FEAR NOT

Facing Our Fears with Faith

Bible Passage: Psalm 55:4-5

Summary: In Psalm 55:4-5, the psalmist expresses deep anguish and fear, overwhelmed by his troubles and the reality of betrayal. This intimate portrayal of emotional turmoil speaks to the human condition and reflects the weight of fear that can often paralyze us.

Application: This passage reminds us that fear is a common human experience, but we are encouraged to bring our fears to God. By acknowledging our feelings and seeking God’s strength, we can find peace even in the darkest circumstances. This sermon can help Christians recognize that they are not alone in their struggles and that God is a refuge during challenging times.

Teaching: This sermon teaches that acknowledging our fears is the first step to overcoming them. It emphasizes the importance of turning to God in prayer and casting our anxieties on Him, who cares for us. Furthermore, it encourages believers to build a habit of reliance on God rather than succumbing to the overwhelming nature of their fears.

How this passage could point to Christ: The passage points to the character of Christ, who experienced deep anguish, particularly in Gethsemane. Just as the psalmist seeks refuge in God, we see in Jesus the ultimate example of turning to the Father in fear and distress, ultimately finding strength and resolve to face His own coming suffering. Christ is our comfort in fear, showing us how to bring our concerns before God.

Big Idea: Although fear can feel overwhelming, we are called to confront our fears through faith in God, who provides comfort and strength even in the midst of turmoil.

Recommended Study: Consider using your Logos library to explore the historical context of Psalm 55 and its significance in the life of David, particularly regarding his struggles with betrayal. Additionally, you may analyze the Hebrew terms used for 'fear' and 'anguish' to gain deeper insights into their implications. Researching how other biblical figures dealt with fear could also provide valuable illustrations for your sermon.

Introduction

Fear Factor

in 2001, a program called “Fear Factor” aired on television. The concept of the show was “to stress viewers out” by asking contestants to do increasingly terrifying or disgusting tasks, like eating live bugs or completing death defying stunts, for a chance to win $50,000.

There are just some things that money cannot buy, because fear is a mechanism that makes good sense in its proper place.

Why would God give us the emotion of fear if it could be detrimental to us? The answer is found in asking another question, “If at this moment you were surprised by an assailant with a knife in his hand, would you want the benefits of fear?” Put a check mark by the symptoms you would experience. Those benefits include …

— Apprehension (to proceed with caution)

— Breathing increased (to deliver more oxygen to the body)

— Energy increased (to provide the fuel to take immediate action)

— Heart rate increased (to fuel your muscles with blood)

— Hyperalertness (to increase awareness of danger)

— Mind racing (to provide options to consider)

— Muscles contracting (to prepare for the “fight or flight” reaction)

— Perspiration increased (to cool the body down and prevent overheating)

— Pupils dilated (to increase vision, especially at night)

— Senses heightened (for the purpose of dealing with the feared object)

— Sleep lessened (to provide more “awake” time)

— Talking increased (to aid in communication about the problem)

Biblical Counseling Keys on Fear Differences between the Two …

Abnormal Fear

When abnormal fear exists, the level of fear is way out of proportion to the actual situation—in fact, the fear may be totally unrelated to the situation. Abnormal fear can then result in a panic attack. The person with abnormal fear can identify with this anguished cry …

“My heart is in anguish within me; the terrors of death assail me. Fear and trembling have beset me; horror has overwhelmed me. I said, ‘Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest—I would flee far away and stay in the desert.’ ”

(Psalm 55:4–7)

The New Bible Dictionary, Third Edition Fear

The Bible uses numerous words to denote fear. The most common of these (giving the noun forms) are Heb. yir’â, ‘reverence’; Heb. paḥaḏ, dread’, ‘fear’; Gk. phobos, ‘fear’, ‘terror’. Theologically, four main categories can be suggested.

a. Holy fear

This comes from the believer’s apprehension of the living God. According to Luther, the natural man cannot fear God perfectly; according to Rudolf Otto, he is ‘quite unable even to shudder grauen) or feel horror in the real sense of the word’. Holy fear, on the other hand, is God-given, enabling men to reverence God’s authority, obey his commandments and hate and shun all form of evil (Je. 32:40; cf. Gn. 22:12; Heb. 5:7). It is, moreover, the beginning (or principle) of wisdom (Ps. 111:10); the secret of uprightness (Pr. 8:13); a feature of the people in whom God delights (Ps. 147:11); and the whole duty of man (Ec. 12:13). It is also one of the divine qualifications of the Messiah (Is. 11:2–3).

In the OT, largely because of the law’s legal sanctions, true religion is often regarded as synonymous with the fear of God (cf. Je. 2:19; Ps. 34:11, Moffatt), and even in NT times the term ‘walking in the fear of the Lord’ was used in connection with the early Christians. Gentile adherents of the synagogue were called ‘God-fearers’ (Acts 10:2, etc.; cf. Phil. 2:12).

