Psalm 118:5-16 Complete Jewish Bible
5 From my being hemmed in I called on Yah;
he answered and gave me more room.
6 With Adonai on my side, I fear nothing —
what can human beings do to me?
7 With Adonai on my side as my help,
I will look with triumph at those who hate me.
8 It is better to take refuge in Adonai
than to trust in human beings;
9 better to take refuge in Adonai
than to put one’s trust in princes.
10 The nations all surrounded me;
in the name of Adonai I cut them down.
11 They surrounded me on every side
in the name of Adonai I cut them down.
12 They surrounded me like bees
but were extinguished [as quickly] as a fire in thorns;
in the name of Adonai I cut them down.
13 You pushed me hard to make me fall,
but Adonai helped me.
14 Yah is my strength and my song,
and he has become my salvation.
15 The sound of rejoicing and victory
is heard in the tents of the righteous:
“Adonai’s right hand struck powerfully!
16 Adonai’s right hand is raised in triumph!
Adonai’s right hand struck powerfully!”
Word of God for the Children of God
Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.
Psalm 118 is chock full of verses that many church-goers will know.
It’s a truly inspirational Psalm in its hope, joy, optimism, and faith.
Yet, we often isolate verses from this Psalm and miss out on the richness of them within the context of the whole Psalm.
Psalm 118 invites us to testify, witness to the goodness and sovereignty of God as complimentary attributes that implicitly invites all of us to assess our trust.
It is the combination of these attributes that makes God great.
His sovereignty alone would not invite trust, but rather fear.
For, if God is not good but can do all things then we may rightly fear what He will cause and bring about in our lives.
If, however, God is only good and not sovereign then we may know his love for us but it feels largely sentimental.
For, God cares but is incapable of intervening to help us in our time of need.
That God is both sovereign and good is truly remarkable and encouraging.
The dual attributes invites to surrender, unlock our long self imprisoned trust.
The Psalmist begins with the repeated phrase “the steadfast love of the Lord endures forever” (v. 1-4).
These verses invited Israel as a whole, the house of Aaron in particular, and all those who fear the Lord in general to trust, believe, in the goodness of this God.
He has an enduring love that can never be shaken, dissolved, or depleted.
It endures through all generations, through all magnitudes of storms through all of time, through all circumstances. Trust this God because He loves forever!
Then, the Psalmist gets personal.
He speaks of a time when the Psalmist called out to the Lord in distress (v. 5) and God in fact, answered Him. In fact, more pointedly, the Lord set him free.
He describes the Lord as being “on my side” or as his “helper.”
The confidence He has in God enables him to be fearless in the face of man.
“What can man do to me?” (v. 6).
Pushed to the wall, I called to God;
from the wide open spaces, he answered.
God’s now at my side and I’m not afraid;
who would dare lay a hand on me?
God’s my strong champion;
I flick off my enemies like flies. (Psalm 118:5-7 The Message)
We are getting a glimpse from the Psalmist as to just how powerful and capable this God is.
Verses 8-9 give us a comparison to show us just how reliable the Lord is. The Psalmist says plainly:
Psalm 118:8-9 English Standard Version
8 It is better to take refuge in the Lord
than to trust in man.
9 It is better to take refuge in the Lord
than to trust in princes.
God is ultimately greater than us all.
God is our ultimate Judge …
Matthew 12:33-37English Standard Version
A Tree Is Known by Its Fruit
33 “Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad, for the tree is known by its fruit. 34 You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. 35 The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. 36 I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, 37 for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
2 Corinthians 5:6-10 Amplified Bible
6 So then, being always filled with good courage and confident hope, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord— 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight [living our lives in a manner consistent with our confident belief in God’s promises]— 8 we are [as I was saying] of good courage and confident hope, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord. 9 Therefore, whether we are at home [on earth] or away from home [and with Him], it is our [constant] ambition to be pleasing to Him. 10 For we [believers will be called to account and] must all appear before the [a]judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be repaid for what has been done in the body, whether good or [b]bad [that is, each will be held responsible for his actions, purposes, goals, motives—the use or misuse of his time, opportunities and abilities].
