Fear can be the most subtle of emotions. It is so often hidden behind the facade of other emotions that we don’t even recognize that it is there, at the root of the problem. Many times when I’ve thought I was angry, depressed, or insecure, once I’d done some soul searching I find that it was fear all along that was tormenting me. How often does fear of what people might think keep us from being a blessing to others, or being blessed by others?
At other times fear is obvious. I’ve noticed that it’s usually fear that keeps me from meeting the needs of others. When approached at the gas pumps by a stranger asking for money, it is fear that causes me to roll up my window and drive away. It is also fear that keeps me from helping the stranger broken down on the side of the road, or giving a stranger a ride.
God’s word says that “He who fears is not made perfect in love”. This scripture has definitely challenged me! I am now beginning to understand how, as long as I let fear get in the way, I can never truly be like Jesus. Could Jesus have healed the leapers if he were afraid to touch them? Would he have fed thousands with a few fish and loaves of bread if he were concerned with how he would feed his own?
Let us consider how fear may hinder us in our own lives. Have you ever not helped someone financially because you were afraid you may not then be able to meet your own families needs? Or have you held back because you were afraid that they may not spend the money the way you think it should be spent? Jesus healed sinners knowing very well that they may sin again, yet it is His goodness, mercy, and grace that brings us to repentance.
At last, fear is one of Satan’s greatest tools that he uses against us, to cause us to doubt God’s promises. Fortunately God’s word contains a wealth of encouragement for us to find and use, to stave off this emotion that is so often a stumbling block for us. I’ve searched them out and put them together. Now at a moments notice, I have at my fingertips the sword I need [which is God’s word] to battle fear when it pops up it’s ugly little head.
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear: because fear has torment. He that fears is not made perfect in love. [1 John 4:18]
For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. [2 Tim.1:7]
Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. [Luke 12: 32]
For you have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but you have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. [Romans 8:15]
That he would grant to us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear. [Luke 1:7]
And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. [Hebrews 2:15]
So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do to me. [Hebrews 13:6]
11/15/05