Choosing Faith Over Fear in Life's Trials

Summary

Fear is a universal experience, but our responses to it are as varied as the people who feel it. Some of us are like the little girl who picks up a snake without hesitation, while others freeze at the sight of a tiny spider. Fear is an emotion that signals danger or threat, but it doesn’t have to control our lives. We often respond to fear by fighting, fleeing, freezing, or even fawning—trying to appease what scares us. Yet, as followers of Christ, there is another way: faith.

Throughout Scripture, we see people who faced overwhelming fear and yet chose to trust God. David, a shepherd boy, stood before Goliath not because he was fearless, but because his faith in God was greater than his fear. Daniel, threatened with death for his devotion to God, chose faith over self-preservation, even as he faced the lions. Their stories remind us that faith doesn’t erase fear, but it gives us the courage to move forward in spite of it.

The Psalms show us that even the most faithful people wrestle with fear and sorrow. David cries out to God in anguish, but ultimately chooses to trust in God’s unfailing love and goodness. Faith is not a denial of fear, but a decision to trust God’s character and promises in the midst of it. This is a process—a journey of learning to lean on God, step by step, as we see His faithfulness in our lives.

Even Jesus, in the Garden of Gethsemane, experienced deep agony and fear as He faced the cross. He prayed for another way, but ultimately surrendered to the Father’s will. Jesus shows us that faith is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to trust God’s plan, even when it leads through suffering.

Life will always bring moments that test us—loss, uncertainty, pain. Faith doesn’t guarantee a life free from hardship, but it does promise God’s presence with us through it all. When we choose faith over fear, we find peace, rest, and the assurance that, no matter what comes, we are never alone. Our hope is anchored not in our circumstances, but in the unchanging love of Christ and the promise of what’s to come.

Key Takeaways

- Faith Is a Choice in the Face of Fear
Fear is a natural response to danger or uncertainty, but faith is a deliberate decision to trust God even when fear is present. Like David and Daniel, we are called to choose faith, not because we are fearless, but because we know who God is and what He has done. Faith doesn’t always remove fear, but it empowers us to act in spite of it. [06:56]

- God’s Faithfulness Is Proven Over Time
Our confidence in God grows as we look back and see how He has provided and sustained us through past fears and trials. The journey of faith is built on remembering God’s goodness and learning to trust Him more with each step. Even when outcomes aren’t perfect, God uses our experiences to shape us and deepen our reliance on Him. [16:58]

- Jesus Understands Our Fear and Walks With Us
In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus experienced real fear and anguish, yet He chose to submit to the Father’s will. This shows us that God is not distant from our struggles; He knows what it is to be afraid and promises to walk with us through every trial. We are invited to bring our fears honestly to God, trusting that He will strengthen and comfort us. [19:54]

- Peace and Rest Are Found in God’s Presence, Not in Perfect Circumstances
The promise of faith is not a trouble-free life, but the assurance that God is with us in every situation. When we turn to Him, we find a peace that surpasses understanding, even when fears remain. God’s presence brings rest to our souls, enabling us to face each day with hope and courage. [20:49]

- Our Ultimate Hope Is Secure in Christ
The greatest fear many face is uncertainty about the future, especially what happens after this life. In Christ, we have the assurance of eternal life and the promise that we will see God face to face. This hope gives us the strength to endure anything this world brings, knowing that our story ends in God’s love and presence forever. [22:31]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:03] - Fear Factor and Childhood Fears
[01:58] - Family Stories of Fear
[02:47] - Defining Fear
[03:43] - Playground Lessons and Fear Responses
[04:57] - The Four F’s: Flight, Freeze, Fawn, Fight
[06:04] - Introducing Faith as a Response
[06:56] - Biblical Examples: David and Daniel
[09:57] - Daniel’s Faith in the Lion’s Den
[10:59] - Psalm 13: Wrestling with Fear
[12:31] - Psalm 34: Choosing Praise
[13:31] - The Ongoing Presence of Fear
[14:33] - Faith Is a Learning Process
[16:58] - God’s Provision in Uncertainty
[18:07] - Jesus’ Agony in Gethsemane
[19:54] - Submitting to God’s Will
[20:49] - God’s Presence in Our Trials
[21:42] - Life Is a Journey of Faith
[22:31] - The Hope of Eternal Life
[23:33] - Confidence in Christ
[24:12] - Prayer for Faith Over Fear
[25:41] - Closing and Benediction

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Faith Over Fear

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### Bible Reading

- Psalm 13
- Psalm 34:1-7
- Luke 22:39-46 (Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane)