Including those who consider themselves to be “untouchably above, beyond the scrutiny of the long arm of the Law, shielded from punishment’s” powerful men.
The Psalmist is not only free from the fear of man but he is free from ultimate dependence of man. God is more reliable. The combination of sovereignty and goodness makes Him a much better advocate, a better Savior, a better “refuge.”
What Does Faith Over Fear Really Mean?
Psalm 118:1-9 Legacy Standard Bible
Yahweh’s Lovingkindness Endures Forever
118 Give thanks to Yahweh, for He is good;
For His lovingkindness endures forever.
2 Oh let Israel say,
“His lovingkindness endures forever.”
3 Oh let the house of Aaron say,
“His lovingkindness endures forever.”
4 Oh let those who [a]fear Yahweh say,
“His lovingkindness endures forever.”
5 From my distress I called upon Yah;
Yah answered me and set me in a large place.
6 Yahweh is for me; I will not fear;
What can man do to me?
7 Yahweh is for me among those who help me;
Therefore I will look in triumph on those who hate me.
8 It is better to take refuge in Yahweh
Than to trust in man.
9 It is better to take refuge in Yahweh
Than to trust in nobles.
Having faith over fear involves considering the situation, weighing the options, and understanding the danger but then making the choice to fight through the fear and trust God anyway.
Luke 12:1-7 Legacy Standard Bible
Fear Only God
12 At this time, after [a]so many thousands of the crowd had gathered together that they were trampling on one another, He began saying to His disciples first, “Be on your guard for the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. 2 But there is nothing covered up that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known. 3 Accordingly, whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have [b]whispered in the inner rooms will be proclaimed upon the housetops.
4 “But I say to you, My friends, do not fear those who kill the body and after that have no more that they can do. 5 But I will show you whom to fear: fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into [c]hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him! 6 Are not five sparrows sold for two [d]assaria? Yet not one of them is forgotten before God. 7 Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.
It means pushing our fears to the side, permitting God to throw them into the sea of forgetfulness and replacing it with that faith which moves mountains.
The phrase “faith over fear” is quite a popular Christian saying that reflects a common sentiment found in biblical teachings.
It conveys the idea that faith in God should be significantly stronger and more influential in a person’s life than fear or anxiety. It encourages believers to trust God, His unfailing covenant promises rather than succumbing to fear or doubt.
One of the most incredible and inspiring passages in Scripture for believers is the story of when the Apostle Peter was called out of boat and invited by Jesus to walk upon the surface of the sea toward Jesus during a storm in Matthew 14.
In some ways, it is the “scary story” of the gospels because (at least in my mind) it seems like it could have started with the classic introduction,
“It was a dark and stormy night.”
The writer records the events like this:
And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid” (Matthew 14:25-27, ESV).
This story is, primarily about the divinity of Jesus Christ.
It’s easy to mock Peter for his lapse in faith at the end of the story.
However, this amazing passage gives a miraculous glimpse into what is possible when we implicitly trust in God also have faith in the face of fear.
Additional Faith Over Fear Bible Verses
2 Timothy 1:7 – For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
Psalm 27:1 – The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 23:4 – Even 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 56:3-4 – When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?
Proverbs 29:25 – The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.
John 14:27 – Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
What Is Fear?
Nothing to fear but fear itself
- A phrase from the 1933 inaugural address of Franklin D. Roosevelt
This means that fear itself, including the fear of death, can potentially be more paralyzing and harmful than the actual dangers we face. President Roosevelt encouraged people to face challenges bravely rather than be overcome by fear.
Eleanor Roosevelt later suggested, when asked, presumed that the original source was American naturalist, essayist, poet, and philosopher Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862), who wrote in his journal entry on September 7, 1851: “Nothing is so much to be feared as fear”.
