UNIVERSAL GOD: Message of Peace
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Promoting peace and harmony from an Abrahamic perspective
My Fears
Am I afraid of my own darkness?
Am I afraid of Truth? Do I fear Reality?
Am I afraid to be face to face with Truth that is Higher than myself or my limited awareness?
Am I afraid in the Dark?
Am I afraid of taking responsibility?
What is the Source of my Light and Higher Truth that allows me to see and walk through the Darkness of my Soul?
How can I rise above my Fear as I walk through the valley of the shadow of Death?
Fear
What is Fear?
Fear is a natural powerful and primitive human emotion often triggered by the threat of danger, pain or harm. 'Awe' or 'Reverence' can sometimes be interpreted as 'fear' but is often more associated with a deep overwhelming feeling of respect together with a sense of admiration and wonder.
The emotion of fear is often triggered by neural pathways connected to thought processes, information that has been stored in our brains from our previous emotional or external experiences. There is a 'learnt' fear as well as an 'intrinsic' natural or 'instinctive' fear and it is important to understand the difference in order to help us separate the fear that causes us harm from the fear that can help us succeed in life.
Why is Fear important?
Fear can be very useful when we are exposed to a real dangerous situation- as it triggers off the adrenaline response and the 'fight or flight' reaction which can be protective and essential for survival. For example feeling 'afraid' of walking into a jungle alone in the dark with hungry wild tigers roaming around is a natural emotion that will help to keep many of us out of the jungle alone at night unless there is a very good/necessary reason to be there. The emotion of 'fear' when faced with that tiger can help to trigger the fight or flight response which can help one to escape the danger before it is too late. But let us ask ourselves- Why are we afraid of the tiger? Is it because of what we have learnt about the dangers of coming face to face with the wild tiger? Or is it a natural innate fear we have within us about the tiger? Imagine looking at the tiger through the eyes of a newborn baby...would we be afraid?
Just like one might 'hide' from the tiger in the jungle due to being 'afraid'- 'Fear' of God's Punishment after a person has 'sinned' often results in the person to trying to 'hide' from his or her Creator in this physical world by 'covering' themselves with the 'leaves of the garden.' The leaves come in all different labels, colours, shapes, identities, thought, speech, emotions, behaviour that we sometimes perceive to be part of our true reality when in essence they are only a covering and a temporary physical manifestation and part of who we think we are. However, these temporary garments can help us to function in this temporary physical world of truth mixed with falsehood through hardship and struggle so that we can use the hidden wisdom of this physical world to help transform falsehood into truth, delusion into Reality, darkness into Light- and elevate to a spiritual level that brings us even closer to our Creator than before our spiritual descent- if we use our time here wisely. So what if man chooses not to sin? What if man repents, removes their outer garments and chooses to obey every command he or she believes the Creator has given them? Can Obedience to the Word of God free us from our Fear of punishment of God? And why would we obey if we do not fear His Punishment? Does He want us to Obey Him because of Awe and Reverence rather than Fear of punishment? Can this Fear be transformed to Awe/Reverence (first through selfish obedience) and then transformed to an Unconditional Love for our Creator so that we serve Him while seeking His Pleasure Alone (through selfless obedience)?
Reverence/awe of our Creator helps to keep our minds and hearts 'Humble' thereby enabling us to have a more meaningful and intimate relationship with our Creator. For those who are more driven by their own ego but still 'believe'- a Fear of God's punishment can make it less likely that the individual will exceed the boundaries set by their Creator, thereby avoiding sin, corruption and causing division amongst brethren; and although this behaviour which leads to 'causing no harm' might be driven by selfish desire of 'fear of punishment' it nevertheless serves the purpose of helping to maintain a more peaceful functioning society. For those who do not Fear/Revere God because they do not believe in a God/Creator/or Higher Purpose, then a different form of fear of punishment (Community Courts of Justice) is essential can help to prevent that person from causing unnecessary harm to others or engaging in criminal behaviour, thereby helping to keep our societies from functioning peacefully.
How can my Fear help me and others?
Fear in the form of Awe or Reverence for our Creator is very important if we want to be able to truly 'Respect' the Diverse ways of created beings and therefore live in 'peace' with one another. Awe and reverence for someone or something makes it more likely that we will treat that person or thing with respect and therefore have a more meaningful relationship with them and give them 'space' to Be, taking their existence and feelings more into consideration. When we have 'Awe' or reverence for God, we are more likely to treat His diverse Creation with respect and look at everything and everyone that He has chosen to create and sustain- with admiration and wonder- seeking to learn and grow spiritually from every interaction we have with each other and through our every moment of experience in this physical world.
If we reflect and meditate about our personal emotions of fear, and ask ourselves the right questions- we can learn a lot of wisdom from our own fears; what we fear, why we fear it, and how we can use this wisdom to then break free from our fears and transform the negative emotion of fear that holds us back from drawing closer and close to our Creator, and into a positive healthy Awe-filled Reverence and Love for our Creator and His Creation so that we can walk without being afraid in His Ways of Peace- seeing Him Face to Face and becoming righteous (and thereby achieving our True potentials as human beings),
How do my Fears affect my sense of Wellbeing?
