When I heard emerging contemporary artist Jon Reddick perform this song in concert a few months ago, it immediately got my attention. The crowd was electric as he led us in declaring our faith and hope in Jesus, even in the face of something that often tries to cripple us every day—fear. Let's look at this song and how God helps us overcome fear.

"No fear (no fear)/No fear (no fear)/The mighty power of Jesus is fighting for me here (fighting for me)/No fear (no fear)/No fear (no fear)/The light of the world makes the darkness disappear."
 
Fear Is No Match for God

"I got enemies at every side/It ain't lookin' good, I ain't gonna lie/Arrows flyin', devil's tryin'/To make me think I'm goin' down this time/You might think that I'd be afraid/Runnin' scared with a shaken faith/But the God I know says it ain't over/The God I know's gonna make a way."

Every time the topic of fear comes up, one of my favorite Bible passages comes to mind, and that was the case when I first heard "No Fear."

Psalm 34:4-5 (NLT) says: "I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to him for help will be joyful; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. In my desperation, I prayed, and the Lord listened; He saved me from all my troubles."

I love this passage because it reminds me that while fear is a normal human emotion, it doesn't have to rule our lives when walking with God. Various factors trigger fear in our lives, many of which Jon Reddick discusses in the bridge of this song: concerns for ourselves, our friends and family, our future, our finances, the outcomes of significant decisions, etc. In whatever area of your life you are struggling with fear, know that God can calm those fears and set you free from them. 

Trust God, Resist Fear

"Not over my family/Not over my future/Not over my life (no fear)/God's over my life (no fear)/Not over my battles/Not over my struggles/Not over my life (no fear)/God's over my life (no fear)"

In "No Fear," Jon Reddick references a verse from the famous Psalm 23. You probably know it as "the Lord is my shepherd" psalm. Psalm 23:4 (NLT) is quoted in the lyric: "Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me." 

David compares God's care, guidance, and protection to a shepherd leading his sheep in this psalm. We learn why we don't need to fear when God is in our lives. Even when we walk through the darkest valleys of life, God is with us, comforting and protecting us.

Another fact I appreciate about these lyrics is that Jon boldly declares the truth of Scripture concerning fear in our lives. He allows God's Word to comfort him, but uses it as a weapon in spiritual battle. 

Sometimes we need to get a little feisty in our faith. Sometimes we need to boldly draw near to God, resist the devil's schemes in our lives, and walk in the victory that is ours through Jesus (James 4:7-8). Songs like this help us hear, declare, pray, and sing the truth of Scripture over our situations, and when we do that, we're reminded of God's love, character, and promises. Our hearts are filled with hope, our minds are renewed, and the devil flees at the proclamation of the Word of God, just as he did when Jesus resisted him using Scripture when he was tempted in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). 

Here's a fun challenge for you: Find verses in the Bible that speak to the issue of fear or relate to whatever situation you are going through right now, and pray God's Word over the emotions and needs in your life. Wouldn't it be amazing to see how God moves in your heart and your circumstances as you follow the example in this song and pray His Word?

Final Thoughts

Fear doesn't have to get the last word. Fear doesn't have to control you. When you are afraid, trust God. Let Him calm your fears, fight for you in whatever situation comes against you, and rescue you from your troubles.