We all have fears. We try to face them so that we would overcome
them. But sadly some who do try end up getting traumatised. We can't
shake our fears away. But there's one thing that will make them all go
away: the fear of the Lord.
The fear of the Lord is the only thing that will help us drive away
all our fears. Proverbs 9:10 says "The fear of the Lord is the beginning
of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." When we
fear God, we will gain wisdom and understanding why we shouldn't fear
the evil one who can't even touch those who are born of God and does not
sin (see 1 John 5:18).
Drive your fears away
Our fears aren't simply driven away the moment we meet Christ. At the
time of conversion and salvation, we often say that we don't fear death
anymore, and in the joy and peace that we receive after surrendering
our lives to Christ, we can also say that we don't fear ridicule,
persecution and shame. But in all honesty, many start to feel their
fears at some point in time after meeting the Lord.
Some start to fear being rejected by their unbelieving friends. Some
fear being considered weird because of the new choice of words that
they, as newly-born again Christians, speak. Some fear being driven away
when they start to share the gospel, even to their families.
We all feel these familiar fears, but these have to stop.
Truth be told, friends, what we fear actually fears God who loves us.
Think about it. James 2:19 tells us, "You believe that there is one
God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!" These evil
beings who strike fear into our hearts actually fear Him who loves us,
is for us, and has given us not a spirit of fear, but a Spirit of power,
love, and a sound mind – the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out
"Abba, Father" (see 2 Timothy 1:7; Romans 8:15).
Let that sink in.
The love of God drowns out fear
Knowing that God loves us and is for us is enough for us to stop
fearing anything, including death. 1 John 4:17-19 encourages us, "Love
has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the
day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no
fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves
torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him
because He first loved us."
So instead of fearing other things, we are to fear God and God alone. The Lord Jesus commands us, "... do
not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather
fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." (Matthew
10:28)
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