When you fear God not man, you have so much more freedom! The pressure is so much lighter! To fear no one but God is an interesting dynamic, I think.

Sometimes I manage to do this, and other times the fear of man (opinions, appearances, insults or even a general “hard time”) holds me back from doing what I know God wants of me.

Sometimes, I would rather disappoint God, whom I can’t see, than those around me whose reactions are immediately apparent. But this passage really puts things in perspective!

(Matthew 10:26-33 NASB)

26 “Therefore do not fear them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. 27 What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in your ear, proclaim upon the housetops. 28 Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.

32 “Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. 33 But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven.

I just finished reading an excellent book that displays the tension of the concept beautifully. The Light For Christ trilogy is well worth your time, and I’ve shared all about it at the bottom of this post. But first…

Please note that this post contains affiliate links for your convenience. If you make a purchase through one of the links, I may make a small commission. I only recommend books and resources that I’ve enjoyed personally, or believe that you would like. You can read my full disclosure here. You will also find information on Scripture translations there.

There’s Power in the Fear God Not Man Bible Verse

The Fear God NOT Man Bible verse can seem very intimidating, but it’s also full of hope, isn’t it? It shows exactly who is more important to please, in one short verse:

Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthew 10:28

In this one verse, we see a legitimate fear of man in the Bible. The fear of death. But we also see how powerless man is, since he’s unable to kill the soul, the part of us that lasts forever.

But we also see the clear explanation of fear of God in the Bible. He’s powerful, and He CAN destroy both body and soul. But God immediately follows that statement with an extravagant example of His LOVE, care, and how valuable He considers us. And that’s the beauty of the Bible, because reading in context, there is powerful hope!

Is There A List of 365 Do Not Fear Bible Verses?

How many times does the Bible say Fear Not?

I had heard that there was a list of 365 do not fear Bible verses, and took it for granted that it was true. Never did my own research, until now.

Imagine my surprise when I did a complex search on my favorite Bible website (Blue Letter Bible). After trying several versions (which often use different words) the most I could find was not a list of 365 do not fear Bible verses, but actually 109 references, across 107 verses.

Free Printable Bible Verses on Fear

• Here’s the do not fear Bible verse PDF, if you want to download a simple list of verses.
• And the Blue Letter Bible results are here.
• Or if you join the library, you’ll get access to tons of printables, including a 21-week listing of Fear Not Bible Verse collections and book recommendations!

Free 30 Day Reading Plan of Bible Verses on Fear

My friend Sarah over at The Holy Mess Blog just created a new 30 Day Bible reading plan to help us focus on some awesome Bible verses on fear. And it’s free! I downloaded mine and am excited to get started!

Faith over Fear: Finding Peace in the Storms of Life

This one’s pretty special. Created by an overcomer of a quad-amputee, this faith-over-fear binder is powerful. She tackles fear in 3 specific ways. Growing your faith (and prayer life), growing your gratitude muscles, and focusing on acts of kindness.

By doing this, your focus shifts to faith over fear, and takes note of the good things more. These things take up more mental real estate, so there is less room to be afraid, since perfect love casts out fear.

My Favorite Fear God Not Man Bible Verse

Of course, my favorite Bible verse on this topic isn’t included in the list since God is technically never mentioned. It’s the Book of Esther. Specifically Esther 4:13-16:

13 he sent back this answer: “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape.
14For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”
15Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai:
16“Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”

Who Is Man That You Are Mindful of Him?

All these Bible verses on fear have me wondering, “who is man that You are mindful of him?” The passage in Psalm 8 tells us that God has given us a very special place, and it’s wonderful. I can’t grasp this awesome truth. But I accept it. God loves us so much, and wants us to trust him, and respect [fear] the boundaries he places for our protection.

More on the Idea of a Fear Not Bible Verse

I hope you find this collection of posts useful. By gathering links to several posts others have written on fear not Bible verse, I hope that you will pick a few to memorize!

