FEAR
“The only thing we have to fear…Is fear itself!” – Franklin D. Roosevelt (First Inaugural Address)
These words have made a lasting impact in American history and throughout the entire world. Spoken in a time of uncertainty and war, FDR said whatever he could to calm the hearts of the American people.
But look closely at his words from a Christian perspective. Fear, according to this iconic statement, is something to be afraid of – something to be on the look out against.
Is this how you live your life? Do you live in fear of what could happen, or what might not ever happen? All those “what ifs” flooding your mind producing anxiety, worry and fear.
Would Jesus have agreed with President Roosevelt?
No.
“. . . God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear, even if earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea.” (Psalm 46:1-2)
All throughout the Bible God commands His people to “fear not.” There is nothing, no weapon formed against us, that can possibly prosper when we rely on the strength of Jesus Christ.
Satan WANTS us to fear the unknown. He wants us to lose trust in God and waiver in our faith. Satan knows that fear can consume a person and take over. Next to pride, the Devil will use fear to rock your foundations.
So what are we to fear if anything?
“. . . Serve the Lord with reverent fear, and rejoice with trembling.” (Psalm 2:11)
“The Lord delights in those who fear Him, who put their hope in His unfailing love.” (Psalm 147:11)
We are to fear God.
What does this mean if we are told not to fear anything? Fearing the Lord means understanding that He is the Creator of the heavens and the earth. He holds life and death in His hands. He can make the mountains tremble and the oceans roar. Fearing God is submitting to His Will without question. By doing so God will give you peace and joy and many blessings. So fearing God is actually wonderful thing.
If you struggle with worry and the anxieties of this world remember God’s unfailing love and the sacrifice He made to show that love.
“. . . Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
August 25th, 2009 at 9:55 PM
Love your style of writing!!!
September 3rd, 2009 at 5:35 PM
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom”
Proverbs
“And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” Math 10:28
“work out your salvation with fear and trembling”
Philippians 2
“For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
Hebrews 10:30-31
I think the fear of God is a real fear because He is our Judge and is just and fearing him literally scares the hell out of us.
September 4th, 2009 at 2:14 AM
Very good point. The fear of God can literally scare the hell out of a Christian. But believe me, I’d rather have fear towards God than anything else.
September 10th, 2009 at 4:20 AM
Well, that is the only kind of fear we are supposed to have is fear of God. Anything else we are told to fear not.
September 12th, 2009 at 8:26 PM
Agreed. And the fear of God is the respect of God and who He is in our lives.