Facing Fear Through Silence and Trust

“The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” – Exodus 14:14 (ESV).  

Moses’ assurance that the Lord would fight for the Israelites, although well-intended, did not alleviate their fear. Trapped between the Red Sea and Pharaoh’s rapidly approaching charioteers and armed troops, their hope for deliverance and freedom quickly became overshadowed by doubt and fear.

Though I’ve never had an Egyptian army pursuing me, I can relate to the overpowering presence of doubt and fear. Maybe you can, too. 

The path to freedom is seldom without obstacles. 

Ask the business leader who envisions their company’s potential, or the pastor who seeks to positively impact their community. Ask the husband and wife dealing with ongoing struggles related to financial or health issues affecting their family, or the single mother working to find ways to get by until the end of the month.

Moses’ bold declaration that “the Lord will fight for you” is not mere wishful thinking. It is a confidence rooted in God’s consistent actions on Israel’s behalf throughout history. Moses recognizes that obstacles pose no barriers to God’s purpose. 

When Jehoshaphat was surrounded by the Moabites, Ammonites, and Edomites, he called on the Lord, recalling past interventions by God on behalf of Israel (2 Chronicles 20). Then he acknowledges his (and the people’s) fear, uncertainty, and sense of hopelessness: 

“For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” (2 Chronicles 20:12).

Uncertain, powerless, frightened, and recognizing that his obstacle was greater than his (or the people’s) ability, Jehoshaphat shifts his focus from “what can we do” to “Whom will do it for us.” “…but our eyes are on you.”

When faced with an obstacle greater than our ability to handle, the best way to dispel fear and doubt is to re-focus our attention on God, who fights for us.” Jehoshaphat’s words to Israel are words for you and me who face obstacles that we are powerless against:

“And he said, “Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the Lord to you, ‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s … You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.’ Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow, go out against them, and the Lord will be with you.” – 2 Chronicles 20:15, 17 (ESV)

Most of us can imagine how suffocating and tormenting fear was for the Israelites. You may be facing a desperate moment today. Moses’ command is not only timely for Israel but also for us. He correctly establishes the priorities when confronted with obstacles greater than our ability to handle: God’s role is to fight for us, and our role is to be silent.

Silence before God is not passive—it requires deep trust, stillness, and surrender. It represents the most challenging action we can take. Isaiah reminds us that our strength is discovered in “quietness and trust” (Is. 30:15). 

I often find myself asking, “why” or “how long?” It’s easy to say, “This isn’t fair.” And it may not be. However, while these questions are normal, they divert our attention from God, who is fighting for us!

If fear and doubt overshadow your prospect of freedom, remember: “The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”

“For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from Him.” – Psalm 62:5 (ESV)

REFLECTION

• Are you facing a situation too big for you to handle? How might “being silent” shift your perspective?
• As you recall God’s past faithfulness, do you notice how your fear subsides?
• In what ways will you practice ‘quietness and trust’ today as an act of faith?