Obedience Without Fear: Trusting His Commands
Obedience to God is something we’re all called to, but let’s be honest, it’s not always easy. Sometimes, God asks us to do things that seem difficult, uncertain, or downright scary. The fear of the unknown, the fear of failure, or the fear of stepping out of our comfort zone can make obedience feel overwhelming. But the truth is, obedience without fear is possible when we truly trust God and His commands.
I’ve experienced times in my life where God has asked me to take a step I didn’t fully understand or feel prepared for. I’ve wrestled with fear and doubt, wondering if I was hearing Him correctly or if I was capable of fulfilling what He was asking. But over time, I’ve come to realize that trusting His commands and walking in obedience is less about our ability and more about His faithfulness.
Trusting God’s Heart
One of the keys to obedience without fear is trusting God’s heart for us. We know that God loves us unconditionally and that His plans for us are good. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” When we know God’s heart for us is good and full of love, we can trust that His commands are not meant to harm us but to lead us toward His perfect will.
God’s commands are not without purpose or burdensome. They are given out of love, and they are for our good. Sometimes, we may not understand why God asks us to do something, but trusting in His character and His goodness allows us to obey without fear. We can rest in the assurance that He knows what’s best for us, even when we can’t see the full picture.
Obedience in the Unknown
It’s easy to obey when the path is clear and we know exactly where we’re headed. But what about when God calls us into the unknown? It’s in those moments that fear can start to creep in. We wonder, “What if I fail?” or “What if this doesn’t work out?”
But the beauty of trusting God is that we don’t have to have all the answers. We just need to take the next step in obedience, trusting that God will guide us. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.”
When we choose to obey, even when we don’t have all the answers, we are exercising faith. Obedience is not about knowing the outcome; it’s about trusting the One who holds our future. Each step we take in faith is a step closer to seeing God’s plan unfold.
Overcoming Fear with Faith
Fear is natural. It’s something we all face, especially when stepping out in obedience. But we are not meant to live in fear. 2 Timothy 1:7 tells us, “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” When we feel afraid, we can rely on God’s strength, His love, and His power to overcome those fears. We don’t have to obey in our own strength, we can trust that God will equip us for whatever He’s calling us to do.
I’ve found that when I feel fear rising, the best thing I can do is lean into God’s presence. Prayer, reading His Word, and reminding myself of His promises help shift my focus from the fear of the unknown to the confidence in the One who knows all things. When we walk in obedience, trusting God’s strength, fear starts to lose its power over us.
Obedience Brings Peace
Obeying God’s commands, even when it feels scary, brings peace. There’s a peace that comes when we know we’re walking in God’s will, even if we don’t know exactly where that path leads. Obedience isn’t about perfection—it’s about trust. When we obey God, we’re saying, “I trust You, Lord, more than I trust my own understanding or my own fears.” One of my favorite things to do lately is pray the Surrender Novena, a simple prayer that goes, “O Jesus, I surrender myself to You, take care of everything!” which you repeat 10 times. It’s such a beautiful prayer of surrendering everything to Jesus, trusting that He will take care of it all, and releasing control. It reminds me that, in surrendering, I’m not giving up, I’m giving it all to God and trusting that He’s got it under control.
When we obey, we also open ourselves up to experiencing God’s peace in a deeper way. Philippians 4:6-7 tells us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” This verse has been one of my go-tos for a little over a year now, and I’ve had it written on my whiteboard, right where I can easily see it. It’s a reminder to bring all my anxieties and worries to God in prayer, and in doing so, I open myself up to His peace. Obedience without fear allows us to experience God’s peace that guards our hearts and minds, even when the world around us feels uncertain.
Lord, I want to obey You, but sometimes fear holds me back. Help me to trust You more and more each day. Fill me with the strength to step out in faith, even when I don’t know what the future holds. Thank You for Your promises and for guiding me every step of the way. Help me to walk in obedience without fear, trusting that Your plans for me are good.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
