My Pondering
FEAR is an important word in our world. However, it is often a misused word. Like love, there are different types for FEAR.
I hope this diagram is of some help to discern and comprehend the complexity of FEAR. Ultimately, we have four responses to FEAR:
1. Discerning the false FEAR of the devil & self.
2. Obeying the forever FEAR of God.
3. FEAR to flee from.
4. FEAR to face.
This graphic is a visual representation of the four types of FEAR with acronyms I developed to help recall better. I know of no other better source for us to comprehend and strategize our appropriate and best response to things should scare us and those which should not other than Scripture, God’s Holy Word.
F-alse
E-vidence
A-ppearing
R-eal
The devil has been tricking, deceiving, tempting and talking head trash to us since the beginning.
“I am afraid, however, that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may be led astray from your simple and pure devotion to Christ.”
2nd Corinthians 11:3
“You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”
John 8:44
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.
Hosea 4:6a
We are wise to discern lies for the truth. To be humble, meek and watch our for false pride which leads to false fear.
“Let no one deceive you with empty words,
Ephesians 5:6t
for because of these things the wrath of God
comes upon the sons of disobedience.”
“And you will know the truth,
John 8:32
and the truth will set free you.”
“The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it out.”
Proverbs 18:15
An effective way to combat the deceivers self-talk is by filling our minds with goodness. After-all, we were created in God’s image for something special. Let’s combat Satan from snatching our good seed and switching it with lies and fear.
The best defense is a good offense.
The ultimate fight is a spiritual invisible one.
One, two, three, four I declare a thought war.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Philippians 4:8
F-lee
E-verything
A-nd
R-un
There are healthy fears which preserve and keep us alive. Not acting stupid and doing careless stuff.
Anything which is contrary to God’s will is sin. We are wise to always avoid sin.
“But you, O man of God, flee from these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.
1 Timothy 6:11,12a
Fight the good fight of the faith.”
As the book ‘The art of war’ by Sun Tsu teaches, ‘the only way to ensure no harm in a fight is to avoid it’.
“Flee! Run for your lives; become like a bush in the desert.”
Jeremiah 48:6
F-orever
E-nthroned
A-nd
R-espected
There is also a holy, reverent FEAR. This FEAR is a lack respect and reverence for God almighty.
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts gain rich understanding. His praise endures for ever!”
Psalm 111:10
“I tell you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can dono more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear the One who, after you have been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear Him!”
Luke 12:4-5
F-ace
E-verything
A-nd
R-esist
There is time when we need fight and not flee. This takes great wisdom of both the practical and destiny. The best way to fight is to fight for God and with God.
“Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or terrified of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Deuteronomy 31:6
“&Submit yourselves, then, to God.
James 4:7
Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
Summary
Fear is a component of life and thus has its extremes of right and wrong yet it also has it’s paradoxical dichotomies such as we find here in FEAR.
“1To everything there is a season,
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
and a time for every purpose under heaven:
2a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to break down and a time to build,
4a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5a time to cast away stones and a time to gather stones together,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
6a time to search and a time to count alost,
a time to keep and a time to discard,
7a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.”
God is due His respect and reverence, this is again the beginning of wisdom. Life revolves around the Creator, not on one of His creation (you and me). When we understand that and His essence is at His core is love, we are in a much better position to thrive and survive.
“There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. The one who fears has not been perfected in love.”
1 John 4:18
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