Concept of Fear from Wikipedia: Fear is an intensely unpleasant emotion in response to perceiving or recognizing a danger or threat.
Fear causes physiological changes that may produce behavioral reactions such as mounting an aggressive response or fleeing the threat.
Fear in human beings may occur in response to a certain stimulus occurring in the present, or in anticipation or expectation of a future threat perceived as a risk to oneself.
The fear response arises from the perception of danger leading to confrontation with or escape from/avoiding the threat (also known as the fight-or-flight response), which in extreme cases of fear (horror and terror) can be a freeze response or paralysis.
In humans and other animals, fear is modulated by the process of cognition and learning. Thus, fear is judged as rational or appropriate and irrational or inappropriate.
An irrational fear is called a PHOBIA.
FEAR FROM BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE
Definition from KJV Dictionary:
1.A painful emotion or passion excited by an expectation of evil, or the apprehension of impending danger. Fear expresses less apprehension than dread, and dread less than terror and fright. The force of this passion, beginning with the most moderate degree, may be thus expressed, fear, dread, terror, fright. Fear is accompanied with a desire to avoid or ward off the expected evil.
2.Fear is an uneasiness of mind, upon the thought of future evil likely to befall us.
3.Fear is the passion of our nature which excites us to provide for our security, on the approach of evil.
But Fear isn’t all evil and there are several biblical scriptures that keeps about the fear of the Lord and God, Himself instilling fear into the heart of humans to enable us become obedient and fully trust in Him.
Fear in and of itself is not sin. "Fear is a normal response to threat. Like pain, it is a gift of God intended to keep us safe. Feeling guilty for feeling fear in a situation of threat is like feeling guilty for feeling hungry when you haven't eaten. It's something your body does, not your will. The challenge is to respond appropriately. The Bible doesn’t state fear to just been a normal response to threat because God doesn’t threaten us but we learn to feat Him in love and sincerity which isn’t sometime excited by evil intention. The Bible teaches Us of instances where Men are filled with a Holy Fear (As I call it) to succumb to higher authority or give respect/authority to God’s servants. Basically, we will just divide fear into Holy and Evil Fear to make it simpler and when we are in times of Evil Fear or not sure of the kind of Fear we are feeling, the Bible gives Us almost 365 verses that we can use each day to overcome every kind of fear we have in our daily lives as Christians where can be found.
Fear: Myths and Misconceptions
1.Fear is sometimes considered the opposite of courage; however, this is incorrect. Because courage is a willingness to face adversity, fear is an example of a condition that makes the exercise of courage possible. Simply meaning without the excitement of fear in our lives, we wouldn’t have the Courage to do certain things or take Risks to get to where we are.
The opposite of Courage is Cowardice 2.Faith isn’t the opposite of Fear, if not then what becomes the opposite of Unbelief We exhibit faith or unbelief in times of fear. Our believe system comes to play in those times and we either approach with faith or unbelief. Fear propels one to come to terms with his/her true nature and either overcome a weakness or build up a strength. It is that moment that we exhibit the fight, freeze and flight response to a situation. Courage, Cowardice, and Fear are elusive: They have a wide range of nuances and characteristics; they are both actions and attitudes, a psychology, a theology, traits of character. They clearly have a range to be mapped out, and are complex, interconnected and related. However, fearful things become routine, courage may easily become foolish, unthinking courage, or this could be a good thing. The point is, are people thinking about this and what do they do when new people come into the abnormal situation that has become normal to the old timers? "When courage is annexed to good things like skill and experience, these may arguably undo the possibility of courage by making fearful things routine matters and thus not so fearful at all." Symptoms of Fear Fear often involves both physical and emotional symptoms. Each person may experience fear differently, but some of the common signs and symptoms include: Dizziness Chest pain Chills Dry mouth Nausea Rapid heartbeat Shortness of breath Sweating Trembling Upset stomach In addition to the physical symptoms of fear, people may experience psychological symptoms of being overwhelmed, upset, feeling out of control, or a sense of impending death. Biblical Personalities Who Had Fear And Overcame Them The Bible gives classical examples of almost everyone who was greatly used by God to have had fear which they overcame by trusting in God right from the creation of the world till now. A lot of names come into mind if you study and read your bible regularly from Adam to the Apostle of the New Testament but I picked a few due to their popularity and impact they made on earth and there are: 1.Moses: The first biblical example is Moses who flee from Egypt after he was discovered to have killed an Egyptian to protect an Israelite even though he was the son of the Princess. He knew there was no way Pharaoh would spare him and had to run for his life before Pharaoh actually found out about the incidence and lived for a long time in hiding and guilt. Because he didn’t overcome that fear, it caused him to become a stammer and even after meeting God still didn’t see himself to be adequate enough to be used. He feared the Israelite won’t listen to him due to his past history and God had to show forth His Power, Authority and even grant him a spoke person and mediator who was Aaron. Moses, a classical example of a person who lived in fear and had the Spirit of fear dominating him had to trust God and follow His commandments and gradually overcome his fear and lead the Israelites with authority and Power. Further studies can be made by reading the Book of Exodus to Deuteronomy. 