Are you afraid? It’s not a subject that most of us are eager to talk about. But please stay with me. This is so important.
We tend to avoid examining our fear. And understandably so. At first glance, fear might be perceived simply as some unwanted weakness—something to be hidden, forbidden, or pretended away.
But the truth is that each and every person on earth is in fear—of something.
I’m not talking about generalities. This isn’t about being scared of biting dogs, or unlocked doors at night—what most would view as common sense, cautious thoughts. Cautious thoughts do exists in our minds, for a good reason.
The fear I’m going to talk about has little to do with caution.
This fear is about sensing something beyond ourselves—something strong and overwhelming.
In comparison to it, we instantly sense the frailty of our own humanness. Our smallness. Our helplessness against such power.
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Ephesians 6:12)
Human beings have never been without fear. The first of humanity—Adam and Eve—knew the fear of an Almighty Creator, as He joined them in the cool of the day, to walk and talk beside them.
But this wasn’t being afraid of God. This was a reverent fear—the way a loving child adores and seeks to please a loving parent. It was easy. It was safe.
It was as natural for them as breathing. After all, the Bible records in Genesis that mankind was made in God’s image. Adam and Eve were not like any of the animals that God had created. These two were His own family members.
They were the perfect couple—serving God with perfect motives, and perfect commitment. They were given dominion over the whole earth, and every creature on the earth.
Adam and Eve were certainly destined for great things. So what happened to their destiny?
Sin happened. Lies happened. Deception and disobedience happened.
Separation from God happened. Banishment from their safe garden happened. Death and destruction happened.
They would reap the consequences of their disobedience to God—as the curse of sin eventually worked it’s destruction into the lives of their own children—and their children’s children…
Yes, sin had certainly taken its toll. It had marred the perfection of God’s creation, and it would never again be the same—for any of us.
Because sin distorted our fear.
Fear—once perfect and pleasant before God, and a safe haven to humanity—became distorted. What had once served as an adoration of the Creator was now part of the curse of fallen humankind, and unleashed upon all generations to follow.
The innate and organic fear of God—operating within the nature of each human being—was twisted into fearfulness.
It isn’t hard for any one of us to understand what fearfulness within a fallen world looks like. It is all around us. It taunts us, and tears at our emotions. It causes nights of lost sleep, and a myriad of health issues.
Many live in denial of its affects. Others will seek out professional help. Still others will become enraged at what they don’t understand. But few will find real answers.
We truly live in a frightening world—of wars, rumors of wars, natural disasters, and a breakdown of societies the world over.
Failing economies threaten the financial landscape. Lawlessness is commonplace. Substance abuse has become an epidemic. Murder is rampant. Suicides are increasing drastically. Depravity and death are becoming the new norms.
It shouldn’t be any wonder that fear would grip so many souls.
But specifically, what kind of fear is this? It’s a fear of the unknown, and a fear of man—versus the fear of the all-knowing God.
“The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.” (Proverbs 29:25)
“Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.” (Proverbs 3:25-26)
I want to call this, “A Tale of Two Kingdoms,” because that’s what it really is. It’s the fallen and failing kingdom of this world, and the eternal Kingdom of God—both vying for our attention—both battling for reverential fear.
In this battle, fear has power.
It writes the pledge of every heart, in every generation of time. It determines where our allegiance lies—either within our loving Creator, or within the creation itself.
The fear factor determines who we are, and who we will become—as it determines our ability to walk in and live out our identity in Christ.
Psalm 103 paints a very clear picture as to how God feels about those who reverence Him, and who live forgiven lives before Him:
“For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.
As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.
For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.
As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.
For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.
But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children’s children;
To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them.” (Psalm 103:11-18)
Think about it. Imagine how God loves you. He extends mercy and forgiveness to anyone who will reverentially fear Him, give Him His proper due, and stand in awe of Him. In short, those who believe Him—just as a child takes a loving parent at their word.
“Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge. The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death.” (Proverbs 14:26-27)
Christ Jesus died for all—every one of us. He paid the price to redeem us from the curse of sin.
He came to free us from fear.
He bought the right—of every man, woman, and child—to stand in the confidence that all is well, even in a dark and troubled world.
Because—in reality—He is the rightful ruler of this world. He will soon reign on this earth, in righteousness and justice.
