Fear and Faith
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” (Proverbs 9:10)
I mean to trust God in all things, and yet I fear many things. How can this be? What do I fear that is beyond God’s control? Is there really anything that is beyond God’s control? Although I don’t believe anything is beyond His control, my life is more or less controlled by fear.
I know that fear of God is the only righteous and commanded fear. I believe that fearing God is a sacrament, a holy act of devotion to God. I think that fearing anything else is idolatry, the elevation of something or someone to a position equal to or greater than God.
People are naturally fearful. It takes no effort of any kind to work up a grinding dread of something. We often realize we are afraid without ever recognizing the fear growing in us. It takes an effort of spiritual devotion to entrust our lives to God’s care and provision. It takes practice to surrender our worries and anxiety to his merciful kindness. We should develop the habit of spiritual awareness so that we may see ourselves as always in God’s loving presence, His beloved children whom he watches over even more diligently than any earthly parent!
A Litany against Fear: “I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.” (Frank Herbert; DUNE)
Let us examine a few of our delusional fears and consider why they sometimes seem more worthy or more important than God. What is the real nature of our fears?
Do you fear your death?
Do you fear pain or suffering?
Do you fear loss?
Do you really believe that God does not or will not provide for you in all these matters of concern?
Our deaths are provided for through the sacrifice of Jesus, the beloved Son of God. We believe in Him and rely on His sacrifice. We are assured of an eternal life to come, a life more glorious and wonderful than any earthly existence or even human imagining, whether we are homeless beggars or wealthy beyond measure.
Our pains and sufferings are matters of great concern to our heavenly father. We are assured of His comfort and healing, of His strength when we need to endure. We know that God Himself suffered with His own Son, and with his children, from Adam to me, and not every suffering was innocent, but he has not let our suffering thwart His will for us.
Our losses are God’s, literally. Our loved ones die. Our status fades. Our material wealth evaporates. Our children grow up and move beyond our influence. But we are God’s own children, and every good thing we have comes from Him and is, by rights, His. If we lose anything, it is God’s concern. Of course, if we think about this carefully, it becomes clear that what we consider loss is insignificant in the spiritual sense. It helps to surrender the notion of loss. None of those things are ultimately mine to lose. I may be responsible for them for a time, but God is truly in possession, not me.
Let us be refreshed by a review of a few of God’s promises and assurances, and for all His provisions for His beloved children:
“One cannot serve both God and money. Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you eat or drink; or about your body, what you wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important that clothes?... If God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and gone tomorrow, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?” (From Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount; Matthew 6:25-30)
“You are my servant; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. 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 41:9-10)
“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (Proverbs 3:34)
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7)
In this world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)