Growing up, my life/faith was shaped often by a focus on rules—what to do and what not to do—a sense of this is what was expected of me. It wasn't fear and it wasn't exactly an understanding of God's grace. While rules are necessary—especially in a busy household—is there room for balance without causing fear?
Discovering why we go to church on Sabbath, rather than simply being told, shifts fear into understanding. Fear of repercussions doesn't make anyone want to follow God and what He expects. It’s important to find a balance that keeps our faith relevant and applicable in today’s society without losing our identity in a church. Focusing on the essence of the rules, rather than the rules themselves, is key. But this balance can be challenging.
We can grow free from fear each day. Open conversations about beliefs are only possible when we are willing to re-examine our convictions. Fear of judgment or criticism can hinder someone who is seeking.
Just as focusing on the children’s voices during a Christmas carol service helps us hear them better, staying focused on our basic beliefs helps us maintain balance in our faith. This balance is essential to avoid rigidity and to embrace the movement of time and experience, free from fear. Ecclesiastes highlights the tension between the opposites of good and bad. The only way to break through the confusion surrounding good and evil is to "fear God." “For he who fears God will escape them all” (7:18).
(ESV) It is good that you should take hold of this, and from that withhold not your hand, for the one who fears God shall come out from both of them.
(NLT) Pay attention to these instructions, for anyone who fears God will avoid both extremes.
(MSG) It's best to stay in touch with both sides of an issue. A person who fears God deals responsibly with all of reality, not just a piece of it.
The Mongoose—I noticed a story from my email and decided to share. It was from the book He Knows My Name by Cecelia Grant.
She says, while praying one morning, my usual tranquility was ruffled as I heard a rustling in the fallen leaves, unlike any I had heard before. I opened my eyes in time to see a mongoose race past me and disappear! After a flood of adrenaline washed over me, I reassured myself with the fact that it had gone over the wall to visit my neighbor. I know little about these critters except that they are typically rural wildlife dwellers. I have noticed they can sometimes appear somewhat suicidal as they race across the road as I drive through the countryside. What I know for sure is that they do not belong in my garden! And Google informed me that they feed on lizards and birds—my welcomed guests.
Later, while analyzing my mongoose situation, I thought about how much like Satan it is. Uninvited, it invades the place where I enjoy worshiping my Creator and appreciating His creation. The thought that it could possibly be nearby disturbs me, as Satan does, so I must remind myself from the Word that “God has not given us a spirit of fear” (2 Timothy 1:7, NKJV). Because that old mongoose appears unexpectedly, I am now always on guard in my garden, as I really should be in my spiritual life—should Satan make an appearance.
I wish I could tell you that the mongoose is out of my life, but sadly, the fact that I do not see it, does not mean it is gone for good. So, I am treating it like I do Satan. Every day we should ask the Creator to keep them both, mongoose and Satan, out of our space.
On our own, we can find it difficult not to let anxious thoughts occupy our minds and ideas. When we rely not on our own strength but on God’s power, then our anxieties and stresses do not overtake us.
In the Bible are promises for faith over fear and trusting in God in difficult times. Some of these were my mother's favorites. Psalm 27:1 says, “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?” We can put our faith in God, our stronghold, when we are afraid, and He can help us let go of our fears. He has a plan for our lives and did not create us to be fearful (2 Timothy 1:7). When we have God on our side, we need not be afraid. With Christ in our lives, we know that there is hope for the future. Luke 25:25 says, “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?” Fear does nothing for us, while trust and hope enrich our lives. Psalm 118 says, “I will not be afraid.” Sometimes we have to tell ourselves the same thing. We know that God is in control and that He is trustworthy. In the words of the famous hymn and children’s song, “He’s got the whole world in His hands.”
So, why am I—why are we still afraid? Sometimes we struggle to give up our sense of control or place our trust in something else. I’m sure that fear is the single biggest problem that most of us face. It is pretty much in every other problem we face in our life.
It creeps upon us without us even realizing, slowly taking over our lives. It steals our confidence, makes us feel insecure, affects our relationships and stops us doing things. It becomes so deeply embedded within us that it becomes part of who we are.
Sometimes we do the most silly things because of fear. We may be afraid of: being late, not finding a parking space, not having enough money, missing the plane,
upsetting people. what others think, being unable to accomplish tasks or pass exams, losing our jobs, running out of money. The list goes on and on.