Fear or being 'afraid' as an active emotion is often perceived as an 'unpleasant' feeling. The adrenaline in our bodies causes us to feel anxious, sometimes sick, and can result in heart palpitations, increased sweating, stomach acid and heartburn, reduced appetite, inability to concentrate, inability to sleep, low mood and feeling of impending doom. Although it can serve to help protect us from getting hurt from a physical or psychologically perceived danger or threat via the 'fight or flight' mechanism- when this happens so much that it affects our normal day to day functioning and our ability to be 'free to express ourself' and be true to our sense of Higher Purpose- it can be very debilitating and make us feel 'trapped' and 'enslaved' or 'imprisoned' in a false sense of identity. The 'fear of the emotion of fear' itself can lead to us choosing when we can to remain in our 'comfort zones' in our thought speech and action, lead to avoidance of taking any 'risk' in life that we perceive or expect might lead to the emotion of being afraid, thereby reducing our chances of us actively taking part in the essential 'self-reflection, meditation and deep mindfulness' that is required to strengthen our relationships with our Creator and each other. Fear of taking risks can have a negative impact on our ability to reach our true potentials in both our home and work life and can lead us into a negative spiritual descent and downward spiral of depression and anxiety that further fuels our ego, sloth, greed, anger, gluttony, envy and lusts.
Fear of punishment can also make one feel 'trapped' and 'imprisoned' and become a very negative emotion if one lives in a society where fear is used by leaders to control the freedom of expression of a human being that wants to be free to express oneself however he or she chooses. However when there are healthy boundaries within which members of a society feel free to express themselves without causing harm to the freedom of expression (and to worship) of others in the same society- the fear of punishment from exceeding these healthy and important set of boundaries can in fact help us on the whole become even more free to be able to express ourselves without threat of danger or harm from ourselves unto others and others unto ourselves. This is the purpose of 'courts of justice' that from an Abrahamic perspective should be set up in our societies and founded on the Universal commandments of Justice, Respect and Peace for all humanity and creation. When universal human rights are respected without discrimination of human beings based on race, colour, ethnicity and when set up in accordance to a Higher Law ( Torah) - this helps to free humans from living in fear under the rule of unjust leaderships that have and still do govern some societies in the world.
The feeling of 'Awe' and 'Reverence' is a very healthy emotion that has a direct positive impact on our sense of spiritual and therefore physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. When we choose to look at the world and every interaction we have we others in 'awe' and 'wonder'- we become more able to want to 'ponder' 'reflect' 'learn' and 'grow' spiritually, and we are then less likely to choose to 'mock' others and their ways. Awe, wonder and reverence is fuelled by and further fuels our 'Humility' which brings us closer to our Creator whereas 'mocking' others is fuelled by and fuels our 'Arrogance' which leads us to be less able to perceive our Creator's Presence or believe in a Higher Purpose to Life. Awe, wonder and reverence can lead us to paths of gaining spiritual wisdom from even the darkest places and most negative experiences, and can help us to see the 'good' in others, more easily forgive and pardon the faults of others, and more able to see the 'Light' of God and His Face in everything around us, and in whichever direction we turn.
How does my Fear cause me harm?
When we allow the fear of anything other than God (or being separate from the path to Higher Truth) to control our thoughts speech and action- we become willing slaves to our fears that have no worthiness of worship beside our Creator. Our fears control our lives, and prevent us from leaving our comfort zones and from taking the steps in the right direction (towards Higher Truth) that can help us to transform evil into good, negative into positive, darkness into Light, falsehood into Truth, and delusion into Reality. When we find the courage to walk into the deeper, darker, valleys of the shadow of death of this physical existence while holding on to our Remembrance of God within us and around us, and while obeying His commands through His Word (or Truth) then we bring His Light that is One with us, into the darkest places in search of hidden sparks of wisdom and help others and ourselves find their way out from the depths of Hellfire.
Fear can come in different forms, shapes and sizes. 'Doubt' in our own True Potential is a type of fear that is fuelled by lack of Faith and Trust in our Creator and often clouds our judgement of Truth vs. falsehood. This often results from our previous sins and willing disobedience against our Creator and rejection of a Higher 'Truth' (through disobedience) once we have already perceived its Truth. Doubt in our Creator's Most Beautiful Attributes leads to self-doubt and low self-esteem if we feel 'disconnected' directly from His Presence and if we refuse to accept that He plays an active role in our every breath of Life or that mankind was created in His Image. Low self-esteem and doubt in our own potentials can limit our abilities to succeed in all areas of life including our relationships, career paths, and in our pursuit of ways of righteousness and peace. When we are controlled by our 'doubts' and 'fears' that drive us into disobedience and sin, we become more inclined to cover our nakedness with garments in an attempt to 'Hide' from our Creator- just like Adam and Eve in the garden after they disobeyed God. This makes us feel less able to feel intimately connected to our Source, and less able to 'see' Him or 'feel' His Presence- unless we repent and vow and try our best to mend our ways- and return to the path of Obedience and Surrender to His Will.
When we choose to rely on anything other than our Creator, or associate anything beside Him in worship- with this comes 'false fears' like a delusional reality which surrounds and envelops our hearts, minds and strength, preventing us from feeling disconnected from our true identity, reality, and preventing us from becoming the beings that we are able to become (more righteous and One with our Source). Our willingness to idol worship or (self-worship of ego), and our willing refusal to surrender to the Higher Will of our Creator invites us to paths of evil/sin where we seek to satisfy our own selfish desires ( ego, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, anger.. etc) according to our own understanding; it traps us and imprisons us in our own darkness (lack of spiritual light) and surrounds us with a smoke of fears, doubts, anxiety and depression as we chase delusions and mirages rather than accepting to face True Reality and take responsibility for our lives. We lose control over our ability to control our thoughts, emotions, speech and behaviour and become like animals ( instead of humans) who merely follow their animalistic instincts. This loss of control of our righteousness over our selfish nature can lead to further feelings of anxiety, guilt, depression, low self-esteem, lack of Faith and reduced belief in a Higher Purpose of Life- while in fact these negative emotions are in reality only our True essence 'repaying us' and trying to tell us that 'something is wrong' and calling us to take more responsibility over our lives, Return to our Creator and discover our Higher Purpose through surrender to His Will rather than our own.
