This article is the second in a series on the "'Fear Nots' of the Bible."  The first article presented the "'Fear Nots' of the Old Testament" (Ref. 1).  In the Old Testament, God assured the Israelites, "Fear not, for I am with you" (Isaiah 41:10).  Moses encouraged the Israelites about the Lord's presence with them, "Do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you.  He will not fail you or forsake you" (Deuteronomy 31:6).   

This article presents statements of Jesus where he tells us to "Fear not" or "Do not be afraid."  Jesus Christ, the Son of God, assures those who believe in him and follow him that we have no reason to fear.

     Consider.  In what areas of your life are you afraid?  With what circumstances or trials would you like Jesus to give you courage and peace?

     Definition.  Unless indicated otherwise, the verses in this article use the Greek word phobeó for fear or afraid (Ref. 2).  The New Testament uses phobeó to mean put to flight (withdraw from), terrify, frighten, dread, or reverence (Ref. 2). 

     Jesus Gives Us Courage in the Midst of Our Trials.  Recall the event when Jesus walked on the water of Lake Galilee late at night to come to his disciples who were struggling with rowing against the wind (read here, Mark 6:45-52).  In Mark 6:48 the Greek language uses a serious word to describe the disciple's situation.  The New American Standard Bible says the disciples were straining at the oars for the wind was against them.  The Greek word for straining is basanizó, which means a tormenting trial, to examine by using torture (Ref. 3).  Wow. 

Jesus took the initiative and came to his disciples during their tormenting trial at sea (Mark 6:48).  The disciples saw Jesus approaching, but did not recognize him at first.  They thought he was a ghost, and they were frightened (Mark 6:49-50).  Jesus said to them, and he says to us in our trial, "Take courage; it is I, do not be afraid" (Mark 6:50). 

The Greek word for courage is tharseó, which means emboldened from within (Ref. 4).  For the believer, bold courage is infused by the Lord and means "living out the inner confidence (inner bolstering) that is Spirit-produced" (Ref. 4).

By faith, Jesus gives us courage (inner boldness and confidence) during our trials.  His presence with us calms our storms (Mark 6:51, Mark 4:38-39).

     Believing in Jesus is the Remedy for Our Fear.  A synagogue official named Jairus came  to Jesus and urgently asked Jesus, "My little daughter is at the point of death; please come and lay Your hands on her, so that she will get well and live" (Mark 5:22-23).  While on the way, bad news came from the house of the synagogue official.  "Your daughter has died; why trouble the Teacher anymore?" (Mark 5:35).  Jesus disagreed with the advice of the bad news bearer to not trust further in Jesus.  Jesus immediately said to Jairus, "Fear not, only believe" (Mark 5:36).  In the face of bad news, believing in (trusting in, having faith in) Jesus is the only remedy for our grief and fear (Ref. 5, Ref. 6). 

Jesus knew that he "had things under control."  Jairus only needed to believe.  Jesus went on to raise Jairus' daughter from the dead (Mark 5:40-42). 

     God Knows Us, Values Us, and Cares for Us.  Jesus said, "Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin?  And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will.  But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.  Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows" (Matthew 10:29-31).  English Theologian John Gill (1697 - 1771) wrote, "If God takes care of sparrows and is concerned for their lives, much more will he take care of his faithful ministers, and not suffer their lives to be taken away, till they have done the will and work of their Lord" (Ref. 7, Ref. 8).

      Jesus Gives Us Peace that the World Cannot Give.  On the evening before his death, Jesus said to his disciples, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.  Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful" (John 14:27).  Jesus gives his disciples peace.  The peace that Jesus gives dispels our fear.

The Greek word for peace in John 14:27 is eiréné.  Eiréné (peace) is God's gift of wholeness including peace of mind (Ref. 9).  The invocation of peace (shalom in Hebrew) also was a common Jewish farewell, in the Hebraistic sense of the health (welfare), security, safety, and prosperity of an individual (Ref. 10, 1 Samuel 1:16-18, 1 Samuel 20:42).

The Greek word for fear in John 14:27 is deiliaó, which means to be cowardly (Ref. 11).  Deiliaó is used only this one time in the New Testament. 

Jesus' presence and his words bring comfort, courage, and peace to his disciples then and now.  
 

     Apply.  If you do not yet know Jesus, put your faith and trust in him.  Believing in Jesus is the only remedy for your fear.  If you do know Jesus, and you are going through a difficult time, pray, and put your trust in Jesus.  He will provide you the comfort, courage, and peace that you seek.

