In our lives, we will face many times when we feel fear. Some fears are good because they keep us from a present danger. This fear is an immediate, instinctual response triggered by real, present danger, such as reacting to an oncoming car, a venomous snake, or standing too close to the edge of a cliff. This is a fear that is built into us for protection.
There is also a fear that is a healthy fear, the “fear of God” (or fear of the Lord), which is often misunderstood because modern language associates “fear” almost entirely with panic, terror, or dread. Yet, in scripture, God requires us to fear him. However, it is not about being terrified that God will hurt us. This fear is a deep reverence, awe, honor, and a profound respect for who He is. Throughout the Old Testament, you will find this phrase, and in the New Testament also.
II Chronicles 19:7 “Wherefore now let the fear of the LORD be upon you; take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with the LORD our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts.”
Act 9:31 “Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.”
Godly reverence is not something we hear a lot about in the modern church, but it is required if we are to have the right view of God. If we have this fear, we will not be overcome with a spirit of fear. In II Timothy 1:7, Paul instructs us, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
This fear that Paul warns us about is an uninvited guest that loves to make itself right at home in our minds. It sneaks in quietly, causing a sudden doubt about the future and anxiety over circumstances beyond our control, or it climbs into our minds and sits on the heavy burden of making a difficult decision.
This type of fear soon begins to dictate our thoughts. We begin making decisions based on what we think rather than what God says. Many marriages that are salvageable are dissolved because of fear. One partner wrongs the other, and the other cannot forgive because they fear it will happen again. A child egregiously disobeys a parent, and the parent caves to the child’s desires because they cannot bear the thought of them leaving. An employee sees an employer doing something wrong but will not reveal it for fear of losing their job. Each of these fears could be overcome if they had a proper view of God.
When we have a high view of God and know His word, we will learn to trust Him completely. We bury His truths deep within us and learn to live by them. Three of these are that God loves us more than anyone else ever could. He is in control and knows what is best for me, and obedience to Him brings blessings.
When we fail to prepare for the battles that come to each of us many times in life, we tend to give in to the wrong fear. It starts dictating our thoughts, shrinking our faith, and pulling our focus away from God’s strength.
In II Timothy 1:7, Paul teaches Timothy that God does not leave us with fragile hearts; instead, He equips us with three powerful antidotes to handle the wrong kind of fear.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
- First of all, remember this fear is not from God.
- Second, He gives us power. This is not worldly strength that relies on our own energy, but it is a supernatural power rooted in the Holy Spirit to stand firm when life feels shaky.
- Third, perfect love drives out fear. In I John 4:7-21 the Apostle John teaches us that when we anchor ourselves deep into the truth that a perfect God loves you with a perfect love, the threat of whatever you are facing loosens its grip.
- Fourth, God gives us a sound mind. Fear loves chaos and panic, and it causes us to give in to the spiraling “what-ifs.” God promises clarity, peace, and self-control to quiet the noise in our minds. Any Christian already has peace and self-control dwelling within them because they are elements of the fruit of the Spirit given to each of us when we accept Christ. It is up to us to exercise them.
This does not mean that we will never experience fear again. But we will not allow it to take up residence in our minds. It will not sit in the driver’s seat of control. When fear comes knocking on our door, refuse to answer in your own strength. Let your knowledge of the truth determine your faith, and let faith answer.
Now for my favorite time, application. When fearful thoughts come, will you determine to shift your focus toward God’s character and faithfulness in the past? Will you speak truth to yourself by countering specific fears with specific promises from the word? Next, will you take one step forward in obedience without seeing the whole picture? There is a song I have taught many times to children called “Little By Little.“ It reminds us that we don’t need to know the outcome to face the challenge. Pray and ask God to settle your heart. Remember, He is bigger than anything you can ever face. He can help you rest in His promises and walk forward with confidence knowing He is with you.
“Little by little, inch by inch;
By the yard it’s hard,
By the inch, what a sinch;
Never stare up the stairs,
Just step up the steps;
Little by little, inch by inch.”
