“I have a formula that explains how fear may be the core cause of your other issues.”
Before I share the fear formula with you, I want to make the following statement as it applies to Christians: Bravery or courage is not the opposite of fear – trusting God is the opposite of fear.
God states a command in the Bible many times – not an encouragement, suggestion, or goal – a command: “Do not fear.”
God states that command by either saying “do not fear’ “do not be afraid” or other variations of the same thought approximately 100-365+ times. The exact number is irrelevant; the repetition is relevant. More on that later.
The point is: if God states a command about doing something, it means we are capable of doing it, or He wouldn’t command it to us. It then is a choice we must make.
Regarding God’s command to not fear, if we use the 10 commandments as an example, and apply this logic to the command not to fear, we can ask, how many times should God state a command?
How many times should He have given us the 10 commandments?
Should God keep giving us the 10 commandments over and over?
Is what God says important? If it is, then if God says something more than once, does that make it more important than the first time He said it?
Should we expect Him to have to say the same thing to us over and over?
Is it possible that we struggle to hear, think about, or believe what He is saying unless He keeps saying it?
Whatever the reason we concoct, emphasis by repetition does not equal greater truth or importance. Let me say that again 🙂
Emphasis by repetition does not equal greater truth or importance.
Truth is truth regardless of how many times we state it. Something is either important or it is not; it does not become “more” important by repeating that it is important.
Now, back to the fear formula.
The fact is, God does state the command for us to not fear over and over. Why?
Could it be He adds that command throughout the entire Bible so we have less chance of missing it?
Could it be that God thinks we need to be reminded that much to not fear? Why?
Could it be that fear is our default? Is fear our natural state of being?
The Bible and Bible scholars agree, we are born into sin. Sin equals separation from God.
What does separation from God look like?
What does separation from God feel like?
What does separation from God do to us?
Does it make us fearful?
Nearly every place in Scripture where God says not to fear is followed by the reason to not fear – which is always that He is with us, for us, goes before us, is our protector and provider. That is something to ponder.
Also, ponder this, psychologically what we know is that fear is most often the cause of anxiety. Anxiety generates a huge multitude of emotional and physical symptoms that can easily be misdiagnosed. The point here is the same point I hinted at in the headline of this article: could fear be your hidden root cause of your other problems?
Now, take that thought and add to it this:
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Jesus (John 10:10)
Does it seem like the “thief” can steal, kill, and destroy peace? Does fear rob you of peace? Where does peace come from?
“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.” Jesus (John 14:27)
Peace comes from Jesus; indeed, the world, which is other people, cannot give me peace, because they are not the owner, creator, or keeper of peace – Jesus is. That’s why He said “my peace” I give you. Peace is His and only His, and only He can give it. My choice is to accept it under His terms, which is salvation, See John 3:16, and my knowing, believing, and obeying His Word, the Bible – nothing else.
Just to be clear: “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us fearful, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7
That’s God saying I didn’t give you fear. If God didn’t give me fear, who did? Where does fear come from? Again, ponder what does separation from God feel like? If I am not close to Him, I am away from Him – I’m on my own. Is that something to fear?
I’m not going to give you all the verses in the Bible about fear and what God says about fear; I could, but I will not. Go look it up yourself. I want you to do the work. Spend the time searching the Bible regarding fear and what God says about it.
That said, here’s the reminder statement:
Bravery or courage is not the opposite of fear – trusting God is the opposite of fear.
And finally, here’s my fear formula:
Fear = lack of trust in God.
Pray about that. Meditate on it. I dare you.
Are you afraid?