References
1.  http://www.ScriptureWay.com/home/fear-nots-of-the-old-testament
2.  https://biblehub.com/greek/5399.htm
3.  https://biblehub.com/greek/928.htm
4.  https://biblehub.com/greek/2293.htm
5.  https://biblehub.com/greek/4100.htm
6.  https://biblehub.com/commentaries/mhc/mark/5.htm
7.  https://biblehub.com/commentaries/gill/matthew/10.htm
8.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Gill_(theologian)
9.  https://biblehub.com/greek/1515.htm
10.  https://biblehub.com/hebrew/7965.htm
11.  https://biblehub.com/greek/1168.htm

This article is the first in a series on the "'Fear Nots' of the Bible."  This article presents God's divinely encouraging "Fear not" and "Do not be afraid" statements from the Old Testament. 

     Consider.  In our troubles and challenges of life, God comes to us and says, "Fear not," and "Do not be afraid."  In addition to telling us, "Do not be afraid," God encourages us because God is with us and blesses us in a variety of ways.

     God is Our Shield.  Genesis 15:1 - "After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, 'Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.'"  God is our protector and defense.

     God Blesses His People.  Genesis 26:24 - "And the Lord appeared to him* the same night and said, 'I am the God of your father Abraham; do not fear, for I am with you. I will bless you and multiply your descendants for My servant Abraham’s sake.'"
* Isaac, Abraham's son

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines bless as invoke divine care, confer prosperity, protect, and endow with favor (Ref. 1).

     God Saves His People.  When the Egyptian army was about to overtake the Israelites, and immediately before God divided the sea, Moses said to the Israelites, "Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today..." (Exodus 14:13). 

When the Moabites and Ammonites came to make war against Jehoshaphat, the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel and he spoke to the Israelites (2 Chronicles 20:14).  "You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem! Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you" (2 Chronicles 20:17).

The Hebrew word for salvation in Exodus 14:13 and 2 Chronicles 20:17 is yeshuah, pronounced yesh-oo'-aw (Ref. 2).  Yeshua also is the modern Hebrew name for Jesus of Nazareth (Ref. 3).  In English, the name Yeshua is extensively used by followers of Messianic Judaism (Ref. 3). 

     God Never Fails or Forsakes His People.  In Moses' last counsel to all the Israelite people, Moses said, "Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you" (Deuteronomy 31:1, 6). 

Moses then said to his successor, Joshua, "The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed" (Deuteronomy 31:8).

     God Strengthens Us, Helps Us, and Supports Us.  Isaiah 41:10 - "Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."

    God is Our Companion in Trials.  Isaiah 43:1-2 - "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.  When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;  And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.  When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you." 

God indeed has redeemed his people.  The Hebrew word for redeem is gaal, which means to act as a kinsman and to buy back a relative's property (Ref. 4).

God has already demonstrated that his promises in Isaiah 43:1-2 are true.  God parted the sea for the Israelites to pass through on dry land (Exodus 14:15-16).  God caused the Jordan River to rise up in a heap so it would not overflow the Israelites when they crossed on dry ground (Joshua 3:13-17).  Recall that King Nebuchadnezzar had Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego cast into the blazing furnace of fire because they would not serve Nebuchadnezzar's gods (Daniel 3:16-20).  Scripture tells us that King Nebuchadnezzar saw in the fire a divine companion that God provided to be with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego during their trial.  "'Look!' he answered, 'I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God'" (Daniel 3:25). 

     Apply.  How do you need God's encouragement today to "Fear not" or "Do not be afraid"?  Claim God's promises to be present with you, to bless you, to strengthen you, and to give you courage.

References 
1.  https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bless
2.  https://biblehub.com/hebrew/3444.htm
3.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yeshua
4.  https://biblehub.com/hebrew/1350.htm

"When the storms of life are raging, Stand by me (stand by me);
When the storms of life are raging, Stand by me (stand by me);
When the world is tossing me Like a ship upon the sea
Thou who rulest wind and water, Stand by me (stand by me)."
-- Charles Albert Tindley, 1905

This article describes the background and scripture allusions for the gospel hymn, "Stand by Me," by Rev. Dr. Charles A. Tindley.

     Consider.  Are you going through a personal storm today?  The same Jesus who rebuked the wind and said to the sea, "Hush, be still," can calm your personal storms.

     Hymn Author and Composer.  The Reverend Dr. Charles Albert Tindley (1851-1933) was an American Methodist minister and was one of the founding fathers of American gospel music (Ref. 1, Ref. 2).  He was the son of a slave, and he taught himself to read and write.  After the American Civil War he moved to Philadelphia as a young person where he found employment as a hod carrier (brick carrier) (Ref. 1).  He and his wife Daisy attended the Bainbridge Street Methodist Episcopal Church in Philadelphia where Charles became the sexton (janitor) (Ref. 1, Ref. 3).

