What does the Bible say about faith, fear, and expectation?
We all know that the Bible is full of truths and wisdom about faith, fear, and expectation. But what does the Bible specifically say? The Bible proclaims that faith is key to realigning our perspective, regardless of our anxious musings. The Bible teaches us to have faith in God so that fear will not control our lives. It also encourages us to expect goodness in the future, since blessing and abundance are God’s will.
It is clear that the Bible gives us countless reminders to remain faithful and fear not. We find repeated exhortations in scripture such as “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). This teaches us trust in God’s will and abundant favor, even when our earthly circumstances don’t reflect our greatest desires.
The Bible also encourages us to exercise faith in order to receive great rewards. Hebrews 11:1 tells us that “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” This foundation and belief in things unseen is important, because faith gives us access to realms that are outside our understanding. It opens us up to a different world, a world of power, prowess, and providence.
The Bible also urges us to release fear and embrace trust. Fear can be debilitating and destructive. This is why Psalm 56:3-4 states “When I am afraid I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust…” Trust in God’s perfect plan encourages us to be calm, positive, and hopeful in the midst of our fears. We don’t have to fear adversity, because it can be used to conform us more to the likeness of Christ.
Finally, the Bible often calls us to have expectation of greatness. Romans 8:19 teaches us that “The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed.” This verse reminds us of the necessity of expectation, because it affirms that greatness is found in looking ahead to divine purposes. We must live with expectancy for the joy that lies ahead, for faith conquers fear and distracts us from our present struggles.
Have Faith in God
Faith is not a mere word or thought, but an inherent trust that God has already taken care of everything, even the things we cannot control. The Bible portrays faith as an action word, something that requires an intentional devotion to trust in God’s plan. It’s important to understand that this faith is more than optimistic thinking; it’s an unwavering belief, even in hard times, that propels us in the direction of our purpose.
Our faith is shaped by our conversation with God, as we use scriptures to speak truth into our lives. We must be intentional about meditating on the words in the Bible—in order to instinctively trust in God at all times. Then, we won’t succumb to the temptation to fear, but rather live in the security of the Almighty.
The power of faith cannot be underestimated, as it grants access to God’s divine wisdom. Without faith, we don’t allow ourselves the opportunity to access God’s guidance; all we gain is doubts and anxiety. And if that wasn’t enough, having faith in God enables us to experience his love and protection.
It’s not always easy to walk in faith, but it’s always the best decision. Will you choose to commit your life to the Lord, trusting in his infinite power and perfect design? Release your faith today and feel the joy and contentment of being secure in the Father.
Overcome Fear
Fear can be a paralyzing emotion, taking up valuable mental and emotional space that could be used to build faith and hope. The Bible is full of exhortations on why fear should not have a stake in our lives, and how we can overcome it. Fear can often be a projection of our doubts, anxieties, and worries, but it will not lead us into a more positive future.
God wants us to live without being mired in fear, so scripture has several encouragements for us. Psalm 27:1 tells us, “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?” Similarly, Psalm 56:3-4 reminds us to “When I am afraid, I will trust in You…in God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.” We must remember that fear is an obstacle to faith and progress, so it is meant to be conquered.
We can also fight fear by quoting scripture and speaking truth into our lives. Hebrews 13:6 proclaims that “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” We must internalize these words and trust that God’s plan for us is for our good. When we do this, we can tell fear to move aside and have unwavering faith in divine provision and favor.
Fear isn’t the absence of courage, but an expression of it. God gave us courage to fight fear, not to be paralyzed by it. This is why we must be strong and resilient in our faith, so we can create an atmosphere of trust and goodwill. Don’t give fear the power to control your life.
Live In Expectation
The Bible makes it clear that living without expectations is a sure-fire way to produce disappointment and stagnation. Instead, the Bible calls us out of our complacency to expect greater things. This expectation is not born out of naivete, but a deep-rooted trust in God’s perfect plan and a faith-filled confidence in our calling and purpose.
