Fear and anxiety are something we face every day. We live in a world of uncertainty where it seems we never know from day to the next what may happen. From the economy to the threat of terrorism, fear and anxiety is a part of daily life for most people.
The question is should fear and anxiety be a part of the daily life of a Christian? Let’s see what God’s Word has to say about it in Proverbs 1.
THE CAUSE OF FEAR
Fear comes when we ignore God Word and God’s warnings. (Prov. 1:25) “Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: 26) I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh…”
The Bible says that peace comes from God’s Word, so when we ignore God’s Word, we are forfeiting the peace God wants to give to us. (Prov 3:1-2) “My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: 2) For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.”
When fear is not dealt with God’s way, it continues to grow until it is overwhelming. (v.27) “When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you.” Fear will continue to overtake you as if you were in a tornado!
Fear will hinder you from hearing from God and will make you feel God has abandoned you. (v.28) “Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me: 29) For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD: 30) They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.” 31) Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.
In other words, if you will not take God’s counsel, or if you stay away from God’s Word, you will live with the consequence of fear and anxiety. It will make you feel alone, as if God is not near.
THE CURE FOR FEAR
Get back to God’s Word. When your fear of God becomes greater than your fears in the world, you will be at peace. (v.33) “But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.”
God wants us to live in FAITH, not live in FEAR and anxiety. Where do you get faith? From the Word of God. (Rom 10:17) “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
Fear and anxiety only displays a lack of faith and trust that God is in control. A quiet, peaceful life only comes from fearing God and obeying His Word.