𝘾𝙃𝙍𝙄𝙎𝙏'𝙎 𝙅𝙊𝙐𝙍𝙉𝘼𝙇 ━ 𝖈𝖍𝖗𝖎𝖘𝖙𝖎𝖆𝖓𝖎𝖙𝖞.

CHAPTER 12 - FEAR

The Bible mentions two specific types of fear. The first type is beneficial and is to be encouraged. The second type is a detriment and is to be overcome. The first type of fear is fear of the Lord. This type of fear does not necessarily mean to be afraid of something. Rather, it is a reverential awe of God, a reverence for His power and glory. However, it is also a proper respect for His wrath and anger. In other words, the fear of the Lord is a total acknowledgement of all that God is, which comes through knowing Him and His attributes.

Fear of the Lord brings with it many blessings and benefits. It is the beginning of wisdom and leads to good understanding (Psalm 111:10). Only fools despise wisdom and discipline (Proverbs 1:7). Furthermore, fear of the Lord leads to life, rest, peace, and contentment (Proverbs 19:23). It is the fountain and life (Proverbs 14:27) and provides a security and a place of safety for us (Proverbs 14:26).

Thus, one can see how fearing God should be encouraged. However, the second type of fear mentioned in the Bible is not beneficial at all. This is the "spirit of fear" mentioned in 2 Timothy 1:7: "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind" (NKJV). A spirit of fearfulness and timidity does not come from God.

However, sometimes we are afraid, sometimes this "spirit of fear" overcomes us, and to overcome it we need to trust in and love God completely. "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love" (1 John 4:18). No one is perfect, and God knows this. That is why He has liberally sprinkled encouragement against fear throughout the Bible. Beginning in the book of Genesis and continuing throughout the book of Revelation, God reminds us to "Fear not."

For example, Isaiah 41:10 encourages us, "Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." Often we fear the future and what will become of us. But Jesus reminds us that God cares for the birds of the air, so how much more will He provide for His children? "So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows" (Matthew 10:31). Just these few verses cover many different types of fear. God tells us not to be afraid of being alone, of being too weak, of not being heard, and of lacking physical necessities. These admonishments continue throughout the Bible, covering the many different aspects of the "spirit of fear."

In Psalm 56:11 the psalmist writes, "In God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" This is an awesome testimony to the power of trusting in God. Regardless of what happens, the psalmist will trust in God because he knows and understands the power of God. The key to overcoming fear, then, is total and complete trust in God. Trusting God is a refusal to give in to fear. It is a turning to God even in the darkest times and trusting Him to make things right. This trust comes from knowing God and knowing that He is good. As Job said when he was experiencing some of the most difficult trials recorded in the Bible, "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him" (Job 13:15 NKJV).

Once we have learned to put our trust in God, we will no longer be afraid of the things that come against us. We will be like the psalmist who said with confidence "...let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you" (Psalm 5:11).

Bible Verses: 

1. God walks you through the darkest of valleys.

Psalm 23:4– Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Psalm 23 is one of the most well-known and most quoted verses in the Old Testament. This verse in Psalm 23 can give you great comfort because God is our shepherd. Shepherds guide their sheep to the food and water they need.

When a sheep goes astray, a shepherd will use his staff to gently guide the sheep back. Even when you mess up and stray from God, He is your great Shepherd. He will lead you back to life everlasting.

2. God wants to be your only stronghold.

Psalm 27:1 – 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?

In this translation (NIV) the word stronghold is used. Yet, sin may cause Satan to gain a stronghold in anyone's life. God doesn't want you to be mastered by anything other than Him. This may sound harsh, but actually should give you great courage.

God wants to be the one area of your life you can't let go of, no matter how hard you try.

Instead of being bound by a sin that gives way to bondage, by allowing God to be your stronghold, you can live in freedom knowing you no longer have to fight your battles alone. God is with you every step of the way.

3. God holds you in the palm of His hand.

Isaiah 41:10– So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

This verse reminds me of how small I really am! Think about this: God holds each one of us in the palm of his hand. This means he is a big God! It is easy to only see your part of the world and think you are in so much more control than you really are.

It's so comforting to know God holds everything—including you and I, and everyone—in one of His hands.

4. Do not worry about tomorrow.

Matthew 6:34– Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

This is easier said than done. Because God gave you the ability to look to the future, it's easy to worry about how your actions or lack of resources now might negatively impact your future. Yet, you can trust that just as God cares for the most insignificant of creatures, he can and will take care of every detail of your life.

Therefore, it is fruitless to fret about tomorrow, since the author of tomorrow already knows what 's coming.

sources :

1. https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/bible-study/fear-not-scriptures-to-give-you-peace-and-courage.html

2. https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-fear.html