Fear Not
Oxford defines fear as “an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat.”
When we were young, we were afraid of a ton of things. Fire, snakes, spiders, lions, bees, dentists and doctors, storms, and heights were a few fears that occupied our long list. However, God topped our list as we were sure that “our sins would find us out.”
Today, we find ourselves touched with fear in other areas of our life, such as health, finance, social acceptance, and of course, public speaking. For some, fear turns to phobia, and the rest are left in a lingering unpleasant emotional state.
Fear is a natural God-given survival instinct, we believe, that is ingrained in us from birth. Fear protects us from pain and suffering, both real and perceived.
The word fear appears over 500 times in the Bible. The term “fear God” is mentioned more than 300 times. It is this term and concept that we wish to explore in this post.
Stories of human disappointment and God’s response are well-known and re-told in religious settings today. Floods, plagues, famines, individual suffering, and death are spelled out as God’s consequences of sinful behavior. Who among us is not fearful of these responses?
For those who take the time to read God's word, find that forgiveness and love counterbalance damnation and discipline.
In short, we have come to believe that fear of God is to have a deep-seated respect for His power and place in creation while embracing the truth of His (parent-like) guidance and unconditional love for us. It is not about “being afraid” but about being aware of His position in creation. It is not about punishment; it is about protection.
Author Joseph M Jordan says it well: “The “fear of God” is a recognition of our smallness and insignificance in comparison to the greatness of God, and this recognition leads to humility, obedience, and submission to God’s will. The fear of God isn’t merely an emotion or feeling, it’s expressed through our actions and obedience to His will”.
The story goes on that we will sin and be forgiven by grace. Forgiven by God through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The rules of religion no longer guide our actions. Rather, the relationship with Him moves our direction and steps.
Fear no longer grips us. It is love that leads us.
God has found us out and, despite our sinful ways, has welcomed us into His loving presence – simply asking for a relationship,– whom then shall I fear?
We leave you with the words of an old church hymn that still ring true today: “… because He lives, I can face tomorrow. Because He lives, all fear is gone. Because I know He holds the future, and life is worth the living Just because He lives.”
Thoughts and ideas for this blog post were taken and built upon from asweunderstandhim.coffee podcast “Unlearn – part 1” The podcast dropped on 7/9/2023. Click here to hear the podcast.
Photo by Etienne Girardet on Unsplash
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