How does my Fear cause harm to others?
If I am unable to step out of my comfort zone, due to being afraid of taking risks- then how am I able to have a meaningful relationship with another human being who is different to me? If I am unable to have a meaningful relationship with anyone else, or if I am too afraid to engage in conversation with anyone that has an opinion different to my own fixed perspective of my limited understanding of truth, then how am I ever able to free myself or help others free themselves from the 'labels' and garments we choose to hide behind? How can I truly get to know and sanctify the Name of my Creator by incorporating and sharing His Beautiful Attributes of kindness, compassion, Love, Mercy, Forgiveness, Gratitude, respect, patience, perseverance, commitment etc with another human being- if my fear of leaving my comfort zone or exposing my vulnerabilities prevents me from forming a meaningful relationship with another person? By keeping myself to myself due to being afraid to reveal my true identity- am I not preventing another person from drawing closer to their Maker? Does my fear of self exposure or nakedness prevent me from being a helpful Mirror for someone else?
How can I rise above my fears or use my Fear to transform Darkness into Light?
Courage to stand Face to Face with our Creator is what is needed to help us overcome our fears. The more we 'feel' His Presence, the less we will be afraid. To have courage to face Him directly and have an intimate relationship with His Presence, we must be 'Truth-seekers' 'Wisdom-seekers' and have the courage to stand face to face with Higher Truth and Reality. To have an active and perceived relationship with Truth, and to sense the Presence of God with us while we walk in the darkness of His Presence without any fear- we must be truthful ourselves, have sincere/pure hearts and live our lives with uprightness/integrity- the way we choose to think, the way we choose to feel, to speak and behave must be guided by our pure intention to seek His Pleasure and Glory Alone (not self-glorification or selfish pleasure) through Awe/Reverence and Love for our Creator and for our fellow humans. For this we need to take responsibility of our lives, repent for our sins by removing our dirty outer garments that are stained in our past sins, washing ourselves (by engaging in acts of self-purification eg regular prayer, fasting, charity) turning away from evil and actively engaging in good deeds. The more we seek guidance and help from our Creator and Lord of the worlds for help- the more strength we will get from His Mercy. Without His Mercy we are nothing.
Let's strip ourselves from our learnt and false fears that have been imposed unto us by our past mistakes, sins and by our societies, false temporary external forces that try to cover over our Essence of Awe and Reverence that we intrinsically have for our Creator. To do this we must let go of anything that defines us or puts us into a 'box', all that we already know or think that we know to be a static limited truth, let go of who we are, or who we think we are, and be open to receiving a Higher Truth at all times, with each breath and moment of our lives so that we can become or 'be' who we are to 'Be.'
Let's transform our self-doubts into humility. Let's allow our humility to lead us to repentance of our past sins. Let's reject all that is false (including selfish ego) , surrender to a path of seeking Higher Truth while being truthful ourselves at all times ( not trying to deceive ourselves or others), and willingly Surender our will to the Will of our Creator out of Fear ( or reverence) and Love. Even if we obey His Will out of 'Fear of punishment', let's persevere in doing good deeds, and turning away from sins, and hope that we will grow spiritually to the point of self transformation of our selfish nature into complete self nullification where we only do good in seeking His Pleasure Alone. Then we enter into a state of worship ( or obedience) of Love and Awe for our Creator and live in a True State of Peace- free from all Fear- we meet our God Face to Face.
Here are some self reflection questions that might help us to rise above our fears, and feel less afraid of facing ourselves and our Creator.
Some Scripture Verses on 'Fear'
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7
Out in the open wisdom calls aloud, she raises her voice in the public square; on top of the wall she cries out, at the city gate she makes her speech: “How long will you who are simple love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge? Repent at my rebuke! Then I will pour out my thoughts to you, I will make known to you my teachings. Proverbs 1:20-23
My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding -indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. Proverbs 2:1-5
Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked.. proverbs 3:25
To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech. Proverbs 8:13
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 9:10
What the wicked dread will overtake them; what the righteous desire will be granted. Proverbs 10:24
The fear of the LORD adds length to life, but the years of the wicked are cut short. Proverbs 10:27
Whoever scorns instruction will pay for it, but whoever respects a command is rewarded. Proverbs 13:13
Whoever fears the LORD walks uprightly, but those who despise him are devious in their ways. Proverbs 14:2
Whoever fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge. The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death. Proverbs 14:26-27
Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the LORD evil is avoided. Proverbs 16:6
The fear of the LORD leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble. Proverbs 19:23
Humility is the fear of the LORD; its wages are riches and honor and life. Proverbs 22:4
The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion. Proverbs 28:1
Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe. Proverbs 29:25
Serve the LORD with fear and celebrate his rule with trembling. Psalm 2:11
The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? Psalm 118:6
The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread? When evildoers came upon me to devour my flesh, My adversaries and my enemies, they stumbled and fell. Though a host encamp against me, My heart will not fear; Though war arise against me, In spite of this I shall be confident. Psalm 27:1-3
Let all the earth Fear the LORD; let all the people of the world Revere Him. Psalm 33:8
I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4
All people will Fear; they will proclaim the works of God and ponder what He has done. Psalm 64:9
May God bless us still, so that all the ends of the earth will Fear Him. Psalm 67:7
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!” For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper And from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with His pinions, And under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark. You will not be afraid of the terror by night, Or of the arrow that flies by day; of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, Or of the destruction that lays waste at noon. A thousand may fall at your side And ten thousand at your right hand, But it shall not approach you. You will only look on with your eyes And see the recompense of the wicked. For you have made the LORD, my refuge, Even the Most High, your dwelling place. No evil will befall you, Nor will any plague come near your tent. For He will give His angels charge concerning you, To guard you in all your ways. They will bear you up in their hands, That you do not strike your foot against a stone. You will tread upon the lion and cobra, The young lion and the serpent you will trample down. “Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name. “He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honour him. “With a long life I will satisfy him And let him see My salvation.” Psalm 91
