Choose The Right Fear

We are told multiple times in the Scriptures, “Do not fear”. Fear is generally a negative thing. However there is one fear that we are to embrace;

“The LORD of hosts, Him you shall hallow;

Let Him be your fear,

And let Him be your dread.” Isaiah 8v13

Unlike other fears, this fear is surprisingly liberating. For example, if we fear the Lord then we do not need to fear the reaction of other people as we share the Good News with them.  “The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.” Proverbs 29v25.

You see, the more we fear God, the less room there is for other fears to exist in our lives.

Remember Jesus words, “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matt 10v28) Immediately after these words Jesus teaches us that not one sparrow falls to the ground apart from God’s will, the very hairs of our head are numbered, and we are of more value than many sparrows.

Therefore fearing God is connected to trusting in God’s care for us. Trusting in how God values us. Trusting in God’s provision for us. That will help us not to panic when things ‘go wrong’, or seem difficult, as if we didn’t have a Father in heaven who cares for us. Fearing God will help to reduce any anxiety in us about the future, or other cares and concerns we have. Fearing God will enable us to “confess Christ before men” (Matt 10v32). And fearing God will lead to us knowing God better; “The secret of the LORD is with those who fear Him, and He will show them His covenant.” Psalm 25v14.

Prayer. “Lord God, help me to fear You, to hallow You, above all other things. Help me to fully trust in your care for me. And as I fear You, may all other fears in my life disappear. Help me to speak boldly about my faith in You without fearing others. In Jesus name, Amen.”