What are you afraid of?
Fear is based on feelings of vulnerability, not being in control of something, or of being endangered in some way – be that physical, mental, or emotional. In short, it’s the feeling of a lack of security.
Even the toughest among us, though we may not admit it, have a fear of something.
Motivational speakers often define FEAR as an acronym for “false evidence appearing real”. It is true that many of the things that we’re afraid of are due to irrational, worst-case scenarios we’ve developed in our own minds, crippling us from stepping out, or moving forward, and finding peace.
At the same time, there are real fears. Perhaps you’ve faced a difficult experience in the past, and you understand the pain that such experiences can bring, so you avoid them as much as possible! Being cautious of things that can actually endanger us or others can be a good thing, because it protects us from that very real danger.
But are there real fears that can be overcome if faced, rather than avoided?
Absolutely. These include some doozies: losses like those of a job, relationship, or reputation; death – of loved ones and our own; and the possibility of eternity in Hell.
The reason why we don’t have to fear these things is because of what God offers to all who trust in Him.
Scripture says that when we belong to God, He is our provider (Philippians 4:19), our constant friend (Hebrews 13:5), and our defender (Psalm 18:1-2).
Scripture also says that we need not fear death or Hell, because Jesus Christ came for the very purpose of saving us from both. First, He provides freedom from the sin that condemns us and leads to eternity in Hell. Jesus Christ is God in flesh – He came to earth, fully God and fully human. The human side of Him allowed Him to identify fully with us and to take on the punishment that sin deserves. Sin must be put to death so that it no longer has power over us.
“Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage…Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted” (Hebrews 2:14-18).
Jesus also rose from the dead, showing that He did indeed have power over sin and death. Now, when we put our faith and trust in Jesus Christ, He gives us eternal life through Him! When we die, the Bible explains that we will be absent from the body, but immediately present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8). In addition, if our loved ones have also trusted in Jesus Christ for salvation, we will still grieve at their loss but have the awesome expectation to one day see them again in Heaven (see 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14).
Scripture also tells us that one day, all of those who trust in Jesus Christ for salvation will receive new bodies that will never die!
“For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”
“O Death, where is your sting?
O Hades, where is your victory?”
The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:53-58).
In Jesus Christ, you have nothing to fear. He is the source of all truth, He is your strength for all that you face in this life, and He is your living hope for life that will be in paradise for eternity. In Him, you will find your security, both now and forever.
Next time you’re afraid, try praying something similar to the psalmist’s prayer, and know that God will answer:
“Hear my cry, O God;
Attend to my prayer.
From the end of the earth I will cry to You,
When my heart is overwhelmed;
Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
For You have been a shelter for me,
A strong tower from the enemy.
I will abide in Your tabernacle forever;
I will trust in the shelter of Your wings” (Psalm 61:1-4)