Interpreting “do not fear”

I honestly don’t think “do not fear” in the Bible means “if you feel anxious, you’re sinning.” That interpretation can actually hurt people more than help them. When you look at how it’s used, it usually shows up in moments where people are already scared, and it’s more like reassurance than a harsh command like “you don’t have to be afraid, I’m with you.” Not “stop feeling this immediately or you’re doing something wrong.” Even people in the Bible felt deep anxiety and fear. Like David in the Psalms talks about being overwhelmed, and Jesus Himself showed distress before the crucifixion. That wouldn’t make sense if anxiety itself was a sin. I think there’s a difference between feeling fear and what you do with it. Anxiety isn’t something you can just switch off it just means you’re human. If anything, those “do not fear” moments feel more like invitations to lean on God in the middle of fear, not commands to never feel it at all.

I believe that it means that you dont have to be afraid. God wants us to have peace.

I hear what you’re saying and I understand. I really want to add something to your train of thought. While God spoke this to everyone, not everyone has an anxiety disorder. Not everyone leans more on the anxious side. With an anxiety disorder like OCD, you don’t have as much control as someone without an anxiety disorder does to just stop being anxious. God is patient, gracious and kind and He’s with you through the anxiety you’re experiencing. I do think we can all do things that can make us more anxious, whether you have a disorder or not, and that’s unwise. God encourages us to take care of our minds as much as we can within our control. I get what you’re saying about telling an angry person to calm down. The difference is this command is coming from the only person who can make a difference in the things we feel anxious about. For example, if we are anxious about your future, the God who wrote out all our days and has a plan for us, is telling us to not be anxious. He’s God and He just wants us to let Him take care of the things we cannot control or be certain about. I believe that’s a big part of what this comes down to regardless of whether or not it’s a sin. Some things you can help and other things you can’t. That doesn’t mean you’re powerless though because you are able to seek help for anxiety and there are people that can help you. I hope this made sense. I don’t think anxiety or fear always equals not trusting God. Sometimes it does but not always. Think of all the martyrs. When they were being tortured or killed and felt afraid or anxious, did it mean they didn’t trust God? No. Sometimes anxiety is a choice and sometimes it’s not. We should pray to grow in awareness of when we choose it and for greater trust in Him. You didn’t ask to have OCD. Your brain just works like that and God doesn’t want you to be upset with yourself over anxiety you didn’t choose control. God also tells us to be courageous. Courage is not the absence of fear or anxiety. It’s a willingness to do hard things despite those things and whatever the consequences could be. He will help you. I understand this is frustrating and worrisome for you. Please be patient with yourself as God is patient with you ❤️

The antidote to fear is faith. You even possess it now! We have faith when we flick a light switch, and a light comes on. I use Alexa to remind me to breathe. Silly, huh? It works! I never noticed my chronic anxiety until recently. Taking a deep breath more than once a year 😅 I found is highly beneficial! Who knew?? Now I Do!

Posted Here, 4 hours ago.

OK that didn't work too well. 😅