What is it with fear? Fear God, but do not fear? Fear capitulates the body and throws it into a jumbled mess. God made us, with many human emotions yes, but he did not give us a spirit of fear. Some fear nothing, yet many fear facing life daily. Pastors teach us to “fear not” using Biblical scripture to drive it home. Yet, the Bible also says, “fear the Lord.” (Proverbs 8:13, Psalm 111:10, Proverbs 8:13, etc.) How do we conquer fear, and fear God at the same time?
The year 2020 has been filled with fear for many. Fear of COVID-19, violence, death, different people, the economy collapsing, just to name a few. With so much thrown at us daily, the door of fear is wide open. One key factor is overlooking the pronoun in 2 Timothy 1:7. Please excuse my teaching experience, but here, God is the pronoun and the subject is fear. When God made us, he did not give us a spirit of fear. If you are a Bible believer, we understand that if God did not give us a spirit of fear, we know who did.
The enemy invokes fear in us when we face difficulties, or uncertainties. He thrives on watching us fall into despair, and depression. Satan does not want anything good for us. We are witnessing evil, hate, irrational anger, unbelievable actions, and sadly, people falling into it with shocking speed. We can conquer fear, but we must be able to understand the difference between natural, and spiritual fear.
The fear of God is the reasonable fear we should exercise. Look at it as fearing what might happen when we disobey rules. Where God wants the best for us, the enemy of God wants the worst. Think about God, when you are caught in your messes. Understand that he is more powerful that anyone, or anything. That means, he can punish us like no one else can. We understand God’s punishment, though difficult, is a loving punishment for our good. We fear His wrath because we know it can be swift and hurt like mad, but we become better people from it. That is fearing God.
Therefore, the difference is clear. 1. Fear God to grow, and get the blessings He has for us. 2. Overpower and overthrow the unnatural fear that satan inflicts on us. Use the armor given to us to defeat the real enemy. If many people feared God more, the enemy would not throw them into evil, hate, irrational anger, etc. Remember, God is peace, and You have the power to use Him to defeat Any enemy.
When fear comes, pray that God removes the fear and replace it with peace. Visit www.thepersonalcloset.com for inspiring messages of hope.
