Fear

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There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. 1John 4:18 KJV

The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe. Proverbs 29:25 KJV

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The cold talons of fear silently slip around the heart, squeezing the breath away. Panic rises, the heart begins to race, while the mind clouds with all manner of fearful possibilities. Dark heavy hopeless dread seeps through the perimeter of our mind; dripping in ever increasing intensity, until with a rush the dam overflows, flooding our mind. Like the rising pressure in a boiler climbing ever higher and higher to the point of bursting, so fear rises in the mind! Thoughts begin to race, tumbling over each other, – it could be, yes that is the way it is, that is what they said, it is hopeless, there is no way out! Awash in this fear, hope seems very far away. Heaviness verging on horror grips the mind in a vise-like grip; all hope seems gone, leaving only self-incrimination in its place.

Like a drop of ink in a container of water, fear spreads, coloring everything, distorting our view of life. Life, when viewed through this colored water of fear, misunderstands and over-reads what people say. It constantly links what is said, as well as actions taken, to what this fearful spirit allows us to see. When this slippery cold spirit grips the heart, it is next to impossible to hold on to the truth.

The power of fear is the same tool Satan uses all over the world to work his handiwork; driving people to commit evil deeds and satanic worship. We may think this power is far away in countries steeped in idolatry, but that spirit can take on a real presence in our lives. It can cause us to look over our shoulder in fear of seeing an evil apparition in the dark. It can visit us in the darkness of the night bringing panic and dread. It comes in waves seeking to drive our minds out of control.

Fear causes us to avoid conflict or confrontation; it makes us very insecure. We are afraid of more pain, so we turn inward and away from others, afraid to say what is really on our minds. When we do speak, we are so full of self-incrimination and self-inflicted guilt, that it causes us to have difficulty expressing ourselves, thereby confusing others. This fear keeps us from the joys in life, and from being a proper worker in God’s kingdom.

Fear is a natural helpful part of life, intended to keep us safe. It is part of a self preservation mechanism God gave us. However, when it becomes a controlling force in our lives, it has ceased to be helpful, and has become a tool Satan can use to squeeze all the usefulness and joy out of life. When this happens, everyone and everything becomes a threat; we no longer feel safe. At this point, fear manipulates the mind, controlling our thoughts and actions.

Some become obsessed with their health and do everything to preserve it. Others may become fearful of authority and governments. In this environment, conspiracy theories find fertile ground to grow. People may become obsessed with saving their money or making more. The fear of not fitting in with those around them may drive them to work harder and longer to have more. Some fear being taken advantage of and losing what they have. They feel like everyone and everything is out to get them.

Fear causes people to kill or be killed. It is the cause of wars and conflicts between countries. It is the driving force behind many religious groups and terrorist organizations.

Fear can cause people to become more religious; praying more, reading the Bible more, and doing more good deeds in attempt to be good enough to be accepted by God. While these all are good in their proper place, none of them can make us acceptable to God. Salvation is a gift, not to be earned or paid for. There is not enough of us to pay for our salvation. It is received freely from our Savior, Jesus Christ, who paid that debt on the cross, and rising from the dead. He conquered sins dominion and through Him we also have access to the Father.

Fear causes people to become possessive or permissive with their children, the same affects secular and religious leaders. It destroys religious, moral, and social principles. It corrupts and destroys truth. When fear is the motivating factor, anything you do or not do is never enough. We can fear things are falling apart so we must exercise more control, or we can fear becoming a controller and do nothing. Fear is divisive, damaging trust. When fear is a controlling factor, there are factions, unhappiness, and deep-seated disunity. Everyone is afraid of everyone else, so trust becomes impossible. Governments and entities that control people through coercion create widespread distrust. Fear plays a significant role in politics and government parties. One’s rights become so important that people have become afraid to stand for the principles of truth.

We can fear we are not doing enough or that we are doing too much. Fear focuses on the what ifs, rather than the facts. Some fear may be of an environmental nature, hereditary or due to past traumatic experiences; not all of it is definable. However, we do know some fear is healthy, so we cannot entirely get rid of it all. What we need to get rid of is the crippling fear that hinders us in our life, and relationship with the Lord.

There is a fear that depicts respect, awe, and worship; knowing God is all powerful and our lives are under his control. This type of fear may also include respect for earthly governments. There are other types of fear which cause us to be careful and protect us and our families. These kinds of fears are a healthy normal part of life.

The spirit of fear is somewhat different than normal fear. When our fears take over, we become its victim. It is a powerful effective tool that Satan uses to damage and destroy, perhaps more than anything in the world. To overcome it, we will need a miracle from God. To conquer it we may need to become vulnerable. God can and will deliver us, but it will take a full trust and dependency on Him. This may include becoming open about our fears, asking for prayers. The road to freedom may be painful and fearful, but through the grace of God, we can have the victory. Victory may not be that it has gone forever, but it means that it has lost its controlling power. God wants to work that deliverance for us.

For those who have been through traumatic experiences, or childhoods, these fears are very real. For them it may take more work to overcome the control fear has in their lives; it may not happen overnight. Yet, we must not forget that God loves us, and is very interested in our lives. If we turn to Him in faith, He will hear and deliver us. The journey of freedom from fear may not be an overnight experience, but a continual turning to our heavenly Father admitting our need for deliverance again and again. Our answer will mean facing our fears with our hand of faith in Him who knows us through and through.

So far, we have not mentioned the role of anxiety. Some people are naturally anxious, and some have become that way through things they have experienced. Fear, apprehension, uneasiness, are all part of anxiety. It may be difficult to separate this all out in our minds. Anxiety can significantly impact our mind and health, wherefore, if possible, it should be gotten rid of. By prayer, humility, and trusting in God’s promises, we can minimize its control of our lives. Some may need some outside help from a counselor or medication to find relief. However, that should not be substituted for going to God and seeking freedom from him. It is inevitable that everyone will have anxious times, times of fear and apprehension. These are all part of life, not to be entirely avoided. Yet God wants to supply all our needs, including emotional stresses.

May we find deliverance from fear, through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:6-8 NIV