I think it is so wonderful that God cares about the element of fear. He seeks to calm our hearts in the midst of daunting circumstances. When all else gives way, God has promised to stay. It is not that he removes fearful things. It is that he promises His presence as we face them, and that makes all the difference.
When Joshua prepared to enter Canaan to do battle, it was the fact that God went with him that was to bring courage to the situation ( Deuteronomy 31:6; Joshua 1:9). Fear paralyzes (Joshua 5:1), but Courage motivates to action. The call to abandon fear is often tied to the call to action. God does not want us to be defeated by fear. He woants us to be victorious as we gain strength and courage from his presence and power (Isaiah 41:10; Philippians 4:13).
I love the old cartoon character, Underdog. His tag line was "There's no need to fear, Underdog is here." As Christians, we can overcome fear through faith. Trusting God can free us from the fear that would defeat us. Because we believe God cares, we find a place free from anxiety (1 Peter 5:7).
God's encouragement not to fear means so much. Not just because it can make me strong, but because it is an expression of relationship. "I am with you" He says (Genesis 26:24). "I will always be there" He says (Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5). "I love you and watch over you" (Genesis 28:15; Isaiah 43:4). All reasons not to fear. Those who have faith need never fear. On the other hand, those without faith, be afraid. Be very afraid (Philippians 1:28).
