Fear

The way to fearless living is trust in God.

Before David was crowned king of Israel, he was on the run from men who wanted to kill him. He had every reason to be afraid. But he did not let his fear rule him. He wrote, "When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust, I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" (Psalm 56:3-4).

Promises like the following that remind us we are not alone:

"I will never leave you nor forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5b).

"And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20b).

"Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name" (Psalm 91:14).

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you (Isaiah 26:3).

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

What then is the fear of the Lord? It is not cowering in terror, but bowing in reverent submission to God, knowing that He is the Sovereign creator and ruler of the universe. He made all things and "He upholds the universe by the word of His power" (Hebrews 1:3). Our very breath is a gift from Him (Acts 17:25).

The Bible confirms our worst fears even as it calms them: we’re not in control, but the One who controls all things is wise, and good, and loving. "Fear not for I am with you," God said. This is the great I AM speaking to His children. He has always been and always will be. He is working all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purposes (Romans 8:28). He will not leave or forsake those who put their trust in Him.

There is a kind of fear that leads to flourishing, internal peace, and everlasting life.

Jesus said,

"I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear [God]! Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows." (Luke 12:4-7)

Jesus is saying don’t fear people, fear God. It’s what Solomon said, too: "The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe" (Proverbs 29:25). When you fear God in faith, you are free to not be afraid.

This is the fear that we should strive to have. This is the fear that can save your life. This is the fear of the Lord.