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### Observation Questions

1. In Psalm 13, what emotions does David express before he chooses to trust God? ([10:59])
2. According to Psalm 34:4, what does David say God did when he prayed about his fears? ([12:31])
3. In Luke 22:39-46, what does Jesus ask the Father to do, and how does He respond when the answer is “no”? ([18:07])
4. The sermon mentioned several ways people respond to fear (flight, freeze, fawn, fight). What is the “fifth F” the pastor added, and why? ([06:04])

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think David is so honest about his fears and struggles in the Psalms, instead of pretending everything is okay? ([10:59])
2. The sermon says faith is not the absence of fear, but a choice to trust God in the middle of it. How does this idea change the way someone might approach their fears? ([06:56])
3. When Jesus prays in the garden, He asks for another way but still submits to God’s will. What does this teach us about how to handle our own fears and hard situations? ([19:54])
4. The pastor said that God’s faithfulness is proven over time, not always in the moment. How might looking back at past experiences help someone trust God with their current fears? ([16:58])

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon gave examples of people who faced real danger (like David and Daniel) but chose faith. Can you think of a time when you had to choose between fear and faith? What did you do? ([06:56])
2. The pastor talked about “small baby steps” in facing fear, like his son learning to pick up a spider. What is one small step you could take this week to trust God with something that scares you? ([01:58])
3. When you are afraid, do you tend to fight, flee, freeze, or fawn? How could you practice responding with faith instead? ([04:57])
4. The sermon said that even Jesus experienced fear and agony, but He brought it honestly to God. What would it look like for you to bring your fears honestly to God in prayer? ([19:54])
5. The pastor mentioned that peace and rest are found in God’s presence, not in perfect circumstances. Is there a situation in your life right now where you need to look for God’s presence instead of waiting for things to get better? ([20:49])
6. The sermon said our ultimate hope is secure in Christ, even when we don’t know what the future holds. How does knowing this change the way you face uncertainty or loss? ([22:31])
7. The pastor shared that faith is a journey and a process. What is one way you can remember or celebrate God’s faithfulness in your life this week, especially when you feel afraid? ([16:58])

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Devotional

Day 1: Choosing Faith Over Fear

Fear is a universal experience, but as followers of Christ, we are invited to respond not just with fight, flight, freeze, or fawn, but with faith. Faith is not the absence of fear, but the decision to trust God in the midst of it, believing that He is present and able to carry us through whatever we face. Whether our fears are small, like a child’s fear of bugs, or overwhelming, like the loss of a job or uncertainty about the future, God calls us to lean into Him, to let our faith be the lens through which we see our circumstances. Each day, we have the choice to let fear dictate our actions or to step forward in faith, trusting that God is with us and for us. [06:56]

Hebrews 11:1 (ESV)
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

Reflection: What is one fear you are facing today, and how can you intentionally choose to respond with faith rather than letting fear control your actions?


Day 2: Trusting God’s Unfailing Love in the Midst of Fear

When fear and sorrow threaten to overwhelm, we are reminded by the psalmist that God’s love is unfailing and His rescue is sure. Even when it feels like God is distant or silent, we can choose to trust in His goodness and faithfulness. The act of praising God in the midst of fear is a declaration that our hope is not in our circumstances, but in the One who holds us. As we turn our hearts to Him, we find that He restores our joy and gives us strength to endure. [11:32]

Psalm 13:1-6 (ESV)
How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I take counsel in my soul and have sorrow in my heart all the day? How long shall my enemy be exalted over me? Consider and answer me, O Lord my God; light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death, lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed over him,” lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken. But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me.

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to declare, “But I trust in your unfailing love,” even when you don’t feel it?


Day 3: Praising God and Seeking His Help

Praise is a powerful weapon against fear. When we choose to praise God and seek His help, He meets us in our desperation and delivers us from our fears. The psalmist reminds us that those who look to God are radiant with joy, and that God surrounds and defends those who trust in Him. Even when fear is present, we can choose to focus on God’s greatness and faithfulness, allowing His presence to bring us peace and courage. [12:31]

Psalm 34:1-7 (ESV)
I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together! I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.

Reflection: How can you make praise your first response when fear arises, and what practical step can you take today to seek God’s help in a fearful situation?


