Redefining Fear

Fear: The Root of Stagnation

We are in a season where fear has become the basis on how we live, move and literally breathe. No matter what happens it walks with us like a dark cloud that only seems to grow with time.

I know that fear, and its counterparts, are a natural part of life such as

Doubt

Worry

Indecision

Aggression

Anxiety

Depression

The Bible shows us in many different characters that they too like us were put in some very fear inducing situations. David with Goliath, Joseph and his many precarious positions, Moses at the Red Sea, The Jewish Spies pre-occupation of Caanan, You can even say Jesus before his crucifixion in the Garden of Gethsename.

Our natural definition of fear is supremely based on atmosphere and circumstance. It as a reaction based on what is happening and what has already happened.

Fear.

But then you get saved. The rules you live by are now no longer concrete because Salvation has opened up a new dimension of living that now transforms and for most redefines the meaning of what we have felt since birth. One of those concepts is Fear.

The crippling life halting concept and spirit of Fear. The concrete shoe inducing spirit that causes all stagnation to happen.

So how does being a Kingdom Citizen redefine what Fear is?

Fear: The Root of Worship

The Bible proclaims in Romans 12:2

Christian Standard Bible Chapter 12

2 Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.

What happens in the transformation process that salvation unlocks is that the mind is no longer locked into the former truth that Fear is bondage. It now understands that fear is also freedom. The thing that caused you to keep your mouth shut and close the doors, can now cause you to open your mouth and proclaim the goodness of the Lord

The bible talks about the Fear of the Lord as being in awe of him. Reverence (to regard with respect in light of his power) is the definition of fear that unlocks. I promise you that redefining your Fear unlocks real worship

“Therefore, fear the Lord and worship him in sincerity and truth.

Christian Standard Bible. (2020). (Jos 24:14). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.

The hebrew term used extensively to define this defintion is YARE pronounced yaw-ray which is often used to describe the response to his presence and power. Yare is linked to obedience and loyalty (building blocks for worship)

Deuteronomy 6:13 CSB

Fear the Lord your God, worship him, and take your oaths in his name.

Worshipping the Lord because your REVERE him allows you to look at your circumstances differently.

Psalm 5:1–12 CSB

Listen to my words, Lord; consider my sighing. Pay attention to the sound of my cry, my King and my God, for I pray to you. In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I plead my case to you and watch expectantly. For you are not a God who delights in wickedness; evil cannot dwell with you. The boastful cannot stand in your sight; you hate all evildoers. You destroy those who tell lies; the Lord abhors violent and treacherous people. But I enter your house by the abundance of your faithful love; I bow down toward your holy temple in reverential awe of you. Lord, lead me in your righteousness because of my adversaries; make your way straight before me. For there is nothing reliable in what they say; destruction is within them; their throat is an open grave; they flatter with their tongues. Punish them, God; let them fall by their own schemes. Drive them out because of their many crimes, for they rebel against you. But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them shout for joy forever. May you shelter them, and may those who love your name boast about you. For you, Lord, bless the righteous one; you surround him with favor like a shield.

Lord I honor you and fear you because you are he who sits on the throne. My problems are miniscule to you, He who knows the end from the beginning. My worship becomes pure because I have learned to fear you and YOU ALONE

Fear: The Root of Wisdom

Now worship is only one part. The part that gets me is in our former understanding of fear it is common that it blocks wisdom. Fear lets wisdom clean out the window BUT

Proverbs 9:10 CSB

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Making sound decisions in the face of uncertainty is the antithesis of what the enemy wants you to do. Losing faith in God is what he expects you to do, Anchoring in God’s ability to carry you through is not.

I’m Challenging each of you To redefine your viewpoint on fear. It’s the Liberty and not the stagnation