Fear. It is a reality that touches pretty much all that are breathing. No one likes to be afraid. Most are aware of some of the multitude of phobias that we can use to categorize label our discomfort. A few are well known, like hydrophobia - fear of water, acrophobia - fear of heights or claustrophobia - fear of confined spaces. Some fears are less familiar such as xerophobia - fear of dryness, or one of my favorites, sesquipedalophobia - the fear of long words. Which is almost an oxymoron when you think about it. Unless you are afraid of oxymorons, then you wouldn't want to think about it at all. The point is we all have a variety of fears that can plague our psyches. Depending on your level of concern, fear can be an inconvenience or something debilitating. Fear has been around for a very long time. We are not meant to live with such a cloud hanging over us. One of the truths about fear is its ability to imprison us, or at least prohibit us from achieving what we could have accomplished if we had not succumbed to its tentacles.
When we look to the Word of God we find that we are not alone when it comes to fear. "Fear not", is the common greeting of the Lord to the Patriarchs (see Genesis 15:1, 21:17, 46:3). It is also true with angelic visitors (See Matthew 1:20, Luke 1:13 & 30). The events recorded in Exodus 3 demonstrate that Moses was less than excited about being called to rescue God's people from Egypt and Pharaoh. One is tempted to chuckle when the Lord visits Gideon, "And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him, and said unto him, The LORD is with thee, thou mighty man of valor" (Judges 6:12). The context reminds us that Gideon is threshing wheat by the wine press to hide it from the Midianites. Gideon is given instructions by the Lord to tear down an alter to Baal, "Then Gideon took ten men of his servants, and did as the LORD had said unto him: and so it was, because he feared his father's household, and the men of the city, that he could not do it by day, that he did it by night" (Judges 6:27). Not the glowing example of a "mighty man" that most of us would appreciate. However, even though Gideon is afraid, he obeys anyway, even if it is a sort of covert obedience.
Perhaps one of the most glaring illustrations of the fear that can touch a follower of the Lord is that of Peter. The bold disciple cowers at the question of a servant girl (Luke 22:57). Peter is, very simply, afraid. The really good news is that God was not done with Peter. Peter will not remain a fearful failure. He will be restored and be the champion God intended him to be. John Mark has the same experience of restoration. After deserting Paul and Barnabas in Pamphylia (Acts 13), Paul later says Mark is useful to him for service (2 Timothy 4:11). Perhaps Timothy is not the only one on Paul's heart when he writes to Timothy, "God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7). If Timothy and others were not given to issues of fear, these words would have never been penned.
When we think of the fearful we could also include Esther, Saul, Elijah, the nine disciples who ran from the garden, just to name a few. It is not unusual for the people of God to be apprehensive or even outright afraid. The question is, what will we do with the fear? Will it control us or will we, by the power of God, overcome the fear. Beyond this, when we fail, how will we rebound? I have been walking with the Lord for a good number of years and must admit that there is a bit of turmoil in my being when I am confronted about my faith. I really do not like confrontation. I usually take a breath and the Spirit comes to my rescue more often than not. Fear, when we let it run it's course, can imprison us. It can keep us from the things we could experience and the mission God has for us.
Fear often destroys the freedom to do things we could enjoy. It can keep us from the simple joys like amusement park rides, climbing a mountain, taking a cruise, or riding a bike. It can prohibit us from teaching a class, leading a Bible study, questioning a teaching, or taking a mission trip. Fear can be an insidious thief robbing us from ministries and service God has called us to experience. Fear can draw us into disobedience and even a quiet rebellion with a lack of trust in the God who delivered us. I am not suggesting that fear of heights, or water, or darkness, is sin. Some of those deep seated phobias may never be fully conquered. However, the Apostle John reminds us that, "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love" (1 John 4:18). Punishment or torment is the byproduct of fear. It needs to be conquered as we move forward with Messiah.
We need to encourage one another to overcome and conquer fear. We can take a cue from the Apostle Paul as he encouraged Timothy. We can follow the example of the Lord and His people as they encouraged Joshua in Joshua chapter one. As we travel down the roads that God directs us to take, we need to remember that we are to be strong and courageous. By God's grace we need to move past fear into trust and obedience. The result will be joy in the Lord for the victory He gives. The alternative may leave us imprisoned and tormented. Perhaps you need some Godly counsel or a trusted friend to help deal with your fears. What I do know is that fear is not the abundant life Messiah promised those who follow Him. Is it time to face your fears?
Thanks for the inspiration!
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