Rx: 40 Scriptures to Combat Fear and Worry

Do Not Be Anxious For Anything

10 Verses for When You Are Worried

12 Verses to Help You Break Free From Worry

My Own Fear God Not Man Struggle

I’ve spent the past week since finishing A Higher Ransom considering my own faith and priorities:

• Do I feed my faith by spending time with Jesus?
• How about time with other believers?
• Is my first lifeline “phone a friend” or prayer?
• Would I give up my life or freedom for someone else’s?
• How about for Jesus?

No, I don’t think we need to walk around with a Martyr Complex, but we can still practice our faith, and plan/prepare for the moments when we will be tested.

Fear God Not Man is more than a nice slogan.

But if we memorized it, God could use it. Bring it to mind when we need it most, encouraging us, and strengthening our resolve.

For me personally, I need to work on some things. But Anna’s encouragement (a small spark can start a large fire after all!) tells me it’s possible! See the Light For Christ section below to read about Anna’s story!

Tips for Memorizing the Fear No One But God Bible Verse

Any scripture, including Matthew 10:28, or even the whole passage (26-33) can be memorized as easily as the latest commercial jingle.

• Hand write it on 3-4 index cards.
• Post those cards where you will see them and be still for a minute (bathroom mirror, cabinet next to the stove, washer?)
• Read it out loud every time you’re in that spot.
• Use a dry-erase board. Write the verse, and put it where you will see it. Throughout the week, randomly erase a word or two.
• Look for a YouTube video of the verse being read or sung. Watch it once a day…
• Even better, try scripture memory songs!
• There’s an app (or 5) for that!

I recently discovered this Faith on Fire subscription box that looks pretty amazing! A monthly box of Christian books, Bible studies, devotionals, and other goodies to help you share your faith with others!

If We Are To Fear No Man But God…

If we are really to fear no man but God, we have to be armed with the Armor of God. The Helmet of Salvation, the Breastplate of Righteousness… which can only be done by spending time in God’s Word, and with His people. Growing in faith and building each other up in knowledge and love.

The ultimate ‘prioritizing your fears’ verses show us the steps to arm ourselves and not worry, because we’re prepared properly and right where God wants us.

¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ¹³ Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, ¹⁵ and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷ Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

¹⁸ And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

Ephesians 6:10-18, NIV

A Light For Christ Trilogy: Christian Historical Fiction That Lives This Bible Verse About Fear

I had the privilege recently of reviewing a trilogy of Christian Historical Fiction. The author took to heart the Bible verse about fear God not man, and wrote an amazing story. Unbelievers may say it’s too good to be true, but believers see someone attempting to fear God not man, and leaning on Bible to do so. To us, it’s encouragement.

I did receive a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, and choose to review it here. All thoughts are my own.

About Book 1: A Higher Ransom

Two lives so vastly different from each other… are about to be given a choice that will change the course of their lives forever.

King Raymond is ruthless. He will stop at nothing to see that every Christian is diminished.

But Anna Haddington doesn’t understand why she must keep quiet about her faith. When her plans to stay with her aunt in Carpathia go quickly awry, Anna finds it takes all that is in her to trust God with the outcome.

This is a story full of mystery and sacrifice that will leave you questioning whether you have what it takes to give up everything for Christ, even your very own life.

Discover the account of three lives, all so different from each other. And find out how one person’s decision can affect the lives of so many.

Will Anna stand strong and not waver in her faith? Or will she crumble under the rule of the heartless king?

My Review: A Higher Ransom-To Fear God Not Man

Anna is put in an impossible position, but cheerfully serves where she is at. And brings her Light for Christ with her. She’s then promptly threatened unless she rejects God.

That’s not an option for her.

Anna reminded me of Esther in the Bible. She made hard choices, with her eyes wide open to the potential consequences. (in a Palace, of course!)

Then there is William and Stephen to consider. I admit to feeling frustrated, disappointed and proud of these guys at different times.

If you enjoy a more matter-of-fact style of writing, this is a great choice. While there are descriptions of settings and feelings, there’s not a big display of angst-ridden turmoil.

This is definitely a good example of “stir one another on to love and good deeds.” If you can read this book and walk away untouched, then there’s a problem!

Inspired by this mentality, I have had some serious self-examination this past week. And spent considerable time meditating on more than one Bible verse about fear.

