Fear: What Is It?
In this day of fear-mongering, global uncertainties, local insecurities where doom and gloom lurk at every corner, just what is this thing, fear? What does it mean? What does it do? How are we to make it stop, even prevent it from seeping into our lives?
According to the Bible Dictionary, fear “May be either that apprehension of evil which normally leads one either to flee or to fight or that awe and reverence which a man of sense feels in the presence of God, and to a less extent, in the presence of a king or other dread authority.”
According to Webster’s, fear (noun) is:
“1 an unpleasant often strong emotion caused by anticipation or awareness of danger; 2 anxious concern, 3 profound reverence and awe, especially toward God; 4 reason for alarm (danger).”
And fear (verb) is:
“1 to be afraid, expect with alarm; 2 to have a reverential awe of; 3 frighten; 4 to feel fear in (oneself); to be afraid or apprehensive.’
In 2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV) it says, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” Fear in this verse, in the original Greek language, means “cowardice” or “timidity.” So fear is a learned behavior, not something we are born with. This is evidenced by the lack of fear that babies and toddlers show.
Many of us have been entrenched with teachings of fear. Lies shouted or whispered at us in moments of weakness by a parent, a teacher, or school-mates. Unfounded fears learned from Television, ghost stories, and long-held traditions of society.
I was listening to the radio this morning and heard Zach Williams’ song, “Fear Is A Liar.” The words resonated with this teaching. Some of the words of the song included:
“When he told you you’re not good enough, When he told you you’re not right, When he told you you’re not strong enough To put up a good fight; When he told you you’re not worthy, When he told you you’re not loved, When he told you you’re not beautiful, That you’ll never be enough; Fear, he is a liar. He will take your breath, Stop you in your steps. Fear he is a liar. He will rob your rest, Steal your happiness. Cast your fear in the fire, ‘Cause fear, he is a liar! When he told you were troubled, You’ll forever be alone, When he told you you should run away, You’ll never find a home; When he told you you were dirty, And you should be ashamed, When he told you you could be the one That grace could never change. Fear, he is a liar.”
If you’ve ever heard any of these words directed at you, know that these are lies! In this song, fear is a “he.” I think that rings true in the scripture above, saying it is a spirit of fear. A being who pummels us daily to fall away from our faith, our trust in God.
In posts to come, we will look at different kinds of fear, what God’s Word has to say about fear, how we can rid ourselves of it, and how we can make sure it stays out of our lives!
Father God, You are an awesome God! You, and You alone deserve our fear and reverence. You are Mighty! Father, teach us to recognize fear in our lives and in the lives of others. Help us to rid ourselves of the devastating results of fear in our lives. Help us to walk in victory, one day at a time! Thank You for teaching us Your ways, and lovingly reassuring us to stand strong, unafraid of lies and smoke and mirrors! We ask all of these things in the name of Your Son, Jesus! Amen! So Be It!