The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the LORD are firm, and all of them are righteous. Psalm 19:9
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4
It is well with the man who is gracious and lends; He will maintain his cause in judgment. For he will never be shaken; The righteous will be remembered forever. He will not fear evil tidings; His heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD. His heart is upheld, he will not fear, Until he looks with satisfaction on his adversaries. Psalm 112:5-8
Rulers persecute me without cause, but my heart trembles at your word. Psalm 119:161
God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, Though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. Psalm 46:1-3
In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? Psalm 56:4
in God I trust and am not afraid. What can man do to me? Psalm 56:11
When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. Psalm 94:19
And because the midwives feared God, he gave them families of their own. Exodus 1:21
The fear and dread of you will fall on all the beasts of the earth, and on all the birds in the sky, on every creature that moves along the ground, and on all the fish in the sea; they are given into your hands. Genesis 9:2
Abraham replied, “I said to myself, ‘There is surely no fear of God in this place, and they will kill me because of my wife.’ Genesis 20:11
Do not lay a hand on the boy,” he said. “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.” Genesis 22:12
That night the LORD appeared to him and said, “I am the God of your father Abraham. Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bless you and will increase the number of your descendants for the sake of my servant Abraham.” Genesis 26:24
But Jacob did not send Benjamin, Joseph’s brother, with the others, because he was afraid that harm might come to him. Genesis 42:4
“’Do not defraud or rob your neighbor. “’Do not hold back the wages of a hired worker overnight. Leviticus 19:13
I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt so that you would not be their slaves, and I broke the bars of your yoke and made you walk erect. ‘But if you do not obey Me and do not carry out all these commandments, if, instead, you reject My statutes, and if your soul abhors My ordinances so as not to carry out all My commandments, and so break My covenant, I in turn, will do this to you: I will appoint over you a sudden terror, consumption and fever that will waste away the eyes and cause the soul to pine away; also, you will sow your seed uselessly, for your enemies will eat it up. I will set My face against you so that you will be struck down before your enemies; and those who hate you will rule over you, and you will flee when no one is pursuing you. If also after these things you do not obey Me, then I will punish you seven times more for your sins. ‘I will also break down your pride of power; I will also make your sky like iron and your earth like bronze. ‘Your strength will be spent uselessly, for your land will not yield its produce and the trees of the land will not yield their fruit. ‘If then, you act with hostility against Me and are unwilling to obey Me, I will increase the plague on you seven times according to your sins. ‘I will let loose among you the beasts of the field, which will bereave you of your children and destroy your cattle and reduce your number so that your roads lie deserted. And if by these things you are not turned to Me, but act with hostility against Me, then I will act with hostility against you; and I, even I, will strike you seven times for your sins. ‘I will also bring upon you a sword which will execute vengeance for the covenant; and when you gather together into your cities, I will send pestilence among you, so that you shall be delivered into enemy hands. ‘When I break your staff of bread, ten women will bake your bread in one oven, and they will bring back your bread in rationed amounts, so that you will eat and not be satisfied. ‘Yet if in spite of this you do not obey Me, but act with hostility against Me, then I will act with wrathful hostility against you, and I, even I, will punish you seven times for your sins. ‘Further, you will eat the flesh of your sons and the flesh of your daughters you will eat. ‘I then will destroy your high places, and cut down your incense altars, and heap your remains on the remains of your idols, for My soul shall abhor you. ‘I will lay waste your cities as well and will make your sanctuaries desolate, and I will not smell your soothing aromas. ‘I will make the land desolate so that your enemies who settle in it will be appalled over it. ‘You, however, I will scatter among the nations and will draw out a sword after you, as your land becomes desolate and your cities become waste. ‘Then the land will enjoy its sabbaths all the days of the desolation, while you are in your enemies’ land; then the land will rest and enjoy its sabbaths. ‘All the days of its desolation it will observe the rest which it did not observe on your sabbaths, while you were living on it. ‘As for those of you who may be left, I will also bring weakness into their hearts in the lands of their enemies. And the sound of a driven leaf will chase them, and even when no one is pursuing they will flee as though from the sword, and they will fall. ‘They will therefore stumble over each other as if running from the sword, although no one is pursuing; and you will have no strength to stand up before your enemies. ‘But you will perish among the nations, and your enemies’ land will consume you. ‘So those of you who may be left will rot away because of their iniquity in the lands of your enemies; and also because of the iniquities of their forefathers they will rot away with them. ‘If they confess their iniquity and the iniquity of their forefathers, in their unfaithfulness which they committed against Me, and also in their acting with hostility against Me— I also was acting with hostility against them, to bring them into the land of their enemies—or if their uncircumcised heart becomes humbled so that they then make amends for their iniquity, then I will remember My covenant with Jacob, and I will remember also My covenant with Isaac, and My covenant with Abraham as well, and I will remember the land. ‘For the land will be abandoned by them, and will make up for its sabbaths while it is made desolate without them. They, meanwhile, will be making amends for their iniquity, because they rejected My ordinances and their soul abhorred My statutes. ‘Yet in spite of this, when they are in the land of their enemies, I will not reject them, nor will I so abhor them as to destroy them, breaking My covenant with them; for I am the LORD their God. ‘But I will remember for them the covenant with their ancestors, whom I brought out of the land of Egypt in the sight of the nations, that I might be their God. I am the LORD.’” ‘These are the statutes and ordinances and laws which the LORD established between Himself and the sons of Israel through Moses at Mount Sinai. Leviticus 26:13-46
