” The only thing we have to fear is fear itself”.
A famous and noble quote from President Franklin Roosevelt, this has been repeated times beyond measure in an effort to reduce fear. As Christians though, this quote makes no sense. The only thing we need to fear is God Himself, though unbelievers have more to fear. God, however, isn’t fear. Fear is a feeling of doubt and and of being overwhelmed.
Fear is a feeling primarily for unbelievers. Obviously, we will be afraid because we are not perfect, but it will always be without cause. Nowhere in the Bible is it mentioned that the angels were afraid, but it does say, “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that–and shudder.”- James 2:19
Those who oppose the Lord have great cause for fear, but what cause does one who loves the One who created everything have to be afraid?
Many seem to think God is Ruler of the light and, naturally, Satan rules over darkness, because demons are most often thought of as in the dark. However, God spent eternity in the dark before He brought light into existence. He is both Ruler of the light and Ruler of the darkness. Satan usually chooses to disguise his servants in the darkness because there we cannot see them, and we fear what we cannot see.
Demons have no authority over us unless we give it to them, however. They are under the ultimate authority of Jesus Christ, and must yield to Him.
Thankfully, though, we have no need to be afraid. It is when we cannot see what is ahead that we must trust in God the most. And there is where we must learn fearlessness most. Much more often we face fearsome things when we seem alone and can see no help coming or no way out. But just like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, we must have faith even without knowing we will be delivered.
Fearlessness comes by faith. Faith that you can trust in God no matter the outcome, even if that outcome would scare you. So next time you are afraid, have faith, and remember who is in control.
Tenth Avenue North just released a song that I think goes along with the theme of this post really well. Please watch this inspiring video below.
Once again I apologize for not posting for so long. I expected to have the time to write a post in between my many summer activities, but I didn’t. My prior promise to write more often still remains.