I will take it for granted that we have all heard the famous phrase, “There is nothing to fear but fear itself.”
I think we all know what it is like to fear something or someone legitimately.
Fear is our mind’s reaction to a perceived threat, and it comes in all shapes and sizes and affects people in different ways.
It might just cause stress in our bodies, or it might leave us breathless in panic.
Because it causes reactions, fear even sells tickets!
That’s why there are haunted houses, scary movies, and why kids tell scary bedtime stories.
In general, though, fear is a God-given feeling that motivates us to either advance and fight, turn and run away, or shrink down and hide.
Different situations may elicit one or more of those responses from us.
There are times that a healthy response of fear can help us and keep us safe or alive, but other times fear can paralyze us and put us in a worse or even more dangerous position than we were already in.
According to one study, some of the most common fears are of:
the dark, spiders, mice and snakes, of heights and flying, of dogs, of being underwater, humiliated in front of others, of germs or dirt, and of storms.
You could probably sum up all of these fears into a couple of general categories like fear of the unknown or fear of harm.
Whether we like to admit it or not, everyone desperately fears something.
The irony of many kinds of fears (including the ones we just mentioned), is that they are normally not based on reality.
For example, while the bite from certain kinds of spiders or snakes could be dangerous, the chances of it being fatal is extremely low; even though many people are afraid of flying, it is much more common to get in a car crash; and although many people obsessively wash their hands, staying away from all germs would actually be significantly harmful for our health, ergo, not good.
Nevertheless, some situations (such as the ones Peter found himself in as his boat was so easily tossed around on the waves) are absolutely dangerous, and responding in fear is undeniably necessary understandable for our survival.
How Can Our Faith Overcome Our Fear?
The implicit faith and trust we have in God is based on what is “unseen and untouched” and is a “conviction of several layers of beliefs.” (Hebrews 11)
That means while we might fear something we can see or sense in front of us, our faith is in something which we cannot see nor sense in a physical way.
This is what the author of Hebrews meant when he wrote,
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1, ESV).
Hebrews 11:1 Amplified Bible
The Triumphs of Faith
11 Now faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed), and the evidence of things not seen [the conviction of their reality—faith comprehends as fact what cannot be experienced by the physical senses].
Hebrews 11:1-2 The Message
Faith in What We Don’t See
11 1-2 The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see. The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, set them above the crowd.
Notice in Matthew 14 Jesus didn’t chastise Peter or the other disciples for being fearful of the tumultuous storm or the darkness (or thinking that Jesus was a ghost!); he chastised them for not having enough faith to overcome their fear.
So, having faith in God’s provision or protection does not mean that it will eliminate our fear.
Nor is it blind acceptance of something you have not thought about or know nothing about — that is clearly blissful ignorance.
It is not saying you believe something that you’re not actually acting on — that is hypocrisy. And faith over fear is not making decisions without any doubts or concerns of those anticipated outcomes — that is carelessness or foolishness.
Instead, having significantly more faith in God over fear involves considering the situation, weighing the options, understanding the danger but then making the choice to fight through the fear and trust God anyway.
It means pushing our fear to the side and replacing it with faith.
Often, this involves an action (as when Peter literally and physically takes a few steps on top of the water), other times it is as simple as a mental state or inward decision to replace our anxiety with peace by “prayer and supplication with thanksgiving [letting] your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:5-7).
Faith over fear means we still participate in the things we value even if there is potential danger, because we have faith in God we believe it is worth the risk.
Those who highly value corporate worship still gather with fellow believers in the midst of high magnitude fear of persecution, discomfort, or even sickness.
Faith over fear is continuing to read Scripture or prayer in public, regardless of potential legal action, public scorn or physical harm such as Daniel in Daniel 6.