Do not show partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be afraid of anyone, for judgment belongs to God. Bring me any case too hard for you, and I will hear it.” Deuteronomy 1:17
The LORD commanded us to obey all these decrees and to fear the LORD our God, so that we might always prosper and be kept alive, as is the case today. Deuteronomy 6:24
You will live in constant suspense, filled with dread both night and day, never sure of your life. Deuteronomy 28:66
Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.” Isaiah 12:2
The LORD is exalted, for He dwells on high; He has filled Zion with justice and righteousness. And He will be the stability of your times, A wealth of salvation, wisdom and knowledge; The fear of the LORD is his treasure. Isaiah 33:5-6
“It is the LORD of hosts whom you should regard as holy. And He shall be your fear, And He shall be your dread. “Then He shall become a sanctuary; But to both the houses of Israel, a stone to strike and a rock to stumble over, And a snare and a trap for the inhabitants of Jerusalem. Isaiah 8:13-14
O LORD, You are my God; I will exalt You, I will give thanks to Your name; For You have worked wonders, Plans formed long ago, with perfect faithfulness. For You have made a city into a heap, A fortified city into a ruin; A palace of strangers is a city no more, It will never be rebuilt. Therefore a strong people will glorify You; Cities of ruthless nations will revere You. Isaiah 25:1-3
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
But now, thus says the LORD, your Creator, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine! “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you. “For I am the LORD your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I have given Egypt as your ransom, Cush and Seba in your place. Isaiah 43:1-3
“Behold, you will call a nation you do not know, And a nation which knows you not will run to you, Because of the LORD your God, even the Holy One of Israel; “For He has glorified you.” Seek the LORD while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way And the unrighteous man his thoughts; And let him return to the LORD, And He will have compassion on him, And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon. “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts. “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, And do not return there without watering the earth And making it bear and sprout, And furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater; so will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it. “For you will go out with joy And be led forth with peace; The mountains and the hills will break forth into shouts of joy before you, And all the trees of the field will clap theirhands. “Instead of the thorn bush the cypress will come up, And instead of the nettle the myrtle will come up, And it will be a memorial to the LORD, For an everlasting sign which will not be cut off.” Isaiah 55:5-14
Whom have you so dreaded and feared that you have not been true to me, and have neither remembered me nor taken this to heart? Is it not because I have long been silent that you do not fear me? Isaiah 57:11
The LORD said to Moses, “Do not be afraid of him, for I have delivered him into your hands, along with his whole army and his land. Do to him what you did to Sihon king of the Amorites, who reigned in Heshbon.” Numbers 21:34
Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will devour them. Their protection is gone, but the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them.” Numbers 14:9
And he said to the human race, “The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.” Job 28:28
If you fear the LORD and serve and obey Him and do not rebel against his commands, and if both you and the king who reigns over you follow the LORD your God—good! 1 Samuel 12:14
The God of Israel spoke, the Rock of Israel said to me: ‘When one rules over people in righteousness, when he rules in the fear of God… 2 Samuel 23:3
When Gideon realized that it was the angel of the LORD, he exclaimed, “Alas, Sovereign LORD! I have seen the angel of the LORD face to face!” But the LORD said to him, “Peace! Do not be afraid. You are not going to die.” So Gideon built an altar to the LORD there and called it The LORD Is Peace. To this day it stands in Ophrah of the Abiezrites. Judges 6:22-24
Each man said to his mate, “Come, let us cast lots so we may learn on whose account this calamity has struck us.” So they cast lots and the lot fell on Jonah. Then they said to him, “Tell us, now! On whose account has this calamity struck us? What is your occupation? And where do you come from? What is your country? From what people are you?” He said to them, “I am a Hebrew, and I fear the LORD God of heaven who made the sea and the dry land.” Jonah 1:7
At this the men greatly feared the LORD, and they offered a sacrifice to the LORD and made vows to Him. Jonah 1:16
For the sons of Israel will remain for many days without king or prince, without sacrifice or sacred pillar and without ephod or household idols. Afterward the sons of Israel will return and seek the LORD their God and David their king; and they will come trembling to the LORD and to His goodness in the last days. Hosea 3:4-5
I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never stop doing good to them, and I will inspire them to fear me, so that they will never turn away from me. Jeremiah 32:40
So all the people whom Ishmael had taken captive from Mizpah turned around and came back, and went to Johanan the son of Kareah. But Ishmael the son of Nethaniah escaped from Johanan with eight men and went to the sons of Ammon. Then Johanan the son of Kareah and all the commanders of the forces that were with him took from Mizpah all the remnant of the people whom he had recovered from Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, after he had struck down Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, that is, the men who were soldiers, the women, the children, and the eunuchs, whom he had brought back from Gibeon. And they went and stayed in Geruth Chimham, which is beside Bethlehem, in order to proceed into Egypt because of the Chaldeans; for they were afraid of them, since Ishmael the son of Nethaniah had struck down Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, whom the king of Babylon had appointed over the land. Jeremiah 41:14
‘But if you are going to say, “We will not stay in this land,” so as not to listen to the voice of the LORD your God, saying, “No, but we will go to the land of Egypt, where we will not see war or hear the sound of a trumpet or hunger for bread, and we will stay there”; then in that case listen to the word of the LORD, O remnant of Judah. Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, “If you really set your mind to enter Egypt and go in to reside there, then the sword, which you are afraid of, will overtake you there in the land of Egypt; and the famine, about which you are anxious, will follow closely after you there inEgypt, and you will die there. “So all the men who set their mind to go to Egypt to reside there will die by the sword, by famine and by pestilence; and they will have no survivors or refugees from the calamity that I am going to bring on them.”’”
For thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, “As My anger and wrath have been poured out on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so My wrath will be poured out on you when you enter Egypt. And you will become a curse, an object of horror, an imprecation and a reproach; and you will see this place no more.” The LORD has spoken to you, O remnant of Judah, “Do not go into Egypt!” You should clearly understand that today I have testified against you. For you have only deceived yourselves; for it is you who sent me to the LORD your God, saying, “Pray for us to the LORD our God; and whatever the LORD our God says, tell us so, and we will do it.” So I have told you today, but you have not obeyed the LORD your God, even in whatever He has sent me to tell you. Therefore you should now clearly understand that you will die by the sword, by famine and by pestilence, in the place where you wish to go to reside. Jeremiah 42:13-18
Do not lose heart or be afraid when rumors are heard in the land; one rumor comes this year, another the next, rumors of violence in the land and of ruler against ruler. Jeremiah 51:46
Then the peoples around them set out to discourage the people of Judah and make them afraid to go on building. Ezra 4:4
I had a dream that made me afraid. As I was lying in bed, the images and visions that passed through my mind terrified me. Daniel 4:5
To this day they do according to the earlier customs: they do not fear the LORD, nor do they follow their statutes or their ordinances or the law, or the commandments which the LORD commanded the sons of Jacob, whom He named Israel; with whom the LORD made a covenant and commanded them, saying, “You shall not fear other gods, nor bow down yourselves to them nor serve them nor sacrifice to them. “But the LORD, who brought you up from the land of Egypt with great power and with an outstretched arm, Him you shall fear, and to Him you shall bow yourselves down, and to Him you shall sacrifice. “The statutes and the ordinances and the law and the commandment which He wrote for you, you shall observe to do forever; and you shall not fear other gods. “The covenant that I have made with you, you shall not forget, nor shall you fear other gods. “But, the LORD your God you shall fear; and He will deliver you from the hand of all your enemies.” However, they did not listen, but they did according to their earlier custom. So while these nations feared the LORD, they also served their idols; their children likewise and their grandchildren, as their fathers did, so they do to this day. 2 Kings 17:34-41
Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small loaf of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. 1 Kings 17:13
But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Mathew 10:19-20
Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Mathew 10:28
And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Mathew 10:30-31
to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. Luke 1:74-75
“I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear Him. Luke 12:4-5
People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. Luke 21:26
Those who believe (in the Qur'an), and those who follow the Jewish (scriptures), and the Christians and the Sabians,- any who believe in God and the Last Day, and work righteousness, shall have their reward with their Lord; on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve. Quran 2:62
He who fears [God] will be reminded. Quran 87:10
While he fears (God) Quran 80:9
Have you not seen those to whom it was said: Withhold your hands, and keep up prayer and pay the poor-rate; but when fighting is prescribed for them, lo! a party of them fear men as they ought to have feared God, or (even) with a greater fear, and say: Our Lord! why hast Thou ordained fighting for us? Wherefore didst Thou not grant us a delay to a near end? Say: The provision of this world is short, and the hereafter is better for him who guards (against evil); and you shall not be wronged the husk of a date stone. Quran 4:77
Who feared the Most Merciful unseen and came with a heart returning [in repentance]. Enter it in peace. This is the Day of Eternity.’ Quran 50: 30-34
And cause not corruption upon the earth after its reformation. And invoke Him in fear and aspiration. Indeed, the mercy of God is near to the doers of good. Quran 7:56
We had certainly sent Noah to his people, and he said, ‘ O my people, worship God; you have no deity other than Him. Indeed, I fear for you the punishment of a tremendous Day. Quran 7:59
And when the anger subsided in Moses, he took up the tablets; and in their inscription was guidance and mercy for those who are fearful of their Lord. Quran 7:154
And remember your Lord within yourself in humility and in fear without being apparent in speech – in the mornings and the evenings. And do not be among the heedless. Quran 7:205
You can only warn one who follows the message and fears the Most Merciful unseen. So give him good tidings of forgiveness and noble reward. Quran 36:11
And no bearer of burdens will bear the burden of another. And if a heavily laden soul calls [another] to [carry some of] its load, nothing of it will be carried, even if he should be a close relative. You can only warn those who fear their Lord unseen and have established prayer. And whoever purifies himself only purifies himself for [the benefit of] his soul. And to God is the [final] destination. Quran 35:18
And among people and moving creatures and grazing livestock are various colors similarly. Only those fear God, from among His servants, who have knowledge. Indeed, God is Exalted in Might and Forgiving. Quran 35:28
We have not sent down to you the Qur’an that you be distressed- But only as a reminder for those who fear [God] – Quran 20:2-3
And speak to him with gentle speech that perhaps he may be reminded or fear [God].’ Quran 20:44
That Day, everyone will follow [the call of] the Caller [with] no deviation therefrom, and [all] voices will be stilled before the Most Merciful, so you will not hear except a whisper [of footsteps]. Quran 20:108
Those whom they invoke seek means of access to their Lord, [striving as to] which of them would be nearest, and they hope for His mercy and fear His punishment. Indeed, the punishment of your Lord is ever feared. Quran 17:57
And they fall upon their faces weeping, and the Qur’an increases them in humble submission. Quran 17:109
Indeed in that is a sign for those who fear the punishment of the Hereafter. That is a Day for which the people will be collected, and that is a Day [which will be] witnessed. Quran 11:103
Say, ‘ Indeed I fear, if I should disobey my Lord, the punishment of a tremendous Day.’ Quran 6:15
