The term "unnerved" refers to a state of being deprived of courage, strength, or steadiness, often resulting in fear, anxiety, or a lack of confidence. In the context of the Bible, being unnerved can be seen as a spiritual or emotional condition where individuals or groups experience a loss of resolve or faith, often in the face of trials, opposition, or divine judgment.

Biblical Instances and Themes

1. Fear and Anxiety: Throughout Scripture, God's people often faced situations that could easily lead to being unnerved. For example, when the Israelites stood at the edge of the Promised Land, they were unnerved by the reports of the spies who spoke of giants and fortified cities (Numbers 13:31-33). Their fear led to a lack of faith in God's promises, resulting in a prolonged wilderness journey.

2. Divine Encouragement: The Bible frequently addresses the condition of being unnerved by offering divine encouragement and reassurance. In Joshua 1:9, God commands Joshua, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." This verse highlights the importance of relying on God's presence and promises to overcome fear and regain strength.

3. Spiritual Warfare: Ephesians 6:10-18 speaks to the spiritual battle believers face, urging them to "be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power" (Ephesians 6:10). The passage emphasizes the need for the full armor of God to stand firm against spiritual forces that seek to unnerve and destabilize the faithful.

4. Jesus' Assurance: In the New Testament, Jesus often addressed the fears and anxieties of His disciples. In John 14:27, He says, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid." Here, Jesus provides a remedy for being unnerved through His peace, which surpasses worldly understanding.

5. Faith Over Fear: The Bible consistently contrasts faith with fear, encouraging believers to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness. In 2 Timothy 1:7, Paul reminds Timothy, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline." This verse underscores the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in overcoming feelings of being unnerved.

6. Examples of Courage: Numerous biblical figures exemplify courage in the face of daunting circumstances. David, when confronting Goliath, refused to be unnerved by the giant's threats, declaring his trust in the Lord's deliverance (1 Samuel 17:45-47). Similarly, Daniel remained steadfast in his faith despite the threat of the lion's den (Daniel 6:10-23).

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, being unnerved can be seen as a challenge to one's faith and trust in God. It often reveals the human tendency to rely on one's own strength rather than on divine support. The Bible encourages believers to seek God's presence, promises, and power to overcome fear and regain spiritual and emotional stability. Through prayer, Scripture, and the support of the Christian community, individuals can find the strength to face life's challenges without being unnerved.

The Denial of St. Peter
... They came up to Peter, and with many tears questioned him concerning their loved
Master, but he was so unnerved and so fearful of betraying himself, that he ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter x the denial of.htm

The Death of Saint Patrick.
... and travels by land, hard fare as well as gay revellings, fights with giants, monsters,
wild beasts, and evil spirits, had done their work, unnerved their once ...
/.../kingston/the seven champions of christendom/chapter fifteen the death of.htm

Christ the Great Teacher.
... The very fact that such men were so unnerved by the presence and words of Jesus,
gives us an idea of His majesty as a teacher, and of His power over men. ...
/.../vi christ the great teacher.htm

The Persecutions of the Church.
... They would exclaim""The man has children, we believe"a wife he has, unquestionably"
and yet he is not unnerved by these ties of kindred: he is not turned ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter ii the persecutions of.htm

The Demoniac
... Macedonius paused irresolutely, for he was unnerved by privations, and he had a
horror of the madness which he attributed to the presence of malignant devils. ...
/.../chapter vi the demoniac.htm

The Scourging of Jesus.
... pray for them in the most touching manner: he turned his face once towards his Mother,
who was standing overcome with grief; this look quite unnerved her: she ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter xxii the scourging of.htm

On Patience
... over them lightly, as if they were owing to chance, or second causes; nor, on the
other hand, ekloumenoi, affected too much, unnerved, dissolved, sinking under ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 83 on patience.htm

The Favourable Testimonies of More Recent Divines
... But these things cause the dread of the divine judgment to increase within us,
by which we are completely unnerved, and deprived of sensation. ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/v the favourable testimonies of.htm

To John, Bishop of Germanicia.
... "Cowed by the dictatorial spirit of Dioscorus and unnerved by the outrageous violence
of Barsumas and his band of brutal monks he consented to revoke his ...
/.../theodoret/the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/cxlvii to john bishop of.htm

Letter i. To Innocent.
... The striker saw, with terror, his hand unnerved, and, amazed at his defeated skill
and at his drooping sword, he whirled it aloft for another stroke. ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter i to innocent.htm

Unnerved (1 Occurrence)
...Unnerved (1 Occurrence). 1 Thessalonians 3:3 that none of you might be unnerved
by your present trials: for you yourselves know that they are our appointed lot. ...
/u/unnerved.htm - 6k

Unni (3 Occurrences)

/u/unni.htm - 8k

Unnecessary (4 Occurrences)

/u/unnecessary.htm - 7k

Trials (11 Occurrences)
... 1 Thessalonians 3:3 that none of you might be unnerved by your present trials: for
you yourselves know that they are our appointed lot. (WEY NIV). ...
/t/trials.htm - 9k

Lot (145 Occurrences)
... (DBY). 1 Thessalonians 3:3 that none of you might be unnerved by your present trials:
for you yourselves know that they are our appointed lot. (WEY RSV). ...
/l/lot.htm - 60k

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