In the NT generally, however, emphasis is laid on God as loving and forgiving, the One who through Christ gives to men the spirit of sonship (Rom. 8:15), and enables them boldly to face up to life (2 Tim. 1:6–7) and death (Heb. 2:15) without fear. Nevertheless, a reverent fear remains; for the awesomeness of God has not changed, and there is a day of judgment to be met (2 Cor. 5:10f.). Godly fear stimulates the believer to seek holiness (2 Cor. 7:1), and is reflected in his attitude towards his fellow-Christians (Eph. 5:21).

b. Slavish fear

This is strictly a natural consequence of sin (Gn. 3:10; Pr. 28:1), and can come as a punishment (Dt. 28:28). It was felt by Felix when he heard Paul preach (Acts 24:25); it is felt by Christ-rejecters, for whom remains only ‘a fearful expectation of judgment’ (Heb. 10:27, RV, 31; cf. Rev. 21:8). Though not of itself good, this fear is often used by the Holy Spirit for the conversion of men (Acts 16:29ff., etc.).

c. Fear of men

This can be expressed as: (i) a reverential awe and regard of men, as of masters and magistrates (1 Pet. 2:18; Rom. 13:7); (ii) a blind dread of them and what they can do (Nu. 14:9; Is. 8:12; Pr. 29:25); and (iii) in a peculiar sense a Christian concern for them lest they be ruined by sin (1 Cor. 2:3; 2 Cor. 11:3; Col. 2:1). This kind of fear, and also the slavish fear mentioned in (b) above, can be cast out by true love to God (1 Jn. 4:18).

d. ‘Fear’ as the object of fear

Fear is used in another sense, as in Gn. 31:42, 53, where God is called the ‘Fear’ of *ISAAC—i.e. the God whom Isaac feared and worshipped. Their ‘fear’, the thing that terrifies them, comes upon the wicked (Pr. 1:26–27; 10:24; cf. Is. 66:4). When the Hebrews entered the promised land God sent his fear before them, destroying and scattering the Canaanites, or so impressing them with his fear as to render them spiritless and unable to withstand the invaders (Ex. 23:27–28). Fear in this sense is found also in Jb. 4:6 (cf. 9:34; 13:21): ‘Is not your fear of God your confidence, and the integrity of your ways your hope?’

BIBLIOGRAPHY. R. Otto, The Idea of the Holy, 1929; J. Murray, Principles of Conduct, 1957, pp. 229ff.; J.-J. von Allmen, Vocabulary of the Bible, 1958, pp. 113–119; R. H. Pfeiffer, ‘The Fear of God’, IEJ 5, 1955, pp. 43–48 (a valuable survey of the idea of fear in the non-biblical literatures of the ancient Near East); W. Mundle, NIDNTT 1, pp. 621–624; H. Balz, G. Wanke, TDNT 9, pp. 189–219; W. Foerster, TDNT 7, pp. 168–196; R. Bultmann, TDNT 2, pp. 751–754.

J. D. DOUGLAS.

Hunt, June. 2008. Biblical Counseling Keys on Fear: No Longer Afraid. Dallas, TX: Hope For The Heart.

Psalm 55 is a prayer by David, expressing his anguish and plea for God's attention amidst the treachery of enemies. He feels overwhelmed by fear and longs for escape, wishing he could flee to safety. David laments the violence and deceit in the city, particularly from a close companion who has betrayed him. He calls upon God for salvation, promising to pray continuously. David believes God will redeem him and humiliate his adversaries, who have broken their covenant. He encourages casting burdens on the Lord, who will sustain the righteous, while declaring his trust in God despite the impending destruction of the wicked

1. Facing Fear's Grip

Psalm 55:4

This verse details the psalmist's intense fear and anguish, illustrating how fear can grip our hearts and minds. You could explain how this raw emotional honesty reflects our own struggles and that acknowledging our fears, rather than hiding them, is essential. This encourages us to relate our fears to Christ's own moments of human anguish, such as in Gethsemane, urging believers to find comfort in His understanding and presence.

2. Transforming Fear into Faith

I cannot tell you the number of people who have made the statement that they would leave the US if their candidate lost the election. What made them make such a statement? Perhaps it is their way of saying they are afraid and that they are under the influence of fear’s grip.

The Psalmist could relate to that and shared that “if he could” he would escape the situation.

Psalm 55:5

Psalm 55:5 NASB 2020

Fear and trembling come upon me, And horror has overwhelmed me.

Here, the psalmist voices a desire to escape his troubles, a sentiment many can identify with. Perhaps, you could discuss how fleeing fear is a natural response, but true peace comes from turning to God. By reflecting on Christ's example in seeking God's will, Christians are urged to transform fear into faith in God's protection and guidance, aligning their hearts with divine strength rather than the urge to retreat.