Hebrews 10:19-25 Amplified Bible
A New and Living Way
19 Therefore, [a]believers, since we have confidence and full freedom to enter the Holy Place [the place where God dwells] by [means of] the blood of Jesus, 20 by this new and living way which He initiated and opened for us through the veil [as in the Holy of Holies], that is, through His flesh, 21 and since we have a great and wonderful Priest [Who rules] over the house of God, 22 let us approach [God] with a true and sincere heart in unqualified assurance of faith, having had our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us seize and hold tightly the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is reliable and trustworthy and faithful [to His word]; 24 and let us consider [thoughtfully] how we may encourage one another to love, good deeds, 25 not forsaking our meeting together [as believers for worship and instruction], as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more [faithfully] as you see the day [of Christ’s return] approaching.
Faith over fear is continuing to take children to church services, public bible studies even though you know an unbelieving crowd will verbally abuse you.
It is believing the Bible’s account of Creation and the Fall, Jesus’ death and his resurrection, salvation, while being berated by atheistic students in schools.
There are many more models in Scripture of this concept of having faith that overcomes our fear we can learn from. In fact, the encouragement from God to “fear not” is one of the most common statements from the mouth of God!
For example, Moses still went to confront the Pharaoh despite his great fear and excuses. Joshua and the Israelites still marched around Jericho and faced other nations in battle despite their fear of larger and more equipped armies. Esther still approached her king even though she knew she could die for it.
What Does This Mean?
God places in our paths the most empowering and impactful opportunities to exercise our faith over fear as Christians.
James 4:6-9 Amplified Bible
6 But He gives us more and more grace [through the power of the Holy Spirit to defy sin and live an obedient life that reflects both our faith and our gratitude for our salvation]. Therefore, it says, “God is opposed to the proud and haughty, but [continually] gives [the gift of] grace to the humble [who turn away from self-righteousness].” 7 So submit to [the authority of] God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him] and he will flee from you. 8 Come close to God [with a contrite heart] and He will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; and purify your [unfaithful] hearts, you double-minded [people]. 9 Be miserable and grieve and weep [over your sin]. Let your [foolish] laughter be turned to mourning and your [reckless] joy to gloom.
“draw near to God with a true heart in full assurance of faith”
even though God is the fearful, holy judge who will not even look on our sin because “our hearts [are] sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our own bodies washed with pure water” (Hebrews 10:22, ESV).
Because of our victory over the grave through the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, we implicitly believe we have steadfast, immovable faith to move aside our fear.
Let us not be ones who “cower, shrink back and are destroyed;” let us be “those who have His strength of faith and preserve [our] souls” (Hebrews 10:39, ESV).
In the name of God, the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit ….
Praying ….
Psalm 4 Amplified Bible
Evening Prayer of Trust in God.
To the Chief Musician; on stringed instruments. A Psalm of David.
4 Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness!
You have freed me when I was hemmed in and relieved me when I was in distress;
Be gracious to me and hear [and respond to] my prayer.
2
O sons of men, how long will my honor and glory be [turned into] shame?
How long will you [my enemies] love worthless (vain, futile) things and seek deception and lies? Selah.
3
But know that the Lord has set apart for Himself [and dealt wonderfully with] the godly man [the one of honorable character and moral courage—the one who does right].
The Lord hears and responds when I call to Him.
4
Tremble [with anger or fear], and do not sin;
Meditate in your heart upon your bed and be still [reflect on your sin and repent of your rebellion]. Selah.
5
Offer righteous sacrifices;
Trust [confidently] in the Lord.
6
Many are saying, “Oh, that we might see some good!”
Lift up the light of Your face upon us, O Lord.
7
You have put joy in my heart,
More than [others know] when their wheat and new wine have yielded abundantly.
8
In peace [and with a tranquil heart] I will both lie down and sleep,
For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety and confident trust.
Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.
Loving God, Living God, Loving Hope, Living Hope, Loving Living Life His Way! "Many things are possible for the person who has hope. Even more is possible for the person who has faith. And still more is possible for the person who knows how to love. But everything is possible for the person who practices all three virtues." - Brother Lawrence (1605-1691), Practicing the Presence of God (1692). 