Some other common fears people have are death, loneliness, people, authority, heights, closed-in spaces, dogs and cats, being laughed at, even fear of being unattractive. These and a thousand other fears prevent us from living life to the full. They keep us trapped by guilt and self-pity. Every day, many people are prevented from accomplishing their dreams due to these imaginary obstacles. I am sure that I have had my fair share of these unjustified fears. I love what the Bible says in Psalm 27:1 (CEV): “You, Lord, are the light that keeps me safe. I am not afraid of anyone. You protect me, and I have no fears.” What a wonderful statement! The way to conquer fear is simply deciding with God’s help that you won’t be afraid anymore. I realize it’s easier said than done—but with His help it is possible. We do not need to face the difficulties alone. We can confront them—one by one—in the strength of God our Heavenly Father. If we truly believed God loved us and was in control of our future, would there be any room left for fear? Instead, we’d commit every situation to him in prayer, and we’d know nothing could happen that was outside His control. We’d learn to say with the psalmist, “Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear” (Psalm 27:3). Jesus warned, “In this world you will have trouble.” But then he added, “But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Your fears may not vanish overnight, but as you commit them to Christ, “the peace of God…will guard your hearts and your minds” (Philippians 4:7 NIV).
"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7
"Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4
"Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe." Proverbs 29:25
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
As we learn to more fully trust in him and lean on his promises, we can face our fears with courage and faith.
Throughout the Bible, the Lord told His people over and over again “Don’t be afraid or discouraged.” With Christ on our side, we have no reason to fear anything in this world. We will not live our entire life without facing any troubles. No one, including you and I, are invincible. However, Jesus said, "In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I've conquered the world." (John 16:33 MSG)
The real problem starts when we allow our minds to get off track and our hearts to fill up with fear. It is so easy for fear to slip up on a person with no warning. If we stop and listen to all the lies, we will almost begin to agree with Satan and believe the Lord is powerless to intervene on our behalf. The fact is there is nothing too big for God. Even an ominous rock standing in our way looks minute through His eyes. The size of the mountain is not important to Him. Sometimes we are afraid to do something because we fear we will fail.
There is a Scripture for that specific thing you and I fear. So. “pray when I lie down, I will not be afraid; yes, I will lie down and my sleep will be sweet.” (Proverbs 3:24, paraphrase). Faith is believing what God says. Fear is believing what the devil says.
We can choose to let our fear control us and run our lives. We can choose to live in fear and avoid situations or things that we are afraid of. Or we can choose to face our fears and trust that God will help us and save us from our fear. “The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid.” Psalm 118:6
We place our faith in countless people and things. We believe our legs will support us, so we get out of bed. We believe our brakes will enable our car to stop, so we drive. We believe our boss will pay us, so we show up for the job. When we have faith in something, our behavior is affected. We act out of faith. The opposite of faith is fear. We can choose one or the other. Imagine a world in which car brakes only worked half the time. We would be terrified at every intersection. God is infinitely more reliable than the finest car on the market, but we don’t treat Him that way. Our faith seems to extend just beyond our ability even though God is able to do infinitely more than we can imagine. We hope for good when God promises the best.
When I am afraid to address an area of sin in my life and be obedient to God’s call, it could be because I am doubting the truth of God’s promises. Our faith is limited by believing we know better than God how to manage our issues. God offers freedom from fear through faith in Him. In what area of my life am I doubting God’s promises?
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT) Our fears matter. At night, my thoughts sometimes snowball out of control. What if ....? What if I .....? I won’t be able to .... and then I wouldn’t want to go on. The things that keep me awake at night are the things that I’m not trusting God to handle. I was holding onto them, trying to find a way to gain control over them, to solve my problems. Fear consumes me and my thoughts.
Our fears matter. Ultimately, our fears show how we’re relying on our own efforts and not trusting in our Savior. The truth is I and you and everyone—are always inadequate. We’re never enough. We’re always weak. But the incredible thing—When we’re weak, God’s power is made perfect! (2 Corinthians 12:9) Remember, “perfect love drives out fear” (1 John 4:18b, NIV).
As God reveals mine and your fears, He will also build our faith. Faith doesn’t mean you aren’t afraid. Faith means you don’t let fear stop you. Faith Always Defeats Fear. God is so much bigger than any fear, big or small. God is always greater and stronger. He is always there to stand by your side—to help you face your fears and protect you in your weakest moments. Remember that he is the creator of the universe and can make miracles happen and he can certainly help you work through your fears and difficult seasons of life.
Psalm 56:3-4, “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” (NIV)
John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (NIV)
Driving down the highway, an 18-wheeler had the words “Fear Is Not An Option” on the back of the truck cab. You might think this was an unusual statement and start mulling it over in your mind. If fear is not an option, then what choice do we have? We could allow fear to control our will and emotions, or instead, let the peace of God rule our hearts and minds. Fear is not an option! It is normal human nature to be afraid. Some people are afraid of tangible things, like the dark or spiders. Others are afraid of intangible things, like death or being alone. We are imperfect humans. Fear is a natural human response to different situations that we are put in, but we can choose how we respond to our fear.
Faith not Fear. “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me” – Psalm 23:4 Fear is not an option—for 2025