Day 4: Surrendering to God’s Will in Times of Agony

Even Jesus, in the Garden of Gethsemane, experienced deep agony and fear as He faced the suffering ahead. Yet, He modeled for us the ultimate act of faith: surrendering His will to the Father’s. In our own moments of fear and uncertainty, we are invited to pray honestly, to ask God for relief, but ultimately to trust His will above our own. God may not always remove the fearful circumstance, but He promises to walk with us, to strengthen us, and to bring us peace as we surrender to Him. [19:54]

Luke 22:39-44 (ESV)
And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to pray, “Not my will, but yours be done,” and how can you take a step of surrender today?


Day 5: Confidence in Christ for Today and Eternity

One of the greatest fears people face is the uncertainty of what comes next, especially at the end of life. But for those who place their faith in Christ, there is a deep confidence and peace that comes from knowing our future is secure in Him. This assurance allows us to face any trial or fear with courage, knowing that Jesus loves us, walks with us, and has prepared a place for us. Our hope is not just for this life, but for eternity with God, and that hope gives us strength to persevere through whatever we encounter. [23:33]

John 14:1-3 (ESV)
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”

Reflection: How does the assurance of your future with Christ change the way you face your fears today, and what is one way you can live out that confidence this week?

Quotes

He's addressing the fears that he has, the things that are going on in his life that are causing him sorrow. But it turns at verse 5. King David writes, But I trust in your unfailing love and I will rejoice because you have rescued me. I will sing to the Lord because he is good to me. In the midst of this trial, in the midst of all that he is going on, I sing my praises. [00:11:32] (00:00:31 seconds) Edit Clip

I will sing your praise when I feel your arms around me and I will sing your praise when I don't. Because I know who you are and I have experienced life with you in my life. And I know that you are always there. But I will trust in your unfailing love. I will rejoice because you have rescued me. I will sing to the Lord because he is good to me. [00:12:06] (00:00:26 seconds) Edit Clip

I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. I will boast only in the Lord. Let all who are helpless take heart. Come, let us tell of the Lord's greatness. Let us exalt his name together. I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all of my fears. [00:12:44] (00:00:23 seconds) Edit Clip

But what I've seen over my life is that in the moments where I don't know what's next, God provides. And I get to see that over and over and over again. Does that mean that there aren't scars that happen because of it? Does that mean that everything in my life is perfect because of my faith? It doesn't. It just doesn't. [00:16:58] (00:00:24 seconds) Edit Clip

Jesus knows what's coming. He understands what's ahead for him. The time has now come. And there's an amount of agony and fear along with that. Jesus is one with God. Jesus has communications with God that none of us personally have. And yet he sees the path ahead. He knows what he has to go through. He's ready for it. But yet, God, if there's any way, if there's any possible way, take this burden from my lap, please do so. But not my will, your will. It takes a bold step of faith to stand up and say, not my will, but your will be done. [00:19:35] (00:00:58 seconds) Edit Clip

Sometimes God removes all the things that are fearful in our life. But more often, God puts his arm around you. He says, yes, you're going to walk through something that's awful. Yes, you're going to walk through something that is going to scare you to death. Yes, you're going to lose your job at this moment. Yes, you're not sure if the finances are going to be there. Yes, your marriage is going to be strained. Yes, there's going to be things. But walk with me. I am by your side. Together we will walk through this. There's peace and there's rest. There's healing. [00:20:53] (00:00:42 seconds) Edit Clip

When we choose faith over fear, there's healing. And one day, one step, I say it over and over and over again, it's not a... sprint. Life is not a sprint. Every single day we have the opportunity to get up, to rise again. The breath in our lungs is filled up. We can take steps toward what Jesus is calling us to. [00:21:36] (00:00:31 seconds) Edit Clip

We're going to experience these emotions. We're going to experience fear. We're going to experience things that we don't want to experience. That is life. And we can do it in our own power. We can do it by ourselves or we can place our faith in God and know no matter what the outcome is, I'm going to be okay. [00:22:07] (00:00:24 seconds) Edit Clip

When we have faith in God, we have a clear picture. Do I fully understand it? No. But I have a clear picture. This life is temporary. It is short. All of us experience it in different ways. But when I have my faith in Christ, when I believe in who Jesus is and how he lived his life and what he did so that I may have salvation, and I place my faith in him, I know what's next. I get to experience God face to face. I get to worship him in all of his awe and his love and his splendor. [00:22:49] (00:00:44 seconds) Edit Clip

We're going to have fear. We're going to have timidity. We're going to experience things we don't want to, but we know what's next. I have confidence that I know what is next. And through that confidence, I can go through anything this world throws at me because I know without a shadow of a doubt, Jesus loves me. He wants to walk with me through life. [00:23:44] (00:00:26 seconds) Edit Clip