The book of Genesis is true to its name. It is the book containing the history of the beginnings of all things. Mankind began there. Sin also began there. Of course, the consequences of sin started to show up in Genesis. One of such consequences is fear. The moment Adam disobeyed God, fear set in. “Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, “Where are you?” So he said, “I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself.” Genesis 3:9-10 NKJV. Suddenly, the soothing voice of God became dreadful for Adam because of sin. Since that time, man’s fears are innumerable.

Except in connection with sins, every fear should be dealt with by the word of God and prayer. We should substitute the fear of the Lord for all other fears.

Man’s propensity to fear is so great that what ordinarily should be a cause for joy sometimes sends the heart into palpitations. When the angel informed Zechariah that his wife would conceive and give birth to a son, he feared. That was the answer to his prayers but he became fearful. The angel had to allay his fears. Several others in the Bible feared, including Peter. Jesus often stepped in to dismiss their fears. Our text shows how Jesus deals with fear in those who trust him. Except in connection with sins, every fear should be dealt with by the word of God and prayer. We should substitute the fear of the Lord for all other fears.