And warn by the Qur’an those who fear that they will be gathered before their Lord – for them besides Him will be no protector and no intercessor – that they might become righteous. Quran 6:51
Is one who is devoutly obedient during periods of the night, prostrating and standing [in prayer], fearing the Hereafter and hoping for the mercy of his Lord, [like one who does not]? Say, ‘ Are those who know equal to those who do not know?’ Only they will remember [who are] people of understanding. Quran 39:9
They will have canopies of fire above them and below them, canopies. By that God threatens His servants. O My servants, then fear Me. Quran 39:16
Allah has sent down the best statement: a consistent Book wherein is reiteration. The skins shiver therefrom of those who fear their Lord; then their skins and their hearts relax at the remembrance of God. That is the guidance of God by which He guides whom He wills. And one whom God leaves astray – for him there is no guide. Quran 39:23
They fear their Lord above them, and they do what they are commanded. And God has said, ‘ Do not take for yourselves two deities. He is but one God, so fear only Me.’ Quran 16:50-51
And We will surely cause you to dwell in the land after them. That is for he who fears My position and fears My threat.’ Quran 14:14
He knows what is [presently] before them and what will be after them, and they cannot intercede except on behalf of one whom He approves. And they, from fear of Him, are apprehensive. Quran 21:28
Who fear their Lord unseen, while they are of the Hour apprehensive. Quran 21:49
So We responded to him, and We gave to him John, and amended for him his wife. Indeed, they used to hasten to good deeds and supplicate Us in hope and fear, and they were to Us humbly submissive. Quran 21:90
They who are during their prayer humbly submissive… Quran 23:2
Indeed, they who are apprehensive from fear of their Lord.. Quran 23:57
And they who give what they give while their hearts are fearful because they will be returning to their Lord – Quran 23:60
They arise from [their] beds; they supplicate their Lord in fear and aspiration, and from what We have provided them, they spend. Quran 32:16
Indeed, those who fear their Lord unseen will have forgiveness and great reward. Quran 62:12
And let me guide you to your Lord so you would fear [Him]?” Quran 79:19
Indeed in that is a warning for whoever would fear [God]. Quran 79:26
But as for he who feared the position of his Lord and prevented the soul from [unlawful] inclination. Then indeed, Paradise will be [his] refuge. Quran 79:40-41
O Children of Israel, remember My favor which I have bestowed upon you and fulfill My covenant [upon you] that I will fulfill your covenant [from Me], and be afraid of [only] Me. Quran 2:40
And seek help through patience and prayer, and indeed, it is difficult except for the humbly submissive [to God] Quran 2:45
Then your hearts became hardened after that, being like stones or even harder. For indeed, there are stones from which rivers burst forth, and there are some of them that split open and water comes out, and there are some of them that fall down for fear of Allah. And God is not unaware of what you do. Quran 2:74
And from wherever you go out [for prayer], turn your face toward al-Masjid al-Haram. And wherever you [believers] may be, turn your faces toward it in order that the people will not have any argument against you, except for those of them who commit wrong; so fear them not but fear Me. And [it is] so I may complete My favor upon you and that you may be guided. Quran 2:150
There is no blame upon you for that to which you [indirectly] allude concerning a proposal to women or for what you conceal within yourselves. God knows that you will have them in mind. But do not promise them secretly except for saying a proper saying. And do not determine to undertake a marriage contract until the decreed period reaches its end. And know that God knows what is within yourselves, so beware of Him. And know that God is Forgiving and Forbearing. Quran 2:235
The believers are only those who, when God is mentioned, their hearts become fearful, and when His verses are recited to them, it increases them in faith; and upon their Lord they rely. Quran 8:2
Let not believers take disbelievers as allies rather than believers. And whoever [of you] does that has nothing with God, except when taking precaution against them in prudence. And God warns you of Himself, and to God is the [final] destination. Say, ‘ Whether you conceal what is in your breasts or reveal it, God knows it. And He knows that which is in the heavens and that which is on the earth. And God is over all things competent. The Day every soul will find what it has done of good present [before it] and what it has done of evil, it will wish that between itself and that [evil] was a great distance. And God warns you of Himself, and God is Kind to [His] servants.’ Quran 3:28-30
That is only Satan who frightens [you] of his supporters. So fear them not, but fear Me, if you are [indeed] believers. Quran 3:175
And indeed, among the People of the Scripture are those who believe in God and what was revealed to you and what was revealed to them, [being] humbly submissive to God. They do not exchange the verses of God for a small price. Those will have their reward with their Lord. Indeed, Hod is swift in account. Quran 3:199
Indeed, the Muslim men and Muslim women, the believing men and believing women, the obedient men and obedient women, the truthful men and truthful women, the patient men and patient women, the humble men and humble women, the charitable men and charitable women, the fasting men and fasting women, the men who guard their private parts and the women who do so, and the men who remember God often and the women who do so – for them God has prepared forgiveness and a great reward. Quran 33:35
And [remember, O Muhammad], when you said to the one on whom God bestowed favor and you bestowed favor, ‘ Keep your wife and fear God,’ while you concealed within yourself that which God is to disclose. And you feared the people, while God has more right that you fear Him. So when Zayd had no longer any need for her, We married her to you in order that there not be upon the believers any discomfort concerning the wives of their adopted sons when they no longer have need of them. And ever is the command of God accomplished. Quran 33:37
[God praises] those who convey the messages of God and fear Him and do not fear anyone but God. And sufficient is God as Accountant. Quran 33:39
