Introduction
I was a small boy in upstate NY when I had a terrible dream. I was around ten years old and in the kitchen of my home. The kitchen was fairly large with a large pantry and clothes closet with a door for outside jackets, boots, etc. In my dream, I saw a marble-sized blazing white light floating through the kitchen. From the beginning, I knew it was evil and was immediately frightened. I tried to run from this entity (I knew it was alive) but could not hide. Fear filled my whole mind and body. What could I do? What would it do? My fear grew so great that I knew that the only solution to my problem was to attack and kill this thing. The white light moved through the kitchen and into the closet berrying itself in the boot tray. While cautiously moving toward the boot tray I kind of lost my mind. I knew I had to kill it but while doing so I knew I too would die. My mind shattered. I didn’t care. I had to be done. I lunged for the tray, dug deep into the many boots and shoes therein, grabbed the light with my two hands, and squeezed it with all my might insisting it would die along with me. My hands tingled. Then, I woke up. It was over. Never in my life sence, have I ever been so full of fear. That evil was fear and it was alive. But, I had conquered that evil for a time. It’s been over 70 years since that dream, and I have never forgotten that feeling of a small boy giving up his life to kill the fear that evil generates.
The Beginning of Fear
Have we not all started life in fear of some kind? As children, we were afraid of the night. It was dark and we could not see. We had no control of darkness. There is a sound we did not understand. What is under my bed? What is in the closet? I need a light so I can see.
As preteen boys and girls many of us feared relationships. Some of us, like myself, were shy and afraid of being noticed or of interacting. We did not want to appear lacking, become ashamed, or embarrassed so we would pull back. Our relatives and strangers enhanced that fear by the way they would correct us saying “Children should be seen and not heard”. Relatives continued embarrassing us by telling our parents how “cute” we were and grabbing our cheeks with their hands pinching us shaking our heads. Where this came from I will never know. I hated it with a passion and became an introvert not wanting to associate myself with people. I was afraid of what they would do and did not want to be around them.
As we grew into adulthood we became somewhat able to control our fears. Control seemed to be the answer. We would “talk back” blocking our fears to the uncomfortable reaction of others. This became our answer to fear. “Stand up for yourself”. Don’t be afraid. Don’t let anyone tell you what to do. Fight. Even rebel. However, our fears were still present they just became hidden, even to ourselves. This control and rebellion protected us and may have even projected us into arenas where others feared to go.
Then, something curious happens. We are introduced to the Gospel and Jesus, the answer to all fear. But, knowing Him meant that we had to let go of control and we never want to do that. We were afraid, again. Many I have witnessed, of the love of Jesus, would pull back not wanting to lose control. Yet nothing I said or did should have produced fear, fear was there nonetheless. Abandonment to He who loves all things, and Who’s love is the absence of all fear became an impossibility. They needed a light, but the light given was perceived as darkness and, fear set in again. The notion of this total commitment is rejected.
“The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him.” (John 1:9, 10) ESV
“Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,” (Psalms 46:2)ESV
The solution is that we must become “Grounded on the truth of the reality of God’s presence. Not just an awareness of it, but the truth of it. (OC)” He has been there all the time.
Definition
Worldly Definitions
- A very unpleasant or disturbing feeling caused by the presence or imminence of danger.
- A feeling of disquiet or apprehension.
- You can add more.
Biblical Definitions
There are many Biblical responses to Fear. I like these:
“Fear and intimidation is a trap that holds you back. But when you place your confidence in the Lord, you will be seated in the high place.” (Proverbs 29:25) TPT
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9) ESV
And, of course, the one everyone loves.
“For God will never give you the spirit of fear, but the Holy Spirit who gives you mighty power, love, and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:7) TPT
My Definition
For this paper my definition is simple. Fear is the opposite of faith.
“But Jesus reprimanded them. “Why are you gripped with fear? Where is your faith?” Then he stood up and rebuked the storm and said, “Be still!” And instantly it became perfectly calm.” (Matthew 8:26) TPT
What Does Fear Do
Fear can cause all sorts of problems such as. chest pain, chills, dry mouth, nausea, rapid heartbeat, trembling, upset stomach, panic and, the list goes on. Also, we must add, according to the Scriptures above, fear is a lack of faith in God along with a weak belief in God. It can become the root of many sins and absolutely cripple you.
Fear is observed in many phobias such as:
- Certain specific objects or situations (spiders, snakes, heights, flying, etc)
- Future events
- Imagined events
- Real environmental dangers
- The unknown
- Loss of control
Of course, we add to these various anxiety disorders including PTSD, OCD, Agoraphobic disorders, Panic, and more.