Tindley was never able to go to school (Ref. 1).  He was self-taught, never graduating from college or seminary, yet he acquired and read more than 8,000 books (Ref. 4).  Tindley learned Hebrew through the help of a Philadelphia synagogue, and he learned Greek by taking a correspondence course through the Boston Theological School.  Tindley qualified for ordination in the Methodist Episcopal Church by examination (Ref. 1).  After serving churches in Delaware, New Jersey, and Maryland, Tindley later became the pastor at the same church in Philadelphia where he had been a janitor (Ref. 1, Ref. 4).  Under his leadership and powerful preaching, the multi-racial congregation grew from 130 members to more than 10,000 members (Ref. 1, Ref. 3).  Tindley was awarded honorary Doctor of Divinity degrees by Bennett College (North Carolina) and Morgan College (Maryland) (Ref. 1).

Life was not easy for people in the northeastern United States at the turn of the 20th century.  The area near Tindley's church was economically depressed, especially for African Americans during this time (Ref. 4).  The hymn "Stand By Me" speaks to the difficulties that many of Tindley's parishioners faced (Ref. 4). 

Charles A. Tindley composed and published over 40 gospel songs (Ref. 1, Ref. 2).  His best-known gospel songs include "Stand by Me" (Ref. 5), "Leave it There" (Ref. 6), and "We'll Understand It Better By and By" (Ref. 7).  His song, "I’ll Ov­er­come Some Day" (Ref. 8) was the ba­sis for the Am­er­i­can civ­il rights an­them "We Shall Ov­er­come," pop­u­lar­ized in the 1960s (Ref. 2).   

     "Stand By Me" Scripture Allusions.  Below I describe several phrases from the "Stand by Me" hymn text and their scripture allusions.  To see the complete set of all five verses of the hymn text, please click either on the attached lyric sheet or hymn sheet.

• "When the storms of life are raging, Stand by me" (hymn, verse 1).  Verse 1 refers to the event described in three of the Gospels where Jesus rebukes the wind and the waves and the sea becomes calm (Matthew 8:23-27, Mark 4:35-41, Luke 8:22-25). 
  
  
• "Thou who rulest wind and water, Stand by me" (hymn, verse 1).  Scripture tells us that Jesus rebuked the wind and said to the sea, "Hush, be still" (Mark 4:39).  In Jesus' early ministry, Jesus' disciples did not know fully who Jesus was.  They were afraid and said, "Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?" (Mark 4:41)  God is the only one who can still the roaring sea (Psalm 65:5-7).
  
  
• "When I do the best I can, and my friends misunderstand" (hymn, verse 3).  Rev. Tindley may have had 2 Timothy 4:9-18 in mind.  The Apostle Paul wrote about his friends deserting him when he was on trial.  "At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them.  But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was rescued out of the lion’s mouth" (2 Timothy 4:16-17, italics added).  Benson's Commentary states that it was astonishing that none of the Christians in Rome stood with Paul in court for his defense (Ref. 9).  However, the Lord Jesus Christ stood with Paul, and the Lord stands with us today through our trials.
  
  
• "When my foes in battle array undertake to stop my way" (hymn, verse 4).  When the Apostle Paul was in Jerusalem, such dissension arose that the Roman commander sent troops to take Paul away from his opposers (Acts 23:10).  Luke, the writer of Acts, reports that the Lord encouraged Paul.  "But on the night immediately following, the Lord stood at his side and said, 'Take courage; for as you have solemnly witnessed to My cause at Jerusalem, so you must witness at Rome also' " (Acts 23:11, italics added).  The Lord Jesus Christ stood with Paul, and the Lord stands with us today to give us courage in our battles.  Jesus said, "In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).
  
  
• "Thou who savèd Paul and Silas, Stand by me" (hymn, verse 4).  Luke tells us about the time the chief magistrates in Philippi threw Paul and Silas into prison.  When Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise in the prison, God rescued them by sending an earthquake which opened the prison doors and unfastened their chains (Acts 16:11-12, Acts 16:22-30).  Consider how the Lord Jesus Christ releases us from our chains to sin when we turn to him in repentance and faith.
  
  

     Listen.  The music for "Stand By Me" will encourage you.  Watch one or both of the music videos below.

• Elvis Presley (1966):  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Aqu8aLqHcU
• Wyeth Duncan (2010): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v24qf16zP58
  
  

     Apply.  Thank Jesus for the times he has stood by you during the challenges you have faced in life.  Ask Jesus to stand by you, to give you strength and courage, and to calm the storm you are going through today.

References
1.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Albert_Tindley
2.  http://www.hymntime.com/tch/bio/t/i/n/tindley_ca.htm
3.  http://www.dubois-theward.org/history/congregations/tindley-temple/
4.  https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-stand-by-me
5.  http://www.hymntime.com/tch/htm/s/t/a/n/standbym.htm
6.  http://www.hymntime.com/tch/htm/l/e/a/v/leaveitt.htm
7.  http://www.hymntime.com/tch/htm/w/e/l/u/welunder.htm
8.  http://www.hymntime.com/tch/htm/i/l/l/o/illoverc.htm
9.  https://biblehub.com/commentaries/benson/2_timothy/4.htm