Speak Lord; I’m Listening – Daily Bite-Size Encouragement – Day 21

What does it mean to be afraid? To be scared is to be “impressed with fear or apprehension.” [W]

What types of fear do we experience? Is all fear terrible, or is there healthy fear?

Terrible Fear

Fear is when we “feel anxiety on account of some expected evil. Such as when we fear the approach of an enemy or of a storm.” [W] When we are so afraid that we are incapacitated, paralyzed, and unable to perform everyday functions, then fear is out of control in our lives. If every knock at the door has us trembling, every phone call brings panic; then we need freedom from the terror harassing us.

Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. ~1 John 4:1 NIV

Healthy Fear

“In scripture, fear is used to express the fear of God as a holy awe or reverence of God and His laws, which springs from a just view and real love of the divine character, leading us to turn away from anything that can offend such a holy being, and inclining us to aim at perfect obedience.” [W]

When we are young, the fear of being run over by a car prevents us from playing in the street. The fear of being burnt keeps us from using the stovetop. And the fear of being cut gives us a healthy respect for knives. These “wisdom” nuggets taught to us as small children can come across as fears, but as we mature, these wise habits become our way of living, and there is no fear attached to their use. There is no fear in crossing the street, using the stovetop, or cutting with knives when we understand their purpose and function as we mature.

Fear in Perspective

Many fears are irrational and unfounded. As a small child in a large bed, I was awakened by something bumping under my bed one night. The fear kept me from getting out of my bed in the darkness. I could see a light in the living room, and I did call for my parents, but no one heard me and no one came to rescue me. I had to crawl under my bedsheets and wait until morning.

The light of morning brought a new perspective. My parents didn’t answer me the night before because they were at the hospital for the birth of my little sister. The living room light was on because an elderly neighbor was staying with us. She had fallen asleep in the living room chair and therefore did not hear my calls. During the night, the bumps against the bottom of my bed was a mommy cat trying to arrange the blanket stored under my bed as a home for her soon-to-be-birthed kittens.

Even when dealing with hostile people or a demonic being, there are wisdom nuggets that we can employ for our protection. Because the Lord is always with us, leading and guiding us, we do not have to be afraid.

Afraid No More

When we understand that God rules and reigns over all the heaven and the earth, we don’t have to be afraid anymore. The Name and Blood of Jesus can keep us from every foe.

And if we do walk through a valley, we are not alone, for He is with us, and He will guide us every step of the way. Every challenge becomes an opportunity to grow in our relationship with Him.

• When we experience grief in this world, He brings comfort.
• When we learn a friend has betrayed us, we discover He is faithful, loyal, and sticks closer than a brother.
• When we suffer rejection, we find He accepts us, cherishes us, and even adopts us as His own.

When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You. ~Psalm 56:3 NASB

Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, and surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. ~Isaiah 41:10 NASB

Prayer

Lord, I give you every fear, each apprehension, and every expectation of evil. Lord, You say you are always with me and will never leave me; therefore, I will not fear. I ask for ears to hear Your still small voice; fill me with Your wisdom, insight, and counsel. I ask for eyes to see Your perspective on every situation I am facing. I ask for a heart of understanding.

Lord, I desire to be rooted and grounded in Your Word, so teach me Your ways, O Lord. Thank you for Your Holy Spirit that comforts, guides, and teaches me. Thank you for rebuking the devourer, delivering me from every fear and form of evil. I am not afraid, for you are with me. Thank you for giving me love, joy, and freedom in You. Hallelujah! Whom the Son sets free is free indeed! Amen.

Recommendations:

Learn about 5 Ways to Overcome Fear To Fear or Not to Fear: Man or God? – Strength with Dignity

Learn how Daniel lived with inner freedom while externally a captive Daniel: A Man Above Reproach – Strength with Dignity

References:

New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.

New International Version (NIV) Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Webster’s 1828 Dictionary [W]. Retrieved October 11, 2021, from http://www.webstersdictionary1828.com/Dictionary/

Bible Scriptures were retrieved October 11, 2021, from https://www.biblegateway.com #bgbg2 #BibleGateway