2.David: The man after God’s heart who delighted in the face of God, David also had fear. Its incredible to know that a man who fought with wild animals to save his lambs and even defeated Goliath had a weakness and battled with fear. David had to run away when King Saul wanted to kill him for his life. He was scared that he had to hide in caves and seek for refuge in the arms of other Kings. Even though he knew God was on his side and could kill Saul if he wanted to but he knew how skilled Saul was and his hatred for him as well. He had to wait for Saul to die in battle to overcome his fear and reign as a king in Israel. Further reading can be done in 1 Samuel 12;22 3.Jesus: The Son of the living God was engulfed by fear as well. Isn’t that Amazing? From his personality on earth, He could be seen as a fearless man who even encouraged His disciples not to be scared but before he was crucified, he was filled with fear. He was t sure he would be able to overcome the persecution and danger he Was about to face. He saw a heavy burden he was about to carry and that really scared him. He even had to plead with the father to take away that burden if it was possible and that alone shows the power fear has and holds in our lives. Jesus overcame his fear after prayer and wholehearted accepted his fate and died on the cross for us to receive liberty today. Further studies can be made in the Gospels of Matt, Luke and John of the New Testament. 4.Timothy: Trained and taught by apostle Paul had fear reigning and ruling in his life. He began his race in the faith on a good note and was always exhorted and encouraged by Apostle Paul but since he didn’t work on his fear, it began to creep back into his life and Apostle Paul had to encourage him again in the Lord to be able to overcome it. 2 Timothy tells of his struggle especially in the faith and Paul prompting him to build up His faith and hold on to the doctrines he had received and taught. I believe he overcame his fear since Paul didn’t write another epistle to him again.
There Are Different Types of Fear from Psychological and Health Concept but We Would Be Taking the Categories from Biblical Concept Which Applies to Every Human There are 5 selected or categories of Fear that we possess as humans and Christians especially. The Bible is clear on teaching about the types of fear. Here are some thoughts gathered so far and if perhaps you know of a category not mentioned kindly sent your consent. The first 4 types of fear are quite internal. They are part of the internal dialogue going on, and we can be far along in processing one type of fear but have trouble with another source of fear.
1. Fear of God -This the kind of Fear I call the Holy Fear that can only be seen or found in the Body of Christ or the saints or Godly men. The fear of God is a holy awe or reverence of God and his laws, which springs from a just view and real love of the divine character, leading the subjects of it to hate and shun every thing that can offend such a holy being, and inclining them to aim at perfect obedience. This is called filial fear. It helps you to live according to the commandment of God and abhor Evil and Unrighteousness. It produces Holiness and total surrender to the Power and Authority of God in all things. It gives you peace, calmness and never causes you to have the kind of symptoms the other kinds of fear give.
The Old Testament speaks a lot on the fear of the Lord and how it fell upon People when they experience the presence of God. It is sometime seen to be upon God’s people and fills them with Courage and Bravery (2 Chro. 14:14). God places his fear into our hearts to be faithful and trust Him more. Jer. 32.
Proverbs 1 teaches us to fear God, that the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. The word is translated into English as "fear." It is probably better translated "awe." But awe is on the spectrum of fear, so it is still helpful. We are to have a holy fear of a holy God, that He sees all and knows all and that our desire is to please Him. Knowing that he sees and knows all gives us a healthy awe (or fear) to do the right thing, even when no one is looking. The fear of God is now in Us as Believers through the Presence of the Holy Spirit. Prophet Isaiah spoke of the seven spirit of God which will be upon Jesus and the Spirit of the fear of the Lord can be seen to be part (Isaiah 11:2-3). The people of the Old Testament had the fear of God upon them but we through the death of Jesus now has it dwelling within Us. Here are a few scriptures the Study on the Fear of God; 1 Sam 11:7, 2 Sam 23:3, 2 Chro 14:14, 2 Chro 17:10, 2 Chro 19:7, 2 Chro 20:29, Job 28:28, Psa 16:6, Gen 20:11.
The Fear of God is also known As Wisdom (Job 28:28). The best way to acquire wisdom is through the Fear of God (Psa 111:10,1:7,9:10,15:33). This simulates our Spirit to hate Evil and anything that is contrary to the will and statutes of God (Pro 8:10,16:6). Other benefits in the fear of the Lord are Prolonged days (Pro 10:27,14:27), strong confidence (Pro 14:26), Contentment (Pro 15:16), Riches and Honor (Pro 22:4), Upright (Isa 11:3), Holiness (2 Corin 7:1), Submission (Eph 5:21).
The Only way to gain the Spirit of the fear of God is by accepting Jesus as you Savior and be been filled with the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 11:2-3) which can help Us overcome every other fear especially the Spirit of Fear to live a Happy and Holy life.
