This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

God tell us not to fear 365 times in the Bible. Have you ever wondered how He can ask that of us? After all, we’re only human!

God’s message in Scripture is very clear: “This is my command,” reads Joshua 1:9, “be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” And in the Bible book of Isaiah, God says to His people, “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand (Isaiah 41:10).

The reason He tells us not to fear isn’t because He removes us from danger or diminishes the threats we face. When God tells His people not to fear, it’s often in situations where He has led them up against overwhelming odds that should terrify them. But He tells them not to be afraid because He will be with them.

If you believe it, the realization that the all-powerful and caring God is with you, changes everything. His presence changes the threat of the darkness. In Psalm 23:4, King David put it this way: “​​Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.” King David was still in the darkest valley, but his comfort was in knowing Who was with him there.

Think about a situation you’re afraid of—right there, God’s mighty presence with you is sure, if you are His.