I moved from inside the aircraft cabin to the little step under the wing with great fear. It was my first jump from a plane, and while I had great confidence in my parachute, I still had some small nagging doubts.
Then came the moment I had to let go. By then, my heart was pounding so loudly that I was sure they could hear it in the little Cessna I had just stepped out of. The jump went without major incident. The next time required a trip to the emergency room, but that’s a story for another day.
Fear has many negative connotations in today’s world, and there are undoubtedly many unhealthy fears. Yet fear itself can be a gift from God.
Physiologically, fear can start the body’s fight-or-flight reflex. This change in physiology can make us stronger and faster than we ever thought possible, all in a split second as the body automatically prepares to defend itself from danger. If you’ve ever been in a situation where that reflex was needed, you know it was a gift from God.
Because of the negative connotations fear has and the incomplete picture of God that people hold, there are passages in the Bible that they struggle with. These passages tell us to fear God. Some random examples:
Now this is the commandment—the statutes and the rules—that the Lord your God commanded me to teach you, that you may do them in the land to which you are going over, to possess it, that you may fear the Lord your God, you and your son and your son’s son, by keeping all his statutes and his commandments, which I command you, all the days of your life, and that your days may be long. Deuteronomy 6:1-2
So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied. Acts 9:31
Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others. But what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience. 2 Corinthians 5:11
Fear God? What’s up with that? Doesn’t God love us? Isn’t God our Father? I hear those kinds of questions often.
YES! FEAR GOD! If you don’t know Him, you must fear His wrath and the consequences of your sin. The thought of eternal damnation ought to scare you. If it doesn’t, you need to shake your head. This kind of fear can be a gift from God as well. It ought to drive you into His arms, crying out for mercy. If it does, you’ll have salvation, which will be wonderful.
Those of us who know Him should also fear Him, but it’s not the same. When you check out the dictionary, you’ll find that to fear also means to have deep and reverential awe of Him. Yes, He’s our Father, but He also created and controls everything in the universe. He brings life. That kind of awesome power deserves respect and awe.
When it comes to fear, rejoice. Fear of danger produces a healthy bodily response. God will drive out unhealthy fear. Fear of His wrath sends us to His mercy. Knowing Him creates a healthy fear.
Ironically, fear is nothing to be afraid of.
Until next time, may you know the deep reverence and awe from knowing God the Father.
Kevin
Never let the enemy tell you that you are worthless or insignificant. Your value in God’s eyes is so great that it was worth dying for. You are a blessing to the world. You are so precious to God that his plan for heaven will not be complete without you.
