What is fear?
Fear is an emotional and physical response to something we perceive as dangerous or harmful. A legitimate fear must have two parts: The danger must be both present and powerful, such as the fear of swimming in shark-infested water.
An unhealthy fear is a fear of something that may not be present or powerful, like being afraid of swimming in a shark-less swimming pool. Sharks are powerful, but they are not present.
What is a healthy fear? It is a fear response to something you SHOULD be cautious of, such as petting a wild, growling animal or getting too close to a fire. We face many healthy fears every day and make choices on how to navigate them.
In the Bible, there are many instructions to “fear not.” David says in Psalm 23, “I will fear no evil.” Even though we have many opportunities to fear, the Lord does not want us to live in fear. Fear holds us in bondage and often draws us to rely on ourselves for protection.
God wants us to trust and rely on Him for protection and guidance. Through this trust, He calls us into a beautiful life of walking with Him.
In the Psalms, David addressed fearful situations. Passing through the valley of the shadow of death is a frightful task. Having enemies attack him, armies besiege him, and wars break out against him, must have been terrifying. How did David have courage instead of fear?
What gave him confidence? He put his trust in the Lord. He reminded himself that God was his shepherd.
God is present with us and powerful to protect us.
You may still feel fearful about certain things that warrant healthy fear, but you can turn to God for strength and courage. Remember, He is always present with you. Even if fear is powerful, God is all-powerful and can help you through it.
Reflect and Respond
Last time, you discerned between your unhealthy and healthy fears. If fears hold you back from truly living the life God has for you, stop now and ask Him for His help. Trust the Lord with your fears and accept His courage to stand in truth. God is present with you. He will protect you.
Pray
Dear Lord, thank you for helping me understand healthy and unhealthy fears. I don’t want to be bound by fear. I want to trust You and live the abundant life You have for me. I choose to come to You in trust when I am afraid and seek Your guidance. Thank You for always being with me.
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
Psalms 23:1-6 NIV
“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”
1 John 4:16-18 NIV