2. Fear of Man – This is the kind of fear that is opposite to the fear of God and has filled the heart of Men. Most of Us fear what others think of Us when we go against their will and how they perceive us. We seek the approval of Men so much that fear finds it way in our lives when we go contrary to their will. Jesus was quite clear on this one in Matthew 10 and 24. He told us not to worry about what to do or say when dragged before kings and judges. The Holy Spirit will give the words to say. Jesus told us that parents will betray children, children will betray parents; brother betray sister, friend betray friend. But we are only to fear God the most; He is the one who can put our soul in hell. Aaron was scared of the Israel that he disobeyed God and built a golden Calf for them to Worship. This can also be seen of Jacob scared of been killed by his brother Esau after robbing him of his blessing (Gen 32:11), God had to constantly remind this people and servant not to fear their enemies and opponent in battle (Gen 46:3, Num 14:9;21:34, Deu 3:2;3:22, Jos 8:1). The Israelites due to fear and acting in cowardness couldn’t possess their promise land but had to die for another generation to possess it (Number 13-14). David a man after Gods own heart had to go into hiding for fear of been killed by King Saul (1 Sam 21-23), he had to seek refuge in the hands of other kings, be comforted by Jonathan but He trusted God and knew he would be delivered (1 Sam 24) and God delivered him as He said. God always tell us to trust him and not fear Man (Heb 12:28) as Jesus said. The best way to break out this fear is to put God first, trust His plans and promises and take a step of faith according to his word.
3. Fear of Self – Which is called the slavish fear is the fear we have towards ourselves individually which has the effect or consequence of guilt, moving on in life, unable to open up, inadequate, having constant insecurities and brings about mental health conditions like anxiety disorder and others, it is also the painful apprehension of merited punishment. Rom. 8. This is mostly triggered by circumstances and been disobedient. 1John 4 says perfect love or the love of God casts out fear which is the fear of oneself. This is probably the one most sung and preached about, but again, without appropriate nuancing. We all have insecurities, weaknesses, wrong thinking about ourselves, feelings of inadequacy, feelings of failure. This is quite normal and is an area all humans need to work through. These fears can paralyze and keep us from acting. This fear is excited by the Spirit of Fear and Bondage (2 Tim 1:7, Rom 8:15, Heb 2:15). Without breaking free from this fear or overcoming it, even as a believer in Christ it makes it difficult for you to fully trust God especially when He directs you to do something or take a step-in life. The best way to break out of this fear is to constantly declare and speak the promises of God concerning your life and take a step of faith in that direction.
4. Fear of Danger -This is to feel a painful apprehension of some impending evil; to be afraid of; to consider or expect with emotions of alarm or solicitude. We fear the approach of an enemy or of a storm. We have reason to fear the punishment of our sins. The fear of most Christians is not been able to live rightly and condemned to hell (Phi 2:12), the impending danger of finding ourselves in hell is a drive to win souls (Jude 1:12), Most servant of God especially in the Old Testament had this fear whenever they met with an angel of the Lord, the natural reaction of man moves us to fear instantly so they always have to be encouraged and strengthen in the Lord not to fear (Gen 21:17, Gen 26:24, Psa 23). Jesus went through this type of fear before going to the cross and had to pray to be strengthen to continue his purpose of earth (Matt 26: 36-45) and understood the fear that resides in the human body.
Fear is a natural human emotion that comes when we face threat of any kind. This is an appropriate God-given warning signal. We are made in his image. Fear at the appropriate time is actually imaging God. It is also used in certain times as a word of encouragement to make one feel at ease. When we feel fear or scared, as Jesus did, we are to turn to our Heavenly Father and ask for help. But we are also called to faithfully obey, and not to be paralysed by fear.
5. Spirit of Fear – This is a Spirit that basically is opposite the Spirit of God. It’s what you call demonic or evil fear and excites or stimulates the other fear in man Excluding fear of God. Human became filled with the Spirit of fear after been deceived by the devil in the garden of Eden (Gen 3:19). This ignited the spirit of disobedience to Gods Word and makes human become rebellious to God. It’s the cause of irrational fear termed as PHOBIA and the inability to feel content and content with whatever we have. We constantly live in fear of losing our lives, property, family, been rejected, not approved, uncertain of our future and so on due to this Spirit that resides in Us. Which can be seen in the life of Job (Jobs 7:3) This one has caused most men to live in hate and cowardness. God had to constantly reprove the Israelites of such Spirit and encourage them to stay Strong. After the death of Jesus, Believers were given authority over everything including fear (2 Tim 1:7, Rom 8:15) and Paul made Us to know of such. we are more than Conquerors through Jesus (Rom 37) and this is now external to us, although we may sense his presence internally because we need to constantly exercise the word of God in Faith to overcome it. In believers, it causes you to feel you aren’t worthy of Gods blessings and inadequate to do His Work that’s why there’s the need to daily read the bible to overcome such emotions. Whenever we experience this spirit, we need to know we are on the right track of whatever we are called to do that day and the devil just want to confuse Us, so keep pressing on by rebuking the spirit of fear, ask God for help, and keep on moving, confessing His Word daily and applying it in every aspect of our lives.
Comments