Fear.... did you know that fear can rush over you and paralyze you, or it can slowly suck the life out of you OR it can put on a mask and become a companion... any way you look at it, fear is destructive.
Now what do we know about fear? Well, it is not born of God. He calls us to fear only Him. (Ps.23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
PS.27:The LORD is my light and my salvation- whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life- of whom shall I be afraid?)
In fact, we are to: Ps.2:11 Serve the LORD with fear and rejoice with trembling.
Fear takes on a whole different meaning to me in this text. For me, a "fear' of God is something that goes hand in hand with knowing that He is the Master Creator of all things and knowing that, with a simple word... it was done. His power is unparalleled, undefined and without understanding. He, is the great I AM.
Nothing, nothing in this world or in any other can compete with that. So? My fear problem? gone for now... the answer? being reminded of where fear comes from.... (see PS.23:4 above) evil. And as a child of God, what can evil do to me? Nothing unless I give up myself (my identity) to a lesser power.
With all of this you would think that I never struggle with fear and yet it is the foundation of all my doubt, struggles and sin. For such a small insignificant word it sure packs a load. Be alert and don't take God's word for granted, for it holds the keys to life in Him. Without it... fear rules and we are defeated.
Wake up knowing, that in this day, there will be battles to win and live to conquer on the side of God. And... when we get caught off guard? We remember how cunning and dangerous lies are and in rebellion we suit up with... Eph. 6:11- Put on the full armour of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.
If you don't know the battles are there or you think you can ignore them?... you are decieved... be alert! - 1 Pe.5:8 - Be self- controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. This is a old but much needed re-NEW-ed life lesson for me and I hope you too.