More Christian Historical Fiction:

• Top Christian Historical Fiction
• Fine Print (a real Puzzler)
• Dead Letter (Keeping your Promise)
• Shelter of the Most High (Biblical Fiction)

About Book 2: A Dim Reflection

In A Dim Reflection, William Caverly can’t seem to understand the unsettling feeling that has been nagging him for far too long. Memories of a baby sister are forever haunting his waking hours, and as he sleeps at night, he is repeatedly awakened by nightmares, confusing ones that he’d rather forget.

His baby sister died. He saw her little body laid to rest beside their mother. But that doesn’t explain the dim remembrance he has of an event that happened not too long after that.

My Review: A Dim Reflection

Anna’s family notices when something isn’t right. Risky business, but they notice, and care.

They try to help, each in their own way. A beautiful thing.

Anna again challenges me. Her determination and perseverance are great. Strong, and still believable. Reflecting Christ doesn’t come easily, but she does it anyway.

Little brother Caleb’s courage and sense of justice together with his wisdom are more than a dim reflection of Christ. He does credit to his faith and his family.

I was impressed with him in the first book, and again this time. Definitely looking forward to reading book 3, which continues Caleb’s story in a big way!

I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to build their faith, is determined to fear God not man, enjoys Action / Adventure / History, and is at least in high school (due to the kidnapping / mild violence)

This book also brings to mind a wonderful song!

About Book 3: A Marvelous Redeemer

A Marvelous Redeemer:

She knew the decision would change her life. But she didn’t know she’d have to fight to survive. When Amira put her faith in Christ, she knew life wouldn’t be easy. But hiding her conversion from her Muslim family soon becomes the least of her worries.

Forced to leave the only home she’s ever known, she travels to the island of Gabeburough, trying her best to make a fresh start.

Two escaped convicts and a treasure map. A leafy paradise that becomes her home. Amira begins to wonder, where is her Redeemer when she needs Him the most?

Caleb Haddington is prince of Carpathia. Life should be perfect, but he can’t get a certain dark-haired girl out of his mind. Amira was his best friend when he lived in France, but her letters to him have suddenly stopped. Her last letter is filled with terror that her faith will soon be discovered.

Only a single hope keeps him alive; when the time is right, he’s going after her. He’ll bring her back and prove to the kingdom that he’s a man. But the journey proves to be more perilous than he’d ever imagined. Ridicule, comfortless days and the threat of a hurricane are just the start of his problems.

Lying becomes easy for Caleb until his own life crumbles before him. Brought to his knees under the pressure of his actions, he comes to realize the sweetness of his Savior. Forgiveness, grace, and mercy are granted fully to those who ask. Caleb and Amira soon discover that they don’t just serve a gracious Savior, but a wonderful, magnificent, marvelous Redeemer.

My Review: A Marvelous Redeemer 

Amira is in trouble. Caleb is sure of it. And he isn’t wrong. But. 

His past success and his new position turn his head just enough. Now, Caleb has something to prove.  He feels responsible, but it’s more than that. He’s taking the role of being a light to others to the extreme of selfish pride. 

I do that too sometimes. I had to face my selfish pride just a bit while reading A Marvelous Redeemer. Jesus is the Light of the World. Not Aryn. Not Pastor so-and-so. And not even my favorite CF author(s). 

We’re here to glorify God, not ourselves.

Caleb really got on my nerves this time, for at least half the book. (totally intentional on the author’s part) Which makes the character growth all the better.

Amira’s courage was inspiring. I don’t know what I would have done in similar circumstances. But as I continue to practice through reading stories both true and fiction, I hope to lean on Christ and stand firm.

All told, this series is very challenging to faith and the status quo. If you want to examine yourself in light of the courage, compassion, and foolishness of some lovable and entertaining characters, I would definitely recommend A Light for Christ.

Above All, Fear God Not Man!

Lets take the Do Not Fear Bible Verse challenge, and read a Bible verse every day, to remind ourselves that God’s Got it.

Don’t forget your copy of the scripture list. It may not be a list of 365 verses, but 107 fear not bible verse list will still take you nearly 4 months if you’re reading 1 per day! 

Until Next Time, Love God, Love Books, Shine The Light!!