Contemporary artist Hannah Kerr has never been one to shy away from honest songwriting, and her latest song, “Fear Not,” is no exception. Known for her heartfelt lyrics and rich vocal tone, Hannah has built a career on songs that blend vulnerability with unwavering faith. From her debut album, Overflow, to her most recent release, As I Am, she has explored themes of doubt, grace, and identity, resonating deeply with listeners. Now, with “Fear Not,” she delivers a powerful message of trust in the face of uncertainty—which feels especially timely in today’s world.
Before her concert with contemporary band Big Daddy Weave in Souderton, Pennsylvania, I spoke with Hannah to discuss the inspiration behind “Fear Not.” In our conversation, she talked about the personal struggles that shaped the song, the biblical promises that anchored her, and how she hoped it would encourage those facing fear and anxiety.
Please tell me the personal story behind this song.
I wanted to write a song about how it feels in the middle of the night when I'm most anxious—scared, alone, and sick to my stomach with worry. Those moments have been some of the lowest times of my life. “Fear Not” is about my experiences with anxiety and how God's love has been a source of comfort in those moments. I wrote the song for people who struggle with anxiety and to remind them that they are not alone.
Which Bible verses connect to the message of the song?
Deuteronomy 31:6(NKJV): "Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you."
Lamentations 3:22-23(VOICE): "How enduring is God's loyal love; the Eternal has inexhaustible compassion. Here they are, every morning, new! Your faithfulness, God, is as broad as the day."
1 John 4:18-19(NKJV): "There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love because He first loved us."
Isaiah 41:10(NKJV): "Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; yes, I will help you and uphold you with My righteous right hand."
Hebrews 11:1(NLT): "Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see."
Philippians 4:6-7(NIV): "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:13(NKJV): "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
I still struggle with anxiety, but I have felt God's love in those moments. I have felt God's presence in my darkest moments, and He whispers to me, "Fear not, for I am with you." I hope this song reminds people that God is always with them, even when they struggle.
The album As I Am is so special to me. I wrote these songs in the past few years as I've experienced seasons of change, fear, joy, and growth. Through it all, I've learned that I can do nothing to earn God's love. He sees every detail of my life and doesn't change His mind about me. He loves me as I am.
Lyrics
I'm so scared, I'm sick to my stomach Having trouble sleeping cause the thoughts keep coming out Getting stuck in my doubt I'm afraid it won't get better Give me faith, help me remember You Bring me back to the truth
What scares me Doesn't scare You
You're telling me to fear not You're holding me together when I'm lost When I keep forgetting that You're here, God You're here, God I'll take Your hand and fear not When everything around me is in chaos I know You're with me through it I trust Your voice It cuts through the noise I hear You whispering, God Fear not Fear not
I believe in what You promised Even though I know You have a plan for all this Please, will You help my unbelief On the nights when I don't feel it Help me to trust You and know that You're in it with me Anxiety, leave
You're telling me to fear not You're holding me together when I'm lost When I keep forgetting that You're here, God You're here, God I'll take Your hand and fear not When everything around me is in chaos I know You're with me through it I trust Your voice It cuts through the noise I hear You whispering, God Fear not
Fear's not pulling me under Fear's not taking me down I'll just be standing in wonder You're here with me now Fear not Fear not
What scares me Doesn't scare You What scares me Doesn't scare You
You're telling me to fear not You're holding me together when I'm lost When I keep forgetting that You're here, God You're here, God I'll take Your hand and fear not When everything around me is in chaos I know You're with me through it I trust Your voice It cuts through the noise I hear You whispering, God Fear not Fear not Fear not
Closing Thoughts
“Fear Not” is best described as a stirring, empowering anthem to sing over ourselves and against fear, worry, and anxiety. Know that Jesus loves you and has something better planned for you if you trust Him as your savior.
The song’s message will challenge you to consider your own doubts. It reminds us that Jesus calls on us to rely on Him and the power of His resurrection. It also gives us some added reassurance: He has overcome death and fear.
God is honest, near, and just a breath away. This song represents your victory over your battles before you even know the earthly outcome. Trust that God is going before you, and He wins. You can face your daily battles with more courage and strength, resting in His promise outlined in Romans 8:28: "God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."
“Fear Not” is a daily prayer asking God to come and change our hearts and lives so that our behavior and the way we live flow from God’s presence inside us as believers. Only Jesus can give you your true identity. What a powerful expression of what it means to accept that God never leaves or forsakes you as one of His followers. He is all we need.
My favorite song on the album is “Fear Not,” and the lyrics deeply move me: “Please, will You help my unbelief, On the nights when I don't feel it, Help me to trust You and know that You're in it with me, Anxiety, leave.”
This song provides insight into the divine healing touch and encourages all believers to seek it through prayer as children of God. It has resonated with me because I realize that Jesus commands us to trust Him entirely, regardless of circumstances, personal distractions, or concerns. The song is about faith and letting God's plans be revealed in your life.
Join in with Hannah and sing along in faith, “You're telling me to fear not/You're holding me together when I'm lost/When I keep forgetting that You're here God/You're here God/I'll take Your hand and fear not.” Amen to that.
NRT lead contributor Kevin Davis is a long-time Christian music fan and an avid collector. He credits the message of Christian music for leading him to Christ. He lives in Pennsylvania with his wife and three daughters.
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