We talk about faith and fear as if they were equal opposites. They are not! They are two quite different things. Fear is defined as “an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat.”
The dictionary defines fear as part of our emotional complexities. It is part of being human. However, fear is not necessarily a bad thing. Fear informs us when we are in danger and helps us create boundaries. It is an emotion. Like any other emotion, if it gets out of control, or drives a person in the wrong direction or to make irrational decisions, which is when trouble enters.
God created us with fear as part of our mechanical, emotional makeup. What He did not give us is the spirit of fear. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV) For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
When fear gets in one’s spirit, it obstructs a sound, sober mind. It then becomes reckless and phobic. If you have been wrestling with the spirit of fear — irrational, unreasonable fear, afraid when there is nothing to be afraid of — we rebuke that, in the name of Jesus Christ! You cannot walk in that type of fear. You must walk in faith. Faith pleases God.
Walking in faith does not mean you do not have fear. When you walk in faith, fear becomes your servant, your protector, your guardian. Fear can keep you sober, vigilant, and effective. Fear can keep you alive. When you walk in faith, fear is that heighten amplified switch that causes you to run and gives you the power to fight. Fear has given mothers strength to lift cars off their babies, because it became a stimulant that empowered them to do something beyond human strength.
Fear is a part of our biological makeup. It releases power to the physical body and connects to the mind to produce certain results. With this knowledge, it would not be productive to pray fear away. The problem comes when you begin to walk in fear, live in depression, and wallow in anxiety and destress. Yes, we are living in times that try men’s souls, and fear seems warranted. But, walk in faith and remember God is in control.
God Bless, Israel