A Spirit of Fear

There are lots of people living in fear these days. And with good reason. Shootings in schools, police officers being gunned down, terrorism across the globe and just plain death itself. Why are we so afraid? Fear is all part of a grand plan and it is NOT a plan from God.

We are a fearful people, and by that I mean we scare easily. There are so many phobias logged in scientific journals we need computers to keep track of them all.

I am reminded of Charlie Brown talking with Lucy about his fears. He had them all!

Reading the Bible confirms our fear of the unknown. When the angels came to earth announcing the birth of Jesus to the shepherds for example, what were the first words out of their mouths?

"Fear not for I bring tidings of great joy" - Luke 2:10

Here's a few more verses worthy of remembrance:

^"7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” - 2 Timothy 1:7

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." - Joshua 1:9

Why are we always so afraid? What kind of faith do we exhibit if we Christians show fear? Should Christians ever be afraid with God on our side? Another verse comes to mind.

"If God is for us who can stand against us?" - Romans 8:23

Have you heard the story of Hezekiah? He and his men were surrounded by thousands of enemy soldiers. Hezekiah had every right to be afraid but he wasn't. He prayed to God for help. And what happened?

"35 That night the angel of the Lord went out and put to death a hundred and eighty-five thousand in the Assyrian camp." - 2 Kings 19:35

Fear is a tactic of the enemy. Satan loves it when he can frighten us because we lose our focus. We think about only ourselves and our safety. We forget about God. I heard someone say once that "fear is believing God can't handle it." I think that's true. Where is our faith in God? And how strong is it?

When we are deep in fear, why do we let it consume us? Why does our fear cripple us and take away our confidence in God? Because it is all part of Satan's plan and his trap of fear is SO easy to fall into.

Why don't we pray? We have a great God who is mighty in His power and His love. We should pray!! And let us not just pray a quick little prayer like "God, help me." God desires more than that. May we lose ourselves, and our fear, in prayers to God. May we immerse ourselves in His "still waters" and feel that "peace that surpasses all understanding."

God did not give us a spirit of fear. We were made to worship! The next time we are afraid let us praise God for that fear. Why? Because it is drawing us closer to Him. Have you played fervently lately? Why? Because God is God, not Satan. And God loves fervent prayer. So mush so that He answers those prayers in amazing ways.

"The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." - James 5:16

Fear not!

Charlie Brown - Phobias
Our God - Chris Tomlin