A Healthy Approach To Fear
Fear is a natural human emotion that can either protect us from harm or debilitate us. As Christians, it is important to approach fear in a healthy and Biblical way, distinguishing between healthy types of fear and fear that can harm our well-being.
One healthy type of fear is the fear of the Lord. This is not a fear of punishment, but a reverence for God’s power and holiness. Proverbs 9:10 states, “Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.” This type of fear can actually bring us closer to God and deepen our relationship with Him.
Another type of fear that can be healthy is the fear that protects us from harm. For example, we may feel fear when we are walking alone in a dark alley, which can help us be more cautious and avoid dangerous situations. Psalm 34:7 says, “For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him.”
However, fear can also be harmful if it paralyzes us and affects our well-being. This type of fear is often rooted in anxiety and worry, and can prevent us from living our lives to the fullest. Jesus addressed this type of fear in Matthew 6:25-27, saying, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?”
So how can we deal with fear in a healthy and Biblical way? First, we can pray and ask God for His help and guidance. Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
Second, we can focus on the promises of God’s word. 2 Timothy 1:7 says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” By meditating on these promises, we can find comfort and strength in the midst of our fears.
In conclusion, fear can be a natural and healthy human emotion when it protects us from harm or leads us to a deeper reverence for God. However, fear can also be harmful when it takes control of our lives. As Christians, we can deal with fear in a healthy and Biblical way by praying for God’s help and focusing on His promises. By doing so, we can find peace and strength in the midst of our fears.