FEAR LESS
Fear, like a coin, has two sides, each side representing something completely different: one healthy, one unhealthy. One side is of this world; the other is of God.
Fear is a natural response to a perceived threat. The emotional response of fear can and does vary from person to person and from varying circumstances. Fear can be a useful tool to caution us against harm. It can also be a noose around our necks, sucking the joy from our lives.
God’s Word is filled with wise counsel regarding our fear of fear. I have often heard that there are 365 verses in the Bible relating to ‘fear not.’ According to the Holman Bible Dictionary, the number of words associated with fear total 581. Regardless, God has much to say about it.
Our response to unhealthy fear most often causes us to hide. When we are afraid, we hide behind the cover of fear. Adam and Eve hid in the garden when they were afraid after they disobeyed God. Fear presents itself in many forms: denial, regret, shame, and guilt, to name a few.
On the flip side, the Bible teaches us that healthy fear is reverent, respectful, honoring, submissive, and obedient to those in authority. A child to a parent, an employee to their boss, and most importantly, our healthy fear of God.
To fear God is to live a life devoted to Him: one that honors His Word, His will, and His way.
Mary, the Mother of Jesus, sang a song which tells us that God’s mercy is on those who fear Him. (Luke 1:50)
A well known verse, Philippians 4:6, tells us, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” (Emphasis mine) The word everything means all; the good and the bad, which includes our fears.
Father God wants you to walk in freedom, not in fear. Whatever fear that is weighing you down today, I encourage you to give it to God. Lay the burden of fear at the foot of the Cross. Fear less and live a life of freedom in Jesus Christ!
Questions for Reflection:
- What are you afraid of?
- In what ways can you stop fear from stealing your joy?
- In what ways can you increase your healthy fear of God?
