Overcoming Fear

Did you know there’s two kinds of fear?  One kind of fear is good. It’s called the fear of the Lord.  This kind of fear means to have respect, reverence or awe for God.  It’s not necessarily to be afraid of God, it’s more of a healthy respect for God’s wrath and anger. When we fear God, we acknowledge His awesomeness and all that He is.  We approach His throne with meekness and humility.  Fearing God is the beginning of wisdom and it can lead to understanding.  It brings blessings and benefits and leads to life, rest, peace, wisdom, discipline and contentment.  The fear of the Lord is the fountain of life and provides security and a place of safety for us.

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One isunderstanding. (Proverbs 9:10)

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise. (Psalm 111:10)

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. (Proverbs 1:7)

The fear of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble. (Proverbs 19:23)

The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death. (Proverbs 14:27)

He who fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge.  (14:26)

The second kind of fear mentioned in the Bible is not good. This is the “spirit of fear” which is revealed in 2 Timothy 1:7.  “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and oflove and of a sound mind.”  (NKJV). A spirit of fearfulness and timidity does not come from God.

For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." (Romans 8:15)  (Abba Father is like…Daddy.)

To have a spirit of fear is bondage.  It was for freedom that Christ set us free; thereforekeep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.  (Galatians 5:1)  We did not receive God’s spirit to be afraid.  It is a spirit of power, of love, and of a sound mind. We have received a spirit of sonship!  Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.  (1 John 3:2)

How do we overcome the spirit of fear?  When we feel fear, we need to trust in and love God completely.

“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.” (1 John 4:18)

If you're feeling fear in a situation, God's love can help you put your fears to rest.  First John says…Perfect love drives out fear!  Perfect love casts out fear!  God’s love gives fear the boot.  Another translation says that perfect love expels all fear.  Just kick it out, go on, kick it out.  You are a child of God!  It has no right to mess with you.  You are free!  So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.  (John 8:36)

God knows we are not perfect.  He remembers we are as grass.  He’s here to help us.  We don’t need to be afraid of being alone, or of not being heard, or of lacking physical needs, or of being weak, or of the future.  We can count on Him!  Throughout the Bible, He encourages us to trust Him.  In Isaiah 41:10, He says not to fear because He is with us.  He assures us that He will strengthen and help us.

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. (Isaiah 41:10)

“In God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” (Psalm 56:11)

Trust God, no matter what.  Regardless of what happens, know and understand the power of God.  God is on your side!  The key to overcoming fear, then, is total and complete trust in God. Trusting God is a refusal to give in to fear.  It is a turning to God even in the darkest times and trusting Him to make things right.  This trust comes from knowing God and knowing that He is good.  As Job said when he was experiencing some of the most difficult trials recorded in the Bible, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him” (Job 13:15 NKJV).

Once we have learned to put our trust in God, we will no longer be afraid of the things that come against us. We will be like the psalmist who said with confidence “…let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy.  Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you”. (Psalm 5:11).