Numbers 21:34-35 And the Lord said unto Moses, Fear him not: for I have delivered him into thy hand, and all his people, and his land; and thou shalt do to him as thou didst unto Sihon king of the Amoritrs, which dwelt at Heshbon. So they smote him, and his sons, and all his people, until there was not one left him alive: and they possessed his land.
After Israel defeated King Sihon of the Amorites, they turned their attention to Bashan and its king, Og. This giant enemy was a formidable foe, who would prevent the people of God from possessing the Land He promised. Fear is a natural reaction to a powerful force. Israel was inexperienced in war, even though they had just won victory over Sihon. Moses speaks God’s word of Promise: Fear not! Commonly, the words, “for I am with you,” follow this exhortation, and this assurance is implied here. This command is a Promise used many times by God or His angel.
The believing response is strength and courage resulting from God’s word and Promise. Fear not = Trust Me! Believe Me! Fearing God means faith in God. Fearing not our spiritual enemies requires faith in God. Faith is the response called forth by the Word of Promise, the Gospel.
Fearing not (trusting) is not as easy as it first appears. It is more than just saying ,”I believe.” It is being given strength to stand firm in the face of spiritual assaults from an army of enemies against us. It is overcoming fears, doubts, worry, anxiety, stress, frustration, threats, and whatever flaming darts the Enemy throws at us. Sin, death and the devil are relentless enemies that continue to try to keep us out of the Kingdom, from enjoying God, and from the full enjoyment of life. But Christ has overcome. Therefore, we can Fear not.