Biblical Answer

The opposite of fear in the Bible is not necessarily the absence of fear, but rather a transformed response to God. The Bible teaches that a right relationship with God is characterized by a fear of the Lord that is awe-inspired, respectful, and obedient. This fear is not about being controlled by something, but rather being overwhelmed with wonder before the greatness of God. It is a response that is rooted in a deep understanding of God's character and His righteousness.

In contrast to a healthy fear of the Lord, fear that is driven by a lack of trust or a misunderstanding of God's character is not the opposite of fear in the Bible. This kind of fear is often associated with a lack of faith or a failure to trust in God's goodness and sovereignty. For example, in Psalm 22:22b, the writer says "I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will praise you. You who fear him lack nothing." This verse suggests that those who fear the Lord have a deep trust in God's goodness and provision.

The opposite of fear in the Bible is often described as trust or faith. When we trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, we are not controlled by fear, but rather by a sense of wonder and awe at His greatness. This is seen in Proverbs 19:23, which says "The fear of the Lord leads to life: then one rests content, untouched by trouble." In this verse, the fear of the Lord is not something that causes us to be anxious or fearful, but rather it is a source of peace and contentment. This is because when we fear the Lord, we are trusting in His goodness and provision, and we are not controlled by fear. Instead, we are filled with a sense of wonder and awe at His greatness. Divine sovereignty is also a key component of this fear. When we trust in God's sovereignty, we know that He is in control of all things, and that He is working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28). This knowledge should bring us a sense of peace and confidence, rather than fear. Therefore, the opposite of fear in the Bible is not the absence of fear, but rather a transformed response to God that is characterized by trust, faith, and awe-inspired reverence.