I was having a conversation with my brother yesterday, and thought of this talk: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2009/04/faith-in-the-lord-jesus-christ?lang=eng&query="faith+in+the+lord+jesus+christ".

It's from a few years ago, but it is really straightforward and offers concrete insight into why faith is important and how we can increase it. It also offers insight into how our faith is decreased and what we can do to avoid that happening. Read it. It's worth it.

The point I thought of yesterday, though, was his point that "Faith and fear cannot coexist." This is not a new concept, but one that is valuable. If we find that we are afraid of something in our lives, we're allowing the fear to take over and not trusting in our Heavenly Father's plan for us.

The key, though, is personal righteousness. Elder Pearson quotes, "Elder Bruce R. McConkie taught: 'Faith is a gift of God bestowed as a reward for personal righteousness. It is always given when righteousness is present, and the greater the measure of obedience to God’s laws the greater will be the endowment of faith.'"

In order to have the faith necessary to not fear, we must be obedient to the commandments God has given us. If we are righteous, we can feel confident that whatever happens will be for our good and that God will protect us. If we are choosing to be disobedient or not follow God's laws, then our fear will be rightly founded. God cannot protect us against the evils of the world if we are not following the guidelines He has given us.

Doctrine and Covenants 38:30 says that "If ye are prepared ye shall not fear." The preparation is obedience and personal righteousness, which leads to faith. If ye have faith, ye shall not fear.