Fear, He Is a Liar
As a popular Christian song says, “Fear, he is a liar”. The dictionary defines fear as an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat.
Every day seems to bombard us with another devastating news story. War abroad, school shootings, mutating viruses, bare shelves in our stores, the high cost of living. It is so easy to let these things fill our hearts and minds with a paralyzing fear. In these difficult days when we should be about our Father’s work, instead we want to hide ourselves away, thinking our safety is only in our hands. We let our fear convince us that we can, by our actions, somehow prevent these things from happening or keep ourselves safe from them, when in truth we have no control in preventing any of these life events.
The Bible has 365 verses on fear – almost like it has one verse for every day of the year.
David, who trusted God to guide him, was able to defeat Goliath with a small, smooth stone. Saul, who had the same opportunity over and over again to give his life into God’s hands, instead lived a fear filled life that caused him to make bad decision after bad decision and ultimately cost him his life.
Job had it all and lost it all. While we typically hold Job up as the Bible says, as one who lived a blameless and upright life – here are Job’s thoughts from Job 3:35 –
“For the thing I greatly feared has come upon me, and what I dreaded has happened to me.”
Even though Job loved God and was blameless and upright (Job 1:1) it would seem he had still been living daily with fear of loss – of his family, his possessions, even his health.
Fear is a stronghold Satan uses against us in our lives even when we are living a faithful life in other ways. Satan causes us to doubt that God is big enough or loving enough to take care of our every need. The truth is that Jesus’ death and resurrection took the punishment for our sins, allowing us to come before a loving God.
“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you”. 1 Peter 5:7
This in no way means that God will shelter us from all adversity and difficulties in our lives. In the book of Daniel, chapter 3, we find Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. When threatened with the fiery furnace they replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.” In trust and faith in God, they stood firm, even knowing what awaited them. We will all experience loss and hardships. Yet God promises to be with us not only during the good times, but during the hard times as well – no matter the outcome.
“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
Want to have less fear in your life? Give your fears to God. Psalm 34:4 says, “I sought the Lord, and He heard me”. The challange here is – you must let go of your fear with both hands. As the saying goes – the battle is God’s, and He wants it back.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7
Every opportunity to fear is also an opportunity to trust God. Let God have control, and let His peace fill all those spaces fear used to occupy. Then, we can move forward boldly in faith, having courage and confidence that as long as our first thought is to take it to God and give it into His hands, He will be with us always.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9