Have you not seen those who were told, ‘ Restrain your hands [from fighting] and establish prayer and give zakah’ ? But then when fighting was ordained for them, at once a party of them feared men as they fear God or with [even] greater fear. They said, ‘ Our Lord, why have You decreed upon us fighting? If only You had postponed [it for] us for a short time.’ Say, The enjoyment of this world is little, and the Hereafter is better for he who fears God. And injustice will not be done to you, [even] as much as a thread [inside a date seed].’ Quran 4:77
Has the time not come for those who have believed that their hearts should become humbly submissive at the remembrance of God and what has come down of the truth? And let them not be like those who were given the Scripture before, and a long period passed over them, so their hearts hardened; and many of them are defiantly disobedient. Quran 57:16
And those who join that which God has ordered to be joined and fear their Lord and are afraid of the evil of [their] account… Quran 13:21
But for he who has feared the position of his Lord are two gardens – Quran 55:46
Their reward with God will be gardens of perpetual residence beneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide forever, God being pleased with them and they with Him. That is for whoever has feared his Lord. Quran 98:8
[The hypocrites are] like the example of Satan when he says to man, ‘ Disbelieve.’ But when he disbelieves, he says, ‘ Indeed, I am disassociated from you. Indeed, I fear God, Lord of the worlds.’ Quran 59:16
If We had sent down this Qur’an upon a mountain, you would have seen it humbled and coming apart from fear of God. And these examples We present to the people that perhaps they will give thought. Quran 59:21
And whoever obeys God and His Messenger and fears God and is conscious of Him – it is those who are the attainers. Quran 24:52
And for all religion We have appointed a rite [of sacrifice] that they may mention the name of God over what He has provided for them of [sacrificial] animals. For your god is one God, so to Him submit. And, [O Muhammad], give good tidings to the humble [before their Lord]. Who, when God is mentioned, their hearts are fearful, and [to] the patient over what has afflicted them, and the establishers of prayer and those who spend from what We have provided them. Quran 22:34-35
O you who have believed, do not violate the rites of God or [the sanctity of] the sacred month or [neglect the marking of] the sacrificial animals and garlanding [them] or [violate the safety of] those coming to the Sacred House seeking bounty from their Lord and [His] approval. But when you come out of ihram, then [you may] hunt. And do not let the hatred of a people for having obstructed you from al-Masjid al-Haram lead you to transgress. And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression. And fear God; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty. Quran 5:2
Said two men from those who feared [to disobey] upon whom God had bestowed favor, ‘ Enter upon them through the gate, for when you have entered it, you will be predominant. And upon God rely, if you should be believers.’ Quran 5:23
If you should raise your hand against me to kill me – I shall not raise my hand against you to kill you. Indeed, I fear God, Lord of the worlds. Quran 5:28
Indeed, We sent down the Torah, in which was guidance and light. The prophets who submitted [to God] judged by it for the Jews, as did the rabbis and scholars by that with which they were entrusted of the Scripture of God, and they were witnesses thereto. So do not fear the people but fear Me, and do not exchange My verses for a small price. And whoever does not judge by what God has revealed – then it is those who are the disbelievers. Quran 5:44
And obey God and obey the Messenger and beware. And if you turn away – then know that upon Our Messenger is only [the responsibility for] clear notification. Quran 5:92
O you who have believed, God will surely test you through something of the game that your hands and spears [can] reach, that God may make evident those who fear Him unseen. And whoever transgresses after that – for him is a painful punishment. Quran 5:94
Would you not fight a people who broke their oaths and determined to expel the Messenger, and they had begun [the attack upon] you the first time? Do you fear them? But God has more right that you should fear Him, if you are [truly] believers. Quran 9:13
The mosques of God are only to be maintained by those who believe in God and the Last Day and establish prayer and give zakah and do not fear except God, for it is expected that those will be of the [rightly] guided. Quran 9:18
And [he was told], "Throw down your staff." But when he saw it writhing as if it were a snake, he turned in flight and did not return. [God said], "O Moses, fear not. Indeed, in My presence the messengers do not fear. Quran 27:10
Indeed, those who have said, "Our Lord is God" and then remained on a right course - the angels will descend upon them, [saying], "Do not fear and do not grieve but receive good tidings of Paradise, which you were promised. Quran 41:30
They will say, "Indeed, we were previously among our people fearful [of displeasing God)… Quran 52:26
Their likeness is that of a person who kindled a fire; when it illuminated all around him, God took away their light, and left them in darkness, unable to see. Deaf, dumb, blind. They will not return. Or like a cloudburst from the sky, in which is darkness, and thunder, and lightning. They press their fingers into their ears from the thunderbolts, in fear of death. But God surrounds the disbelievers. The lightning almost snatches their sight away. Whenever it illuminates for them, they walk in it; but when it grows dark over them, they stand still. Had God willed, He could have taken away their hearing and their sight. God is capable of everything. Quran 2:17-20
Or [they are] like darknesses within an unfathomable sea which is covered by waves, upon which are waves, over which are clouds - darknesses, some of them upon others. When one puts out his hand [therein], he can hardly see it. And he to whom God has not granted light - for him there is no light. Quran 24:40
Praise be to God, Who created the heavens and the earth, and made the darkness and the light. Yet those who disbelieve ascribe equals to their Lord. It is He Who created you from clay, then decided a term—a term determined by Him. Yet you doubt. He is God in the heavens and the earth. He knows what you keep secret and what you make public; and He knows what you earn. Not one of their Lord’s signs comes to them, but they turn away from it. They denied the truth when it has come to them; but soon will reach them the news of what they used to ridicule. Quran 6:1-5
