Fear.

I don’t know one person that hasn’t experienced fear at some point in their life.

There’s fear that is generally deemed as small or silly like the fear of spiders or clowns.

There’s fear that is generally understood by most of us like fear for our family or a loved one health or safety.

There’s fear that is sometimes deemed irrational like the fear of being in large crowds or of flying.

Then there’s the fear of not being liked, of being rejected, or failure.

The list of areas we find fear is long and extensive, yet despite all the reasons we find to fear God tells us “do not fear” over 365 times.

So, this led me to a question…How does reverent fear of God, where no fear can live in His perfect love, take away my fears? An article I once read, ‘Fearing God’ by William D. Eisenhower, does a beautiful job of explaining it.

“Scripture is full of examples of how fearing God is a positive rather than a negative thing. For example, in Genesis 42:18, Joseph wins his brothers’ trust when he declares he is a God-fearing man. It was because the midwives feared God that they obeyed him instead of the authorities by sparing the Hebrew babies (Exodus 1:17). Pharaoh brought disaster on his nation because he did not fear God (Exodus 9:29-31). Moses chose leaders to help him on the basis that they feared God and wouldn’t take bribes (Exodus 18:21) and told the Hebrews that God met with them in a terrifying display of his power so that they wouldn’t sin (Exodus 20:20). The Mosaic Law cites fear of God as a reason to treat the disabled and elderly well (Leviticus 19:14, 32). And lest you think this is only an Old Testament idea, note that Jesus states this stronger than anyone when he says, “Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28). And Paul says to work toward complete holiness because we fear God (2 Corinthians 7:1).

Unfortunately, many of us presume that the world is the ultimate threat and that God’s function is to offset it. How different this is from the biblical position that God is far scarier than the world …. When we assume that the world is the ultimate threat, we give it unwarranted power, for in truth, the world’s threats are temporary. (emphasis added). When we expect God to balance the stress of the world, we reduce him to the world’s equal …. As I walk with the Lord, I discover that God poses an ominous threat to my ego, but not to me. He rescues me from my delusions, so he may reveal the truth that sets me free. He casts me down, only to lift me up again. He sits in judgment of my sin, but forgives me nevertheless. Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom but love from the Lord is its completion.

And, of course, the ultimate example of fear and perfect love working together is Jesus Christ. He warned us at every turn to fear God, not men—and he confirmed that in everything about his life and death. He spoke lovingly but frankly to all and didn’t mince words when people needed to face their sin and repent. (emphasis added)

But he also demonstrated love beyond human understanding when he lived out his words, “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13). With love like that, what is left to fear but God?”

In light of today’s world with so much fear, division and falsehood, I pray that last question is part of my daily prayer and praise… “What is left to fear but God?”

Here’s what we need to be reminded of despite how loud the world shouts with fear.

Let’s also pay attention to who is the father of lies is. John 8:44 tells us without question, Satan. “…he was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”

1 John 4:18 says, “Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear”, gives us wisdom about fear and should give us comfort knowing that this promise guards us from people, situations or things that appear with fear.

I’m not saying fear isn’t real, but I am saying we shouldn’t let it stick. We shouldn’t let fear guide us or our decisions.

I’ve struggled during different chapters of life with fear even knowing this truth. See being in relationship with the Lord, studying His word, and believing His life and death as truth is not a magical wand that prevents fear or the enemy’s lies from trying to invade our hearts, minds or lives.

But being in relationship with Jesus is a beautiful gift that helps us apply His Word as a living resource: It helps us put on the armor of God and fight against the fear and lies from the conniving enemy of our souls. It’s also a reminder to fear nothing and no one more that Christ himself – reverent fear for my King, my Savior. Gods Word is truth. Period, no question mark. For true believers, this is a statement of fact.

Don’t forget one of Satan’s greatest lies is to try and have us believe we are the only ones, that others won’t understand, will judge us or reject us. He wants to isolate us. Divide us. Look at the world today and remember where the whole world lies. 1 John 5:19 tells us very clearly “We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.” The good news is we know who ultimately overcomes the world. John 16:33 is thankfully very clear as well, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

So, what do we do when the fear seems overwhelming, or starts to call our name to the point of tears? Use the arsenal God’s given us.  Remember to call on the name of Jesus speak scripture over your home, car, relationships, place of work, put on worship music, reach out for prayer and let the Lord speak to the deepest parts of ourselves.

Above all STAND FIRM in God’s truth.

Lord, thank you for providing armor to combat the things in this fallen world, for being all-knowing and warning us of the tribulations to come. Help us stand firm in Your word and speak against the lies of the enemy. Guide us on how to guard against when fear comes, remind us to lean into You and keep Psalm 91 buried within us. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Psalms 91:1-6

“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day. Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday.”

This weeks playlist:

Run Devil Run

Crowder

Warrior

Hannah Kerr

Fearless

Jasmine Murray