The Bible is full of commands to “fear not” and “do not be afraid”. Why is that? Several reasons I think. First, I think that God truly wants us to not be afraid; to trust Him with all of our life, with our whole heart. Second, we are weak, feeble creatures, prone to fear. It’s part of our fallen human nature; we fear and we hide. I’m sure there are many more reasons for the numerous commands to not fear. But I also think that God knows that a life riddled with or controlled by fear is a miserable life. And while God is infinity more concerned about our holiness than our happiness, He does want us to have joy in Him. A life of fear can’t be filled with joy. I can’t truly enjoy something if I’m always afraid of losing it.
Fear is a liar and a thief. It is what drives my insecurities. Fear robs me of my joy. It keeps me anxiously waiting for the inevitable other shoe to drop. It tells me that something bad or painful is coming… any minute now. Fear keeps me from being happy right now, unable to enjoy the beauty of life from moment to moment. It is bondage.
Fear tells me you can’t move forward. This healing season you are in right now will never end. Don’t even try to use of your gifts and abilities in order to help and minister to others. You are too broken.
Fear is a liar. Faith says there is a season for everything. When He is calling you to move forward, He will give you grace, healing, and strength to move forward. Seek Him, trust Him, do the next right thing. There will be scars, but you can move forward in faith. You have been called by God to be His son and gifted by that same God to minister to others, telling them about the glory of God, helping them to know and enjoy Him. Your freedom and your good works have been purchased and redeemed by the blood of Christ. (Ephesians 2:8-10)
Fear tells me you can’t be happy and enjoy the life you have because someone might see your joy, knowing the pain some of your past decisions have caused others, and think that you don’t care. You don’t deserve happiness.
Fear is a liar. Faith says you are forgiven. God’s grace is sufficient to cover your sins and to empower you for the holy living to which you have been called. You are free to live a joyful life of obedience. You are free to enjoy the blessings He has given. God knew what he was getting when he chose you. You can’t control what others think of you. That’s their side of the street. (Romans 5:8, 1 Peter 1:13-25)
Fear tells me don’t get attached to people; don’t invest in relationships because you’ll get hurt and sooner or later they leave.
Fear is a liar. Faith says love the Lord first, then love people where they are, for who they are; enjoy them, and sacrificially work for their good. No relationship or friendship is without conflict. The most vulnerable relationships bring the most joy. No matter what, it well be ok. God’s got you, He is in control; His grace is sufficient. (2 Cor. 12:9)
Fear tells me don’t be yourself, don’t open up because if they know who you truly are or how you struggle, they won’t love or accept you. You are more trouble than you’re worth.
Fear is a liar. Faith says God has given you the gifts, abilities, and personality that make you you. Be comfortable with who you are while you seek to be more like Christ. Your identity and acceptance come from your Creator. By His grace He has made you His son. (Romans 8:14-17, 1 John 3:1)
Fear tells me don’t even seek happiness because it makes the upcoming emotional pain that much worse.
Fear is a liar. Faith says the Lord is in control of all things. You can have joy in Him no matter what. That pain you fear may or may not come. So, if you are happy, it is for His glory and your good; and if He allows pain, it is for His glory and your good. He came to bring abundant life; sometimes pain is part of that, as He purifies and strengthens your faith. Enjoy His good gifts and praise Him for them all. (1 Peter 1:3-9)
Again, fear is bondage. The answer to fear is faith. Not faith in my own abilities or knowledge, because I cannot defeat fear. But I can be given victory over fear by the love of Another – the Conqueror. Faith over fear doesn’t mean that I ignore what’s going on in my life. It doesn’t mean that pain won’t come. The worst thing you can do with fear and anxiety is pretend you are strong. Faith over fear doesn’t mean that I’m never afraid anymore… because I am. Faith means that I am trusting the Lord, in the midst of my fear, to do what is right and good in my life. It means I’m not letting fear control me, keeping me from doing what God is calling me to do, keeping me from enjoying the blessings He has placed in my life. I am betting all of my life on Christ and His work for me; on His will for my life and for the people I love. Ultimate joy and happiness are only ever found in the One who loves us perfectly and who never changes. And He has also given us good gifts and relationships to enjoy that lead us to praise and thank Him.
At the bottom of fear is the fact that we don’t trust that God is good. We have to be honest enough to confess that and allow the Holy Spirit to deal with us as we beg Him to increase our faith (Mark 9:24). Jesus is good and trustworthy. He promises us life. It’s what He came to live, die, and rise again to give us. That empty tomb not only means He has conquered death, but it tells us He has life in His hands, the kind of life we all crave and were designed for. We can’t find or earn that life on our own. It is ours only by means of the work of Another. His perfect love casts out all fear.
Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
John 10:10 I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
This sermon from Matt Chandler has been one of the most helpful sermons I have heard on the topic of fear and anxiety. The entire Redemption series is really great also.