Needless to say, we don’t need it.
What Causes Fear
A quick search on Google will not give you much. It talks about types of fear, and how to remedy fear among other things. So, I must resort to my reasoning through prayer.
I mentioned that much fear stems from childhood and continues from sources outside of God, family, circumstances, the way we were brought up, and so on. Indeed a lack of faith in Almighty God is a root cause. Of course, it is not that simple. If fear is indeed the opposite of faith then we must have faith. And, how do we get faith?
“Faith, then, is birthed in a heart that responds to God’s anointed utterance of the Anointed One.” (Romans 10:17) TPT
And, How Do We Hear?
“But how can people call on him for help if they’ve not yet believed? And how can they believe in one they’ve not yet heard of? And how can they hear the message of life if there is no one there to proclaim it?” (Romans 10:14) TPT
And, How is this Message Proclaimed?
“And how can the message be proclaimed if messengers have yet to be sent? That’s why the Scriptures say: How welcome is the arrival of those proclaiming the joyful news of peace and of good things to come!” (Romans 10:15) TPT
Next, Who is Sent”
“And he said to them, “As you go into all the world, preach openly the wonderful news of the gospel to the entire human race!” (Mark 16:15) TPT
Fear Sets in
“Not I. I’m not a preacher.” “To tell you the truth, I’m really afraid to speak the Gospel.” “What would people say?” “I don’t like confrontation and you know someone is going to say something nasty.”
“Whoever believes the good news and is baptized will be saved, and whoever does not believe the good news will be condemned.” (Mark 16:16) TPT
Note that we are not responsible for those who do not hear. We are only responsible to “Go”. Many will not hear. At one time we did not hear and commit. Probably out of fear or, at that time, we just didn’t believe or care.
Then How Can We Preach?
Here is where I take a lesson from my wife. She’s not a preacher, teacher, evangelist, or any of those things. However never, and I do mean never, have I seen her go shopping or into the public or visit with neighbors or talk to newly acquainted friends and passersby without saying something about the Lord. Nothing elaborate. It may only be something like, “Well you know the Lord is coming soon.” Something like that usually starts the ball rolling. And, the preaching (perhaps I should call it witnessing) continues. Now I don’t even do that. I write, like this paper. (OK I may have taught some or preached but not much at all.) Or I let Him be seen through my behavior where I become a witness. Look at these scriptures.
“But I promise you this—the Holy Spirit will come upon you and you will be filled with power. And you will be my messengers (Witnesses) to Jerusalem, throughout Judea, the distant provinces—even to the remotest places on earth!” (Acts 1:8) TPT
And
“You can spot them by their actions, for the fruits of their character will be obvious.” (Matthew7:16) TPT
There is a way. The Holy Spirit Himself will show you. Listen and obey. Never let fear rule you. In this arena, you must take charge. Try it. It may be a challenge to you but you may even enjoy it. You will be “Anointed” for the task as Acts 1:8 stipulates.
Can Fear be Good
Absolutely. Fear can be used as a tool that projects caution. As being afraid of putting your hand near a hot stove. The stove can represent many things: driving recklessly, or engaging in extreme sports just for the adrenaline rush that the fear brings you when you think you might die. Doing something stupid that you shouldn’t be doing anyway. But are these true fears along with true ignorance and stupidity?
Then there is going to war and putting yourself in harm’s way. War is not good but God Himself has sanctioned it on many occasions. Where there is war faith in Him comes into play. Knowing He is in control, and not you, should give you confidence that whatever happens, the result is eternity with Him. Certainly not an easy task but one that must be approached with much faith and of course, fear (the tool) the tool that warns us not to do something stupid.
There are many Biblical Passages on Fear
Read, study, and become acquainted with them
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Proverbs 1:7) ESV
“In the fear of the LORD one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge. The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death.” (Proverbs 14:26, 27) ESV
“The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe.” (Proverbs 29:25) ESV
“…fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10) ESV
“Don’t be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing. Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your faith-filled requests before God with overflowing gratitude. Tell him every detail of your life, ” (Philippians 4: 6-10) PTP
Conclusion
Many books have been written about fear as on many of the other topics I have written about. If you have a problem or any difficulty in this area you owe it to yourself and God Himself to approach His throne for assistance. Fear can control much of your life. You can’t let this happen or you will become ineffective as a person and as a Christian witness.
Enough said
“Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O LORD, God of hosts.” (Jeremiah 15:16) ESV
1 thought on “Fear”
This was a good one. I particularly liked seeing the differences between the “worldly definition” and the “biblical definition”. A favourite movie describes “fear is the mind killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration”. Neat stuff.
Love,
J