What fears are wise?
October 13 - 19, 2024 | Always Peachy Devotionals | Fear Week 3
Is there ever a time when fear is a good idea?
This week we have been talking about fear and being afraid and whether or not it’s what God wants for us. We’re trying to clarify and understand what He means when He tells us NOT to be afraid but almost in the same breath tells us that we are wise if we are.
It can get very confusing, but believe me when I say that God isn’t gaslighting you. He isn’t trying to cause confusion and misunderstanding. That’s not who He is.
Whenever we read Scripture, we always need to remember several very important characteristics of the Bible. Primarily, we need to keep in mind that the Bible wasn’t written in English, so sometimes the original meaning of a word or phrase is lost in translation. That’s why context matters. That’s why historical and cultural details matter.
If your context for reading Scripture is wrong, your interpretation will be flawed, and that means your application will be off base.
Last week we talked about how fear isn’t a sin. Fear is an emotion that everyone experiences, even very powerful spiritual beings. It’s what you do with your fear that can be sinful. As always, it comes down to what you choose to do.
So if it’s possible to sin in our fear, is it possible to honor God with our fear? That’s what we’re talking about this week.
But let’s get a few terms clear before we start. Fear isn’t terror, not in this context. For our purposes, when we talk about fear, we aren’t talking about cowering or feeling intimidated or bullied. Fear in this connotation is more about being aware.
Terror is controlling. It often robs us of our good sense because we are so afraid, we give into fight-or-flight mode. Fear, healthy fear, is an awareness that something bad, or at least unfavorable, may happen to us if we don’t change course.
Fear by that definition isn’t foolish at all. It’s wise to be aware that you’re walking the line between danger and safety. It’s wise to be aware of potential threats when you’re traveling somewhere by yourself. It’s wise to be aware when you aren’t in control of your circumstances.
But here’s the funny part about human nature. Ironically some of the things we should fear most are the things we tend to be drawn to. Sometimes what we should fear most looks and sounds like a lot of fun.
Let’s talk about fears that are healthy and wise this week, fears that we can use to bring honor and glory to God through our choices:
Monday - Fearing God (Proverbs 1:7)
Tuesday - Fearing yourself (Romans 8:6)
Wednesday - Fearing to lose your soul (Matthew 16:26)
Thursday - Fearing to mislead another (Romans 14:20-21)
Friday - Fearing ungodly influences (1 Corinthians 5:11)
There are moments in life when fear is wise, and in each and every one of those moments, it’s a healthy fear of God or of the consequences God has indicated will happen if we disobey.
It’s hard for people to think that way, though. Our focus is physical, not spiritual or eternal. That’s why Jesus had so much to say about who we should fear in life, and that’s our memory verse for this week, Matthew 10:28.
Remember what C.S. Lewis declared about human beings, that we aren’t bodies that have a soul; we are souls that have a body. Our souls are what makes us who we are. Our souls are eternal; they will last forever. Our bodies will eventually turn back to dust.
So don’t prioritize someone who can only hurt your body when you’re deciding whose opinion matters more to you. Prioritize the opinion of the One who made your body, the one who has the power to destroy it and your soul.
Praying for you guys.
Hugs!
Amy
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