Fear is one of the most common human experiences, yet it's often the one we work hardest to hide. We disguise it as stress, overthinking, perfectionism, or simply "being responsible." For many Christians, fear carries an added burden: the belief that being afraid somehow means we're failing at faith. In this episode of The Mercycast, Raleigh Sadler sits down with pastor and author Luke Kjolhaug to discuss his new book, Fear Not: How the Gospel Disrupts Our Deepest Anxieties. Together they explore how fear quietly shapes our decisions, relationships, and spiritual lives, and why God's repeated command to "fear not" is less about demanding courage and more about offering comfort. Luke shares openly about his own struggles with anxiety and depression, his journey from engineering to pastoral ministry, and the ways God met him in seasons of uncertainty. Their conversation challenges the idea that maturity means becoming fearless and instead points to a deeper dependence on Christ. Whether you're carrying anxiety about your family, finances, future, health, or faith, this episode offers a hopeful reminder: the gospel doesn't require you to conquer your fears before God meets you. He meets you in the middle of them. Topics Discussed Why fear is often hidden beneath busyness, perfectionism, and controlUnderstanding "fear not" as a promise rather than a shame-filled commandThe relationship between faith, anxiety, and trustLuke's journey from civil engineering to pastoral ministryHow fear thrives in uncertainty and the unknownThe difference between conquering fear and having fear disrupted by the gospelThe role of counseling, community, and practical help in addressing anxietySpiritual warfare and the lies fear tells us.The importance of hearing the gospel from outside ourselvesWhat it means to be clothed in Christ when fear feels overwhelmingMemorable Quotes "Fear not is less a demand shouted at trembling people and more a promise spoken to them.""The gospel doesn't always conquer our fears in this life, but it absolutely disrupts them.""Growth and maturity looked less like standing on my own and more like being willing to accept help.""Fear is another voice at the table, but it doesn't have to be the loudest one.""The more we recognize how perfectly loved we are by our Heavenly Father, the less fear gets to define us."About Luke Kjolhaug Luke Kjolhaug is a pastor, author, and former civil engineer serving in Minnesota. He is the author of Fear Not: How the Gospel Disrupts Our Deepest Anxieties, a book that explores how Christ's promises speak directly to the fears, anxieties, and uncertainties that shape everyday life. Resources Mentioned Fear Not: How the Gospel Disrupts Our Deepest Anxieties by Luke KjolhaugRead an article by Luke on 1517.org.Connect with MercyCast If this episode encouraged you, subscribe to The Mercycast, leave a review, and share it with someone who may need a reminder that fear does not get the final word. The gospel speaks a better word—one of mercy, presence, and hope. Subscribe and rate on Apple Podcasts. Subscribe and rate on Spotify. Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you! Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram. For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-mercycast/exclusive-content
