Fear fades when the heart is captivated by Christ. Worship turns the mind toward the One who holds the keys of life.
Introduction: When Setting the Mind Isn’t Enough
In Part 1 of this series, we explored how the fear of death can be compared to watching a fictional movie of the old self—a false narrative that has no claim on the believer. We saw that setting the mind on Christ is the key to turning off that movie and embracing the reality of our new identity.
But what if someone understands this truth intellectually and still finds themselves drawn back into fear? What if, even after “turning off the movie,” something within them still longs to press play? This raises a deeper question: Why do we sometimes entertain fear, even when we know it’s a lie?
The answer lies in the affections of the heart. The mind may grasp truth, but unless the heart is captivated by something greater, the pull of fear, distraction, and even idolatry can remain.
This is where worship enters the picture. Worship—our love and delight in Christ—is what turns the head, aligning our affections with the truth we believe. If setting the mind is the “remote control” that turns off the old movie, worship is the deep, abiding desire that ensures we never want to turn it on again.
1. Worship: The Heart’s True Home
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” (Matthew 22:37)
Jesus calls us not just to believe in Him, but to love Him. This is not a forced, duty-bound love—it is the natural response of a heart that has been truly captivated by His beauty, sufficiency, and love.
In fear, the heart seeks safety. In Christ, safety is not an idea—it is a Person. Worshiping Him is not merely an act of obedience; it is the very thing that frees our hearts from lesser fears.
The heart will always seek something to cling to. If it does not cling to Christ in worship, it will inevitably latch onto something else: distractions, worldly comforts, even fear itself. Some people watch the movie of fear because, in a strange way, it feels familiar—like an old habit, a predictable script. Others turn to entertainment, relationships, or even self-effort to escape.
This is why true freedom from fear is not only about shutting down the old narrative—it is about turning our affections toward Christ.
“We love because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19)
When we worship Jesus as the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25), the One who holds the keys of death and hell (Revelation 1:18), fear loses its grip—not because we have fought it, but because we have fallen in love with the One who has already won.
2. The Worship Contest: Jesus or Something Else?
The battle against fear is ultimately a contest of worship.
A person may say they want to be free from fear, but if they still secretly entertain it as an escape or distraction, they are giving it a place of worship. Some people pay per view to watch a horror movie—not because they believe it’s real, but because it gives them a thrill. In the same way, some find a strange comfort in fear, worry, or anxiety because it gives them a sense of control, or at least, predictability.
But Jesus calls us into something far greater.
“No one can serve two masters.” (Matthew 6:24)
Fear is a master that demands attention. Jesus is a King who invites us into rest. If we worship fear—if we let it occupy the throne of our thoughts—it will always demand more. But if we worship Jesus, His perfect love casts out all fear (1 John 4:18).
This is why worship isn’t optional in overcoming fear—it is central.
A mind set on truth without a heart engaged in worship is like a steering wheel without an engine. It may be pointed in the right direction, but it lacks the power to move. Worship is the engine that drives transformation.
3. Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life: The Only True Security
“I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.” (John 11:25)
Fear of death is rooted in the false belief that death is a loss—a loss of existence, security, or relationship. But for the believer, death is not loss—it is gain (Philippians 1:21).
Jesus is our security. He is our eternal life. The moment we shift our focus from “Will I be okay?” to “Jesus, You are enough”, fear loses its foothold.
Jesus doesn’t just promise eternal life after death—He offers abundant life right now. Worship is how we enter into that reality. When we fix our affections on Him, His peace saturates every moment, and fear no longer has a voice.
“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21)
The real you in Christ is not afraid of death, because the real you is already alive forever in Him. Worship is simply living in that reality, delighting in Jesus as your eternal home.
4. Practical Ways to Cultivate a Heart of Worship
The best way to overcome fear is not by fighting it, but by adoring Jesus more than we fear anything else.
Here are some ways to cultivate a heart of worship:
1. Daily Declaration of Christ’s Supremacy
Begin each day affirming that Jesus is Lord over all, including your fears.
- “Lord Jesus, You are the Resurrection and the Life. My life is hidden in You, and I have nothing to fear.”
- “I am already seated with You in heavenly places—death has no hold on me.”
- “Your perfect love casts out all fear. I worship You alone.”
2. Worship Through Music
Find songs that exalt Jesus as your life, your security, your victory over death. Sing them, pray them, let them fill your heart.
- Because He Lives (Matt Maher, Gaither)
- Christ is Enough (Hillsong)
- Is He Worthy? (Andrew Peterson)
3. Fix Your Gaze on Jesus Throughout the Day
Take moments to pause and remember that Christ is in you, fully present and fully sufficient. Let worship be a lifestyle, not just a Sunday activity.
- When fear rises → Shift your focus to Jesus and declare, “You hold the keys.”
- When worry creeps in → Stop and whisper, “You are my life.”
4. Celebrate Your Acceptance in Christ
Worship is not just about acknowledging Christ’s greatness; it is about rejoicing in your unshakable place in His love.
“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1)
Live in awe of His love, and fear will have no room to linger.
Conclusion: Worship Turns the Head Toward Christ
Overcoming the fear of death is not just about setting the mind on truth—it is about setting the heart on Christ. Worship is the neck that turns the head, aligning our thoughts with the affections of a heart fully captivated by Jesus. [1]
When fear whispers its old lies, don’t just argue with it. Lift your gaze to Jesus. Let your heart overflow with worship. Rest in the One who is your life—the One who holds the keys, the One who has conquered death forever.
Fear cannot remain where Christ is exalted. Worship Him, and watch fear dissolve into nothing.
Key Scriptures to Reflect Upon
- John 11:25 – Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life
- Revelation 1:18 – He holds the keys of death
- 1 John 4:18-19 – His perfect love casts out fear
- Colossians 3:1-4 – Set your mind on things above
- Philippians 1:21 – To live is Christ, to die is gain
Robert Semco is an orthodontist by profession. He also has an M.A. in Biblical Counseling and is a certified Exchanged Life Counselor with Grace Fellowship International. He and his wife, Nancy, reside in Rhode Island.
[1] This article includes insights and Scripture references adapted from the writings of John Woodward.
Grace Notes © 2025 by Robert Semco. Permission is granted to reprint this article for nonprofit use. Please credit GraceNotebook.com and the author.