F ear can immobilize us and make us doubt, so how’s the best way to fight back when fear shows up?
The Shadow of Death
[1]I do a lot of counseling with people who are fearful that they might die or are in their last stages of life and some even doubting their own salvation because of all the troubles they have. It might be a fear of a wrecked relationship, health issue or financial problems. Often they seek comfort from others or even a counselor, but I can’t calm their fears like the Word of God can with all those precious promises from God. Maybe you can relate to King David who wrote, “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” (Psalm 23:4). I’d rather be hit by the shadow of a bus than a real bus, so sometimes shadows may appear to be reality to us. Isaiah the Prophet knew that it was God alone Who sustained him, writing, “For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, Fear not, I am the one who helps you” (Isaiah 41:13). Now honestly, wouldn’t you rather God take your hand than some human counselor? I’m not saying there’s never a time for counseling, because there is, but any wise or godly counselor will refer them to the Word of God.
Trust vs Fear
I believe fear is the opposite of trust or faith. If you really trust God, you won’t fear anything or anyone. The Proverbs say, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths” (Prov 3:5-6). If you lean on your own understanding, then your fear can easily immobilize you, but as God commanded Joshua, I believe He would command us, to have no fear. Joshua 1:9 says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Prior to this, God told Joshua that, “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” (Deut 31:8). Would God do anything less for you? Isn’t it amazing that God goes before us? Why? It is to give us peace of mind.
[2]Fear not, for I am with you…
The Peace of God
You cannot have the peace of God until you’ve made peace with God, and that comes through Jesus Christ. If we have repented and put our trust in Christ, then “we have been justified by faith [and now] we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom 5:1). Jesus Himself said, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). This is not the peace the world offers. That kind of peace can come and go at a moment’s notice, but the peace God gives us is beyond human comprehension. The Apostle Paul wrote that “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:7), so if you’re worried about anything, hear Jesus’ comforting words: “So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known” (Matt 10:26). Jesus knows the spot you’re in and will stay with you through it all.
Unload the Burdens
[3]Perhaps you’re like me in that I try to carry my problems all by myself, but in time, they become too heavy for me. Oh that I would heed Jesus’ soothing words of comfort: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matt 11:28-30). You will only find rest for your souls if you allow Christ to take the weight of the world off your shoulders…then you can caste out all fear. It’s far too heavy of a burden for us to bear alone. We need Jesus’ strength, and He will strengthen us (Phil 4:13), because “He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength” (Isaiah 40:29). Again, God reminds His chose ones, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10). Again and again Jesus has told us through the Word, “Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows” (Matt 10:31), yet we still worry about tomorrow, even before it gets here.
Summary
Jesus tells you and He tells me to “not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do” (Luke 12:4). We are to fear God and Him alone. That fear doesn’t mean a dreaded fear of being struck down at any moment or being cast into hell. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. And the fear of God is a holy, reverential respect for God and His Word. Remember, “God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control” (2 Tim 1:7). Whether it’s something you dread today or tomorrow, come to Jesus and “you will find rest for your souls” (Matt 11:30). Trying to strive in our own strength only leads to defeat and frustration. There is no way we can make it on our own in this world. We need the Holy Spirit to guide us, Jesus Christ to abide in us, and the Word of God to direct us. If you know someone who battles with fear, please share this with them and pray for them. When fear comes calling, let the Word of God answer the door. Let God speak to you by His Word, for He asks, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). The person who fears God need fear nothing else.
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Conclusion
I pray you have put your trust in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. If that has not happened yet, my friend, you are in real danger of hell fire. And I mean, in immediate danger. You’re one breath, one heartbeat…one accident away from eternity when it will be too late to repent. Today is the best day to believe (2 Cor 6:2) since tomorrow is no guarantee. If Jesus Christ came today, here is your fate (Matt 7:21-23). This is why I plead with you as you read this, repent today…and I mean right now. Put your trust in Jesus Christ. If you do not, you will face God’s judgment after death guaranteed (Heb 9:27) or at Jesus Christ’s appearance (Rev 20:12-15), which could happen at any moment.
Here is some related reading for you: 10 Answers to Fear Given in the Bible [5]
Resource – Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), Crossway Bibles. (2007). ESV: Study Bible: English standard version. Wheaton, Ill: Crossway Bibles. Used by permission. All rights reserved.