Dismayed Meaning in the Bible: From Fear to Faith

Dismayed, disheartened, and discouraged – these emotions are all too familiar to many of us.

The Bible acknowledges this emotional state, using the word “dismayed” to describe the feelings of fear, anxiety, and uncertainty that can settle in our hearts.

From the Psalmists’ cries to God in desperation to the disciples’ doubts about Jesus’ power, the Bible is filled with stories of people who faced similar struggles.

Dismayed Meaning in the Bible: A Quick Overview

• Fear and anxiety: Feeling overwhelmed, frightened, or intimidated, often in response to a perceived threat or uncertainty.
• Loss of courage or confidence: A sense of being disheartened, discouraged, or demoralized, leading to a lack of faith or trust in God.
• Emotional turmoil: Inner turmoil, distress, or unease, often accompanied by feelings of despair, hopelessness, or desperation.

What Does Dismayed Mean in the Bible?

To be dismayed means to be filled with fear, anxiety, or apprehension, often in response to a perceived threat or uncertainty.

In the Bible, the word “dismayed” is often translated from the Hebrew word “bahal,” which means to be terrified or frightened. When we are dismayed, we can feel overwhelmed, helpless, and uncertain about the future.

Biblical Examples of Dismay

The Bible is full of examples of individuals who experienced dismay. In Exodus 15:14-16, the Canaanite kings were dismayed when they heard about the parting of the Red Sea.

In 1 Samuel 28:20, Saul was dismayed when he realized that God was not answering him. Even the disciples were dismayed when they saw Jesus walking on the water (Matthew 14:26).

The Emotional Landscape of Dismay

Dismay can be a paralyzing emotion, causing us to feel stuck and uncertain about what to do next. It can lead to feelings of fear, anxiety, and hopelessness.

When we are dismayed, we may question God’s presence, power, or goodness. We may wonder if He is truly in control or if He cares about our situation.

From Fear to Faith

But the Bible offers a different narrative. It reminds us that God is always with us, even in the midst of uncertainty and fear. Psalm 23:4 says, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me.”

When we are dismayed, we can choose to focus on God’s presence, power, and goodness. We can choose to trust in His sovereignty and love.

Dismay in the Psalms

The Psalms are filled with examples of individuals who were dismayed but chose to trust in God. In Psalm 27:13-14, David writes, “I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!” The Psalms remind us that even in the darkest of times, God is always with us, and He is always good.

The Role of Trust and Faith

Trust and faith are essential in overcoming dismay. When we trust in God’s goodness and sovereignty, we can begin to see our circumstances from a different perspective.

We can begin to see that even in the midst of uncertainty, God is working everything out for our good (Romans 8:28). We can begin to trust that He is always with us, guiding us and directing us.

Dismay in the New Testament

In the New Testament, we see Jesus facing dismay in the Garden of Gethsemane. He was deeply troubled and distressed, but He chose to trust in His Father’s will (Matthew 26:38-39).

Jesus’ example reminds us that even in the darkest of times, we can choose to trust in God’s goodness and love.

From Dismay to Deliverance

The Bible reminds us that God is always our deliverer. Psalm 34:4 says, “I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.”

When we are dismayed, we can choose to seek God, trusting in His goodness and love. We can choose to focus on His presence, power, and sovereignty.

And as we do, we can move from a place of fear to a place of faith, trusting that God is always with us, guiding us and directing us.

FAQs

Q: What is the biblical definition of dismay?
A: In the Bible, dismay refers to a state of fear, anxiety, or apprehension, often in response to a perceived threat or uncertainty.

Q: How does the Bible describe people who are dismayed?
A: The Bible often describes people who are dismayed as being fearful, anxious, or troubled. They may feel overwhelmed, helpless, and uncertain about the future.

Q: What are some biblical examples of people who were dismayed?
A: Examples include the Canaanite kings in Exodus 15:14-16, Saul in 1 Samuel 28:20, and the disciples in Matthew 14:26.

Q: How can I overcome dismay and move from fear to faith?
A: To overcome dismay, focus on God’s presence, power, and goodness. Trust in His sovereignty and love, and choose to wait on Him (Psalm 27:13-14). Remember that God is always with you, guiding and directing you.

Q: What role do trust and faith play in overcoming dismay?
A: Trust and faith are essential in overcoming dismay. When you trust in God’s goodness and sovereignty, you can begin to see your circumstances from a different perspective. You can begin to trust that God is working everything out for your good (Romans 8:28).

Q: How does Jesus’ example in the Garden of Gethsemane relate to dismay?
A: Jesus’ example in the Garden of Gethsemane shows that even in the darkest of times, we can choose to trust in God’s will. Jesus was deeply troubled and distressed, but He chose to trust in His Father’s will (Matthew 26:38-39).

Q: What is the ultimate deliverance from dismay?
A: The ultimate deliverance from dismay is found in God Himself. Psalm 34:4 says, “I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” When we seek God, trusting in His goodness and love, we can move from a place of fear to a place of faith.