Midweek Encouragement - "What about Fear?”

"What about Fear?”

  ^{What does the Bible say about fear? Is fear a sin? What does God say about sin? Maybe you’ve asked yourself one of these questions recently. After all there’s no shortage of things to be fearful of in our world. Over the next couple of weeks, I want to look at fear in the Bible and see how we should respond to fear. We’re going to look at the most common Bible verses about fear and then look at what they teach us. So, let’s dive in!} 

^{Bible Verses About Fear In The Bible} 

         ^{There are way too many Bible verses about fear in the Bible to look at each one individually here. So instead, let’s look at some of the highlights so that we can understand what the God’s Word wants us to see. Then we will look at what these verses teach us.} 

^{·        Isaiah 41:10 - So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.}

^{·        2 Timothy 1:7 - For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.}

^{·        Proverbs 1:7 - The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.}

^{·        1 John 4:18 - There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.}

^{·        Matthew 10:28 - Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.}

^{·        Psalm 34:4 - I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.}

^{·        Joshua 1:9 - Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.}

^{·        Ecclesiastes 12:13 - Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.}

^{·        Psalm 23:4 - Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.}

         ^{That’s only a small sampling of what the Bible says about fear. So what can we conclude about this topic until next week?}

         ^{It’s helpful to know what the Bible says about fear, but we still need to know what that looks like in our life.} 

^{1. There are different kinds of fear in the Bible. First there’s the “What ifs” of life. That’s the spirit of fear that many people walk around with. Are you aways afraid of what could happen? God says that kind of fear can do a lot of damage.} 

         ^{The second kind of fear is actually good for us . . . it’s the fear of the Lord. All through the Bible God says we should fear Him. Fearing God, respecting Him, leads to life and brings wisdom, provides refuge, and shows our reverence for God. When we fearing God, we love Him and submit to Him even in times we can’t understand. This fear gives Him authority over our lives as we place Him above everyone and everything else.}

^{2. There will be things we’re afraid of. That’s natural. In most cases, we can’t control it. How we respond to fear is more important than what we feel. If you feel afraid, that’s okay. We’re all afraid of somethings sometimes. Whatever you’re facing, or will face, know that it’s okay to feel afraid. Whenever an angel appeared, the first words out of his mouth was, “Do not be afraid.” That’s not a condemnation, but rather was an acknowledgement of what their listener was feeling and letting them know nothing bad was going to happen.} 

         ^{The Bible does often say, fear not. But that command is based more on our actions and not our feelings. Feeling afraid is okay, letting fear run our lives is not okay.}

^{3. Fear shouldn’t control your life. Paul emphatically told Timothy that God had not given him a spirit of fear, rather of power, love, and self-control (2 Timothy 1:7). Paul wasn’t telling Timothy it was wrong to be afraid, rather not act out of fear.} 



         ^{Does fear rule you? Don’t let your fear keep you from experiencing life, from loving others, and even from approaching God. God doesn’t want that for you. He came to bring you life and life to the fullest. Fear can keep you from living the life He intends for you to live. That’s why God is constantly telling His people to not be afraid. You don’t need to live in fear, think in fear, or react in fear. God has given you a spirit of power, love, and self-control. You can fear not because God is bigger than whatever it is you’re afraid of.}

         ^{That doesn’t mean there’s nothing to fear. The things you fear may be worthy of being feared. But the God we serve is bigger. Peace isn’t found in the absence of the storm. Peace is found in the company of God, even in the midst of a storm. Fear doesn’t have to control your life, dictate your actions, and dominate your thoughts because God is in control, and He will lead you through the storms of life.} 

^{4. Put your faith over your fear.} 

         ^{It’s not that there aren’t things in your life that aren’t worthy of your fear. Rather we know a God who’s bigger and cares for His children. So, fear not and instead choose faith. That’s a decision each follower of Jesus must make. Will you choose faith over fear? Will you trust God even when it doesn’t make sense? Is your faith bigger than your fear?}

         ^{I don’t expect you to never be afraid. You will. But, at the end of the day what will win out? Will you take that step despite your fear? Or will you succumb to your fear and never dare go where God is leading.}

         ^{Anyone would be fearful about being thrown in a lion’s den, burned alive, nailed to a cross, chained in jail, or exiled to another country. But those persons mentioned in God’s Word didn’t let their fear overcome their faith. Rather than focusing on your fears, let’s focus on the One who’s bigger. If we do that fear won’t run our lives.  Come back next week to PD’s Mid-Week Encouragement as we talk more about how the Bible can help us overcome our fears!}

^{Pastor Dale}

Pastor Dale (PD) and Pamela his wife are honored to serve the Mt. Laurel Church of God. If this Mid-Week Encouragement has helped you, perhaps it may encourage someone else. Feel free to share this message with anyone you choose. And if you'd like to receive PD's Mid-Week Encouragement, just send an email to (kingdomguy@gmail.com) and I'll accommodate your request.