The Truth About Fear
Dear friends, did you know that we were created to fear? It’s true. In fact, we were only created to fear one thing – YHWH, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob – the I AM. However, the enemy has made a counterfeit of everything God created, and he has taught us to fear everything imaginable. We are afraid of terrorism, war, natural disasters, crime, and so much more. It’s no wonder most of the world is consumed with fear. Today, let’s look at what YHWH’s word says about fear so that we can get the truth – the correct perspective of fear. And more importantly, let’s see where we should be placing our fears.
The Nature of Fear
So what is fear? The dictionary defines fear as “a feeling of dread, apprehension, or dismay caused by an anticipated event or outcome.” Fear is basically an emotional response to something that we perceive as dangerous or threatening. And while some fears are healthy and help us to stay alive – like the fear of heights or the dark – other fears can debilitate us and prevent us from living our best lives. So it’s important that we understand both the nature of fear and where to place our fears.
YHWH tells us not to fear in many verses throughout Scripture. For example, in Isaiah 41:10 (NLT), He says, “So don’t be afraid; I am with you. Do not tremble in terror before them…for I am your God! I will strengthen you…I will help you! …For I am YHWH your God who takes hold of your right hand….I will make you as strong as a bronze door…You will hunt down your enemies! You will trample them into dust!” And in Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NLT), He says “But blessed are those who trust me without wavering….They shall be like trees planted by rivers—never withered or dried up….Their leaves always green….Even when they go through hard times they never stop bearing fruit!” So from these verses alone, we can see that YHWH does not want us to live our lives in fear because He is always with us and He will always help us. We just need to trust Him without wavering.
Where To Place Our Fears
So if YHWH doesn’t want us to live our lives in fear of this world, then where should we place our fears? The answer is simple – in Him alone. When we put our trust in YHWH, He promises that He will take care of us and He will never leave us or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6; Joshua 1:9). So no matter what life throws our way – whether it’s a global pandemic or a personal tragedy – we can rest assured that YHWH is with us and He will see us through it all if we put our trust in Him. Fear only – not obeying Him, and the consequences of not obeying Him.
I hope this post has given you a better understanding of both the nature of fear and where to place your fears. Remember, we were created to fear only one thing – YHWH, the God of Abraham Isaac & Jacob – the I AM. So don’t be afraid; He is with you always (Matthew 28:20).
Oh that they had such a heart as this always, to fear me and to keep all my commandments, that it might go well with them and with their descendants forever!
“Now this is the commandment—the statutes and the rules—that the LORD your God commanded me to teach you, that you may do them in the land to which you are going over, to possess it, that you may fear the LORD your God, you and your son and your son’s son, by keeping all his statutes and his commandments, which I command you, all the days of your life, and that your days may be long.
You shall fear the LORD your God. You shall serve him and hold fast to him, and by his name you shall swear.
You shall walk after the LORD your God and fear him and keep his commandments and obey his voice, and you shall serve him and hold fast to him. And all Israel shall hear and fear and never again do any such wickedness as this among you.
‘Hear, O Israel, today you are drawing near for battle against your enemies: let not your heart faint. Do not fear or panic or be in dread of them for the LORD your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.’
Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.
“Now therefore fear the LORD and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD.
Only fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you.
Isaiah 43:5
Fear not, for I am with you.
You who fear the LORD, praise him! All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him, and stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel!
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
The friendship of the LORD is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant.
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident.
Oh, how abundant is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you and worked for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of the children of mankind!
Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him! Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love that he may deliver their soul from death and keep them alive in famine.
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! Oh, fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack!
He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the LORD.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.
You have set up a banner for those who fear you, that they may flee to it from the bow. Selah
Our Father knows what we are up against. He knows the enemy constantly attacks us with fear trying to find a way to seep into our minds. Our Father has given us everything we need. He has told us over and over again in His word to fear Him only. We can take refuge in Him. He will battle our mis-guided fears. He knows it isn’t easy so He sent His Ruach Hakodesh, His Holy Spirit to help us learn to trust Him and not listen to the enemy. No problem is to big that He can’t help you through it. Put your trust in Him. Fear Him and you will have no lack.
Read these scriptures over and over.
Say them out loud.
Put them on sticky notes everywhere you look so that you will be reminded of truth.
His truth.
The Truth.
What a delightful thought!
I invite you to search the Truth yourself.
Test it. (1 Thessalonians 5:21)
Please go to your Bible and study the entire story. See firsthand what His word says and what He wants to show you. I always check several versions to allow the Spirit to show me the difference and truth. I recommend you do the same.
Enjoy pondering that thought today!
God bless you