What the word usually means
Deophobia is not a word used in the Bible, and people do not always use it in exactly the same way. It usually describes a strong fear connected with God, gods, religion, worship, or spiritual judgement. Someone may feel anxious when they pray, enter a church, hear about hell, or think about God watching them.
To be deophobic, then, means to experience or express that kind of fear. It isn't the same as honest uncertainty. Job asked hard questions in his suffering, and the father in the Gospels admitted that his faith was mixed with unbelief. God did not turn away from people simply because they struggled to understand or trust him (Job 23:3-5; Mark 9:24).
Fear can mean different things in Scripture
The Bible sometimes speaks of the fear of the Lord as a good thing. This does not mean panic before a cruel or unpredictable God. It means recognising God's holiness, authority, and wisdom, then responding with humble trust. Proverbs connects this reverent fear with the beginning of knowledge, and the psalmist connects it with wisdom (Proverbs 1:7; Psalm 111:10).
That holy awe is different from being trapped by dread. Israel often feared because of danger, sin, or uncertainty. Again and again, God called his people not to be afraid because he was with them and would help them. His presence was meant to steady frightened hearts, not crush them (Isaiah 41:10).
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.
Jesus changes how we approach God
Christian faith does not ask people to pretend that God is small. God is holy, and sin is serious. But Jesus showed God's mercy by welcoming burdened people, forgiving sinners, and giving his life for them. Paul says that those led by God's Spirit are not brought back into a fearful slavery, but received as God's children who can call on him as Father (Romans 8:15).
Because Jesus is the great high priest who understands human weakness, Hebrews encourages believers to come boldly for mercy and help. Boldly does not mean casually or proudly. It means that a person who trusts Christ need not hide from God as though there were no welcome for them (Hebrews 4:15-16).
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
A gentle next step
If religious fear has become overwhelming, start small. Read one Gospel account of Jesus, perhaps his welcome of the weary in Matthew, and tell God honestly what frightens you. You do not need polished words. The Psalms show people bringing distress, confusion, and fear directly to God (Matthew 11:28-30; Psalm 56:3-4).
It may also help to speak with a trusted pastor, mature Christian, counsellor, or doctor, especially if anxiety is affecting daily life. Fear can have many causes, including painful experiences with people or religious communities. God is not represented by manipulation, abuse, or shame. He calls his people to love, and perfect love drives out the fear that expects punishment (1 John 4:18).