Overcoming Fear: A Kingdom Perspective Rooted in Scripture By: Chaim Malespin

What Is Fear?

Fear—have you experienced it? Maybe you’re even hesitant to admit it. Can you sleep peacefully at night? Do headlines about missiles from Gaza, threats from Iran, or terror groups like Hamas haunt your dreams? In today’s world, the word “fear” touches every heart at some point. But the Scriptures, from Genesis to Revelation, speak boldly about the path of faith over fear. For believers in Messiah Yeshua, overcoming fear isn’t about bravado—it’s about building unshakable trust in Elohim.

2 Timothy 1:7 declares: “For Elohim has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind.” (TLV)

The Biblical Types of Fear

Fear comes in different forms. Some fear is instinctive, like the thrill on a roller coaster. Others are grounded in real-world threats—like going to the army or facing a health crisis. Then there’s fear of rejection: fear of saying you’re a believer, because people may mock you.

Scripture distinguishes between different types of fear. Proverbs 29:25 says, “The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in Adonai shall be kept safe.” (TLV)

There’s also a fear that becomes unhealthy—phobias like fear of elevators, darkness, or public speaking. These often stem not from real danger, but from broken trust and spiritual strongholds.

Faith vs Fear: Emunah as the Antidote

The Hebrew word for faith—emunah (אֱמוּנָה)—means more than belief; it means steadfastness, reliability, and covenant trust. Faith is not irresponsible wishful thinking. It’s growing trust in the promises of Elohim.

Hebrews 11:1 says: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (KJV)

Fear and faith are spiritual opposites. Where fear paralyzes, faith activates. Where fear doubts, faith trusts. Even in uncertainty, the believer chooses faith, grounded in the covenant faithfulness of Elohim.

Examples of Faith Amid Fear

In Mark 4:35–41, Yeshua and His disciples face a violent storm on the Sea of Galilee. The boat is nearly swamped. The disciples panic. Yet Yeshua sleeps peacefully. When they wake Him, He rebukes the wind and then rebukes them: “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (v. 40)

Their fear was real—but so was their lack of trust. The One in the boat was greater than the storm. So it is with us.

Similarly, Elisha in 2 Kings 6:8–24 faces an entire army sent to capture him. Yet he says: “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” (v.16) Then Elohim opens his servant’s eyes to see heavenly chariots of fire surrounding them.

The Seven Spirits of Elohim and the Fear of the LORD

Revelation 1:4 speaks of “the seven Spirits who are before His throne.” These are reflected in Isaiah 11:2, describing the Ruach resting upon Messiah:

The Spirit of Adonai

The Spirit of Wisdom (Chokhmah)

Understanding (Binah)

Counsel (Etzah)

Might (Gevurah)

Knowledge (Da’at)

The Fear of Adonai (Yirat Adonai)

“Fear of the LORD” isn’t terror—it’s reverent awe. It’s the kind of trembling that draws us closer to Elohim, not away from Him. Proverbs 1:7 says, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.”

Phobos and Holy Awe in Acts

In Acts 2:43, after Shavuot (Pentecost), the text says: “Fear came upon every soul.” The Greek word is phobos, which can mean dread—but here, it means holy awe.

Later, in Acts 5:5, when Ananias falls dead for lying to the Ruach, great fear seizes the Kehilah. This is not phobia—it is a holy awareness of Elohim’s holiness.

Fear of man leads to compromise. But fear of Elohim leads to wisdom, repentance, and renewal.

The Charedim and Trembling Before the Word

The Hebrew root חרד (ḥ-r-d) means to tremble. The Charedim, a sect of religious Jews, are called “those who tremble” at the Word of Elohim.

Isaiah 66:2 says: “To this one will I look, to the one who is humble and contrite in spirit, and who trembles at My word.”

While Messianic believers may not follow the Halacha of the Charedim, we too are called to tremble before the Word. Reverence is not optional—it’s part of true discipleship.

Overcoming Fear Through Yeshua’s Power

In 2 Timothy 1:10, Paul writes that Yeshua “nullified the power of death and brought life and immortality to light through the Good News.” (TLV)

Yeshua didn’t just teach faith—He modeled it. When everyone fled, He pressed forward. He said, “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.” — Matthew 10:28

Fear is a spirit. It must be cast out. As 1 John 4:18 declares: “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.”

Trust in Elohim and the Promise of Peace

Jeremiah 17:5–8 paints a clear contrast:

“Cursed is the man who trusts in man… He will dwell in parched places…”

“Blessed is the man who trusts in Adonai… He will be like a tree planted by water… and never ceases to bear fruit.”

Peace (Shalom) comes not from circumstances, but from who we trust. Trust in Elohim is the key to overcoming fear.

Kings, Courage, and the Coming King: A Prophetic Reflection

Throughout Scripture, kings were tested by fear. The kings of Israel—every one—failed. Why? They trusted in idols, political alliances, and the arm of flesh.

Yet some kings of Judah shined with courage. Hezekiah trusted in Adonai against Assyria. Josiah rediscovered the Torah and led revival.

Ultimately, only one King is perfect: Yeshua, the Lion of Judah. He is “Faithful and True… King of kings and Lord of lords.” — Revelation 19:11–16

We, as His followers, must walk in the same boldness.

Conclusion: Let Us Grow in Faith, Not Fear

Fear is real—but it must not rule us. Whether it’s fear of war, rejection, failure, or the unknown, the answer is the same:

More faith. More emunah.

We are not given a spirit of fear. We are given power (Gevurah), love (Ahavah), and a sound mind (Sof-Da’at).