But He already reigns upon the throne of every surrendered heart.
Sin always has a destructive conclusion. But we who have placed our hopes, loyalty and trust in the Lord can be assured of the outcome of His saving grace.
So fear, in it’s purest form, isn’t something we shamefully dispose of—nor is it something to hide away. It is a godly attribute of those who have surrendered their hearts and lives to the rightful owner of all creation—their Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus.
God is always in control over hearts who trust Him to be in control. But our fear can be misplaced. How easy it can be for Christians—not fully dedicated to serving their Lord, and not paying attention—to lose the focal point of their fear.
How easy it is to become bewildered by the evils of a sin-filled world! We forget who we are serving, and instead revere the powers that loom upon us—as they lure, intimidate and bully us into bowing down.
How unfortunate it is, when we take our eyes off the One who holds us in His loving embrace—and whose power is unsurpassed in His very name.
“But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings…” (Malachi 4:2a)
Think about what Christ has invested in His people. Imagine the strength He offers, if only we would fully take hold of Him.
What—or who—will you fear? This is the choice that every believer faces.
“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:5-11)
This beautifully describes the mind (attitude) of Christ as He lived among us. It took courage. It took humility. Most of all, it required the reverential fear of His Father, Almighty God.
Jesus Christ, the King of all, became the Servant of all—and died for all, upon the cross. That every knee—on earth, in Heaven, and under the earth—should bow.
At His name—every knee will bow.
Remember, this is a tale of two kingdoms. One will be chosen. Only one.
Many believe they can satisfy both God and the world—by somehow shooting for the middle ground.
But there is no middle ground. There is no gray area between faith and futility.
Jesus tells us the ultimate choice that each and every one of us must make. In the following verse, the Greek word for “mammon” is explicitly translated as “the world system:”
“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” (Matthew 6:24)
There is no cloudy language here to be misunderstood—no uncertain terms in which we may justify ourselves. Jesus states that either we will hate the one, and love the other. We will be loyal to the one, and despise the other.
There is no middle ground for anyone to hide in.
These are the two opposing kingdoms, vying for the hearts of humankind: The Kingdom of God, and the world system.
You will fear one or the other. So why make the wrong choice, when you don’t have to?
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
Look at what God has given you in this verse:
- Power—to overcome the tide of evil—and not to be taken in, or taken down, by its persuasive devices.
- Love—the Love that makes us more than conquerors—through He who loved us, and gave Himself for us.
- A sound mind—to retain a righteous reality and pure purpose—amidst the onslaught of worldly confusion.
You must take an all-in attitude on this one. There can be no compromise here. There are no fences to straddle.
Those who have compromised have already lost their way. Friend, don’t be one of them.
If you find yourself filled with the fearfulness of the world—or stressing about its uncertainties—you don’t have to.
Make the choice of who you will reverence—boldly proclaim your God.
“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” (Hebrews 13:5-6)
Everyone who hopes in Him, runs to Him. Because in the midst of worldly confusion, He knows and understands what is coming next.
And He won’t lose you. He won’t ever misplace you. Just make sure you don’t misplace Him.
He won’t forget you. Just make sure you don’t forget who He is.
He is the coming King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. Nothing and no one else has ever been deserving of such a title. Nothing and no one else is worthy of our praises, worship or adoration. Nothing and no one else deserves the honor due His Name.
Do you love God?
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love him, because he first loved us.” (1 John 4:18-19)
Fear—timidity and fearfulness—torments us. But perfect love casts out fear.
Perfect love is a perfect fear—before a perfect God.
Let your fear of such an awesome Lord—God Almighty—be your ever-present strength in times of testing and trouble. This very day, and every day to come.
He will keep you safe—holding you in the midst of the storm—until it passes.
He has broken the bondage of Sin that once held you captive to the fear of death, hell and the grave. But there is no more fear. Not for anyone who fears the Lord, their God.
You will see Him return. And you will reign with Him—there within His everlasting Kingdom of peace and promise, long after a world of timidity and terror has passed away.
King David proclaimed to you, centuries ago, what he had joyfully discovered about this loving and amazing Lord who he longed to please, because he knew Him to be true:
“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1)
“Of whom,” indeed.
So where do you stand?
