ridicule, persecution and shame. But in all honesty, many start to feel their fears at some point in time after meeting the Lord.
Some start to fear being rejected by their unbelieving friends. Some fear being considered weird because of the new choice of words that they, as newly-born again Christians, speak. Some fear being driven away when they start to share the gospel, even to their families.
We all feel these familiar fears, but these have to stop.
Truth be told, friends, what we fear actually fears God who loves us. Think about it. James 2:19 tells us, "You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!" These evil beings who strike fear into our hearts actually fear Him who loves us, is for us, and has given us not a spirit of fear, but a Spirit of power, love, and a sound mind – the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out "Abba, Father" (see 2 Timothy 1:7; Romans 8:15).
Let that sink in.
The love of God drowns out fear
Knowing that God loves us and is for us is enough for us to stop fearing anything, including death. 1 John 4:17-19 encourages us, "Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us."
So instead of fearing other things, we are to fear God and God alone. The Lord Jesus commands us, "... do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." (Matthew 10:28)