The Bible warns us to stay alert and attentive to God’s plans, as they often surpass ours. Romans 12:12 says “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” This teaches us to expect a greater tomorrow and be obedient to God’s call in our lives. Through expectation, we develop an eternal perspective and surrender our hearts to God.
Living in expectation is also an essential part of our belief in God’s sovereignty. Expectation encourages us to persevere through trying times and remain humble when times are prosperous. In both cases, we choose to cling to God’s faithful promises, knowing that he will never forsake us and will always fulfill us with abundant blessings.
Expectation is the door to understanding God’s perfect love. God may be hidden, but he is always working out a greater purpose. We must remember that nothing is static or neutral in God’s world; he has something bigger and better planned for us. So don’t allow your circumstances to dictate your future, but instead, realize the hero’s story God has written for you. Look to the future with faith, trust, and expectation.
Endure by Believing
Sometimes the transitions between phases of life can be long and difficult. What is the lesson in these waiting periods? The Bible reminds us to endure our struggles by maintaining a faith that can never fade. We can trust that God’s timing and purpose is perfect, no matter what.
The Bible is full of stories about those who waited in faith for something better, choosing to believe in God’s promise despite hard times. Joseph was imprisoned for thirteen years, Sarah carried her unborn son for ten years, and Abraham waited 25 years for a prophetic promise to come to fruition. Despite their waiting periods, they continued to have faith in God and looked to the future with expectancy.
We must choose the same path, believing in a greater design and being faithful to God’s plan. Habakkuk cites this as “The just shall live by faith” (Habakkuk 2:14). In other words, the believers who endure life’s trials are those who cling to faith in God’s power. Do you believe that God can do immeasurably more than you can ask or imagine?
The hero’s story serves as an excellent reminder that life’s turning points are waiting for those whose faith remains unquenchable. You must choose what you believe about your circumstances and then let your faith consume your life. Faith in God and his will is the only thing that can sustain us in hard times.
Welcome New Possibilities
Expectancy can’t just be abstract idea, but a welcome composite of our minds. The Bible invites us to welcome new possibilities, no matter what our circumstances might be. We must understand that our current situation is not our final destination. With the right mindset, we can expect and embrace a greater tomorrow.
The scripture abounds with verses that console us in times of difficulty. One of these is 1 Thessalonians 5:18, which states “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” This verse teaches us to be thankful and expectant, regardless of our current stature.
God wants us to take an active role in our own healing and restorative process. This is why he has given us the power of faith and expectation. With faith, we can create the life we want, and with expectation, we can see the unrealized possibilities that may be just around the corner. The opportunities are waiting if we just have patience and trust in our loving Father.
So stop holding on to the things that aren’t working, and open your arms to the possibilities that God has for you. He can do more than we thought possible, but we must first make room in our hearts to accept it. Can you let go of what’s not working and expect greatness?
Look Ahead With Hope
Hope is an important part of expectation, as it helps us to stay encouraged and focused on the future. The Bible offers us untold promises of hope, reminding us of the undying faithfulness of God. We can find hope throughout scripture, but one of the most popular examples is Psalm 40:1-3, which says:
“I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the desolate pit, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God.”
This passage gives us a glorious promise of hope, the assurance that God can and will restore us from our lowest moments. This is why we must continue to hope, because no matter how desperate the situation, our Father can raise us up. We must allow God to set our feet on solid rock and sing our new songs of praise.
So don’t let a lack of hope deter you. If you have faith in God, then you can expect greater things. Appreciate today, and keep hope in your heart for a brighter future. Think of it as an adventure and a quest to discover the divine greatness that awaits us. Can you anticipate the great things to come?
A husband of one wife, father of two beautiful girls, laborer of Lord, Jesus Christ, and a servant to God’s His saints. I hope to encourage you by God’s grace. Thank you for stopping by.
