"Let Not Your Heart Be Fearful"

My name is Kevin Probst and I write articles and made videos about religious, biblical and political worldview. This video address the prevalence of fear, anxiety and depression in or society.

“Let Not Your Heart Be Fearful”

Kevin Probst

6/9/25

If you are a typical American living in a common community and you are casually observing those who exist in your social bubble, you are likely alarmed at the large number of people who are having issues with fear and anxiety.

It is estimated that in 2025, 42.5% of American adults are living with some sort of anxiety disorder. We are fearful and anxious about financial security, war, social turbulence, COVID, crime, cancer, racism, disease and death.

The LAOP (Los Angeles Outpatient Center) summarizes statistics gathered by numerous studies that indicate a disturbing rise in fear and anxiety among the American population.

Were the disciples of Christ feeling anxious or simply curious when they asked him to reveal to them the signs of his return? He answered by saying: “People will faint from fear and expectation of the things that are coming on the world, because the powers of the heavens will be shaken.” (Luke 21:26) Is the global fear meter indicating that we are living in the last days? Years after COVID I still see people wearing masks as they drive alone in their vehicles with the windows closed tight. I still see men and women wearing masks while playing on the golf course even though they are hundreds of yards removed from any other living being. This seems to be an unreasonable precaution against a nonexistent threat.

There is a fear that is destructive to the mind and soul. Fear has always been a natural consequence of the reign of sin within the human heart. “The wicked flee when no one is pursuing them…”(Proverbs 28:1)

However, there is also a fear that is healthy and beneficial. “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” (Proverbs 9:10) A life characterized by wisdom and peace can be realized when we realize the true nature of God.

A compassionate Christ sensed the fear and anxiety in his disciples. He had just told them that one of them was a traitor, that he was soon to leave them and all of them would betray him. He didn’t scold them, he comforted them. “Let not your heart be troubled” he said to them. (John 14:1) He never promised them a life without trouble but he did teach them that they could experience a peace “which surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:7) while living in a dark and stressful world.

As a holy and righteous God, he is terrible in his wrath towards sin. His retribution for those who rebel against him and reject the sacrifice of his Son for the salvation of their souls is too awful to comprehend. Mel Brooks' tagline for the movie produced in 1986, The Fly, is applicable: “Be afraid, be VERY afraid.”

The biblical translation for ‘fear’ can relate to fright but it can also refer to a reverence or a deep respect for God. Isaiah seemed to properly blend these two meanings of fear when he said: “Woe is me for I am ruined

because I am a man of unclean lips and live among a people of unclean lips, and because my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of Armies.” (Isaiah 6:5)

Our God compassionately addresses our tendencies to be fearful and anxious. I recently heard a friend say that he “thinks often about death” as he gets older. I sensed a tinge of anxiety in his comment. I was reminded that Christ took away the “sting” of death, the fear of that which awaits every human being. Because the resurrected Christ conquered the reality of death, He can comfort us when the sunlight of his presence is shaded by a deathlike darkness: “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4)

Our lives are a sequence of mountaintop experiences and treks through deep and dark valleys. We live in cycles of wonderfully joyful moments that alternate with unforgettable hardships. Thankfully, we can also be sustained by joy ev

en in our deepest valleys. James saw benefit in difficult times; “Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials.” (James 1:2) We are strengthened in our trials. It is a strength that enables us to endure to the very end.

Americans are experiencing a deterioration in mental health. 20% of Americans experience some form of mental illness. Globally, 800 million people live with depression. Studies from Columbia University School of Psychiatry have found a strong connection with addictive cell phone use and the increase in fear and anxiety in American society, especially among our youth.

Franklin Roosevelt once said: “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” I’m not sure I understand his quote. Certainly he is not trivializing fear. It seems he was admonishing his fellow Americans to avoid being paralyzed by fear but he offers no process by which they might avoid the grip of fear.

Masses of individuals are seeking solutions to depression, anxiety and fear. When we are confronted by overwhelming difficulties we are admonished to “Seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness…” (Matthew 6:33) Let us first seek the pearls and golden nuggets of truth found in God’s word.

Jesus addressed anxiety when he admonished his followers: “Don’t worry about your life…” (Matthew 6:25) He takes care of the “birds of the sky” and the “wildflowers of the field”. Most certainly, if he so meticulously cares for each bird and flower, he will care for you. With that in mind, “don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:34)

There exists within the heart of every Christian a fear of God, an awesome reverence and respect for their Creator and Savior. Christians conquer worldly fear with a reverential fear for an all-powerful, all-loving, and all-wise God who often reminds them: “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)