We have reason to fear what’s going on in the world today. We live in unprecedented times. Unemployment is at its highest level in years. Statistics show fifty percent of all marriages will end in divorce. Crime is sweeping our cities and there are more people today battling terminal illnesses than ever before. With everything going on, do you ever wonder where God is in the midst of this chaos?
What if I told you the only thing we need to fear is God. Would you believe me, especially when we’re living in a world filled with tragedy and suffering?
“I sought the Lord and he answered me; he delivered me from all of my fears.”
(Psalm 34:4)
Do you fear God more than the economy?
Do you fear God more than your boss?
Do you fear losing your job more than you fear God?
So what does it mean to fear God?
The word “fear” is used 260 times in the Bible, and this doesn’t include all of its other word forms such as fearful, fearless or fearsome. According to Webster’s dictionary, the definition for fear is apprehension or to be afraid. It also means awe, reverence.
So, to fear God is to revere God, having a deep respect for His omnipresent power, authority and love over our lives. Do you think our society today fears God?
“Oh that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always that that it might go well with them and their children forever.”
(Deuteronomy 5:29)
Think of the most awful thing that could happen in your life. How would you approach it; with fear or with faith? Being human, we tend to lean towards fear because it’s easier to fear what is visible rather than have faith in what is invisible. But when we allow fear to control us, we forget God is sovereign over us.
I’m always amazed by the faith of my friend who battles breast cancer. After her diagnosis, she said something one rarely hears from an individual facing a terminal disease.
“It will be interesting to see how God will use me to help others living with this disease.”
Fear wasn’t part of her vocabulary. It’s a four-letter word she chooses to omit from her life. She lives today with this disease but wears a shield of faith knowing God, not cancer, determines her eternal destiny.
The enemy doesn’t have a claim on our life. Only Christ has a claim on our life. Faith cannot prevent bad things from happening, but it can prevent the grip of fear from overtaking us. Always remember God never takes a vacation from the events in our lives so no matter what is happening around us, the Holy Spirit remains in us.
“His mercy extends to those who fear him.”
(Luke 1:50)
May we all work towards having the level of faith that my friend exemplifies, and may God be glorified knowing whatever we fear, He is our refuge. Today, let’s all treat fear like a four letter word, and work diligently to remove it by strengthening our faith and reverence for our Creator.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
God is always on time and sends the message we either most need to hear or most need to proclaim to others who need it. I am glad to see that the word, fear, has been given its complete definition. The awe and respect flavor of the word is often overcome by the dread and scary aspect of the word. Believe me, the actions of a just God who judges on merit alone are to be dreaded and are definitely scary, but the just God who so loved the world that He sent His only begotten Son is to be worshipped in awe.
ReplyDelete