All too often we hear that fear is bad. But this isn’t true.
Consider the Christmas story.
The response of Joseph to the news of Mary’s pregnancy reminds us that fear is a natural response. Joseph’s fear stemmed from uncertainty of what would be considered righteous. His fear was based on trust in God’s guidance. Similarly, Moses was afraid to look at God in the burning bush and God didn’t correct him.
But there are other places where fear is recognized as disobedient in Scripture. The ten scouts in Numbers 13-14 were afraid of entering the Promised Land. Jonah was afraid to follow God’s command to go to Nineveh.
These stories expose two types of fear…
Some fear is reasonable. Some fear is rash.
One asks, “How can I please God?” The other asks, “How can I get away from God?”
When we have reasonable fear we can overcome it with reason. What the angel said to Joseph were simply the facts: Mary’s conceived a divine child, here’s what you will name him and here’s what he will do.
The facts helped him boldly defy culture and follow after God’s direction.
We all overcome our reasonable fear with knowledge.
“Fear is not seen as a universal enemy. Instead, it is often a natural reaction to an event or is felt for those that are loved. God would not rob us of a needed defense mechanism that often protects both our body and spirit from harm. Fear of God, of earthly leaders, of angels and concern over the welfare of others are often seen as appropriate.
“In some of these cases the fear is to be quickly dispelled with knowledge. Both the Hellenistic philosophers and the New Testament used knowledge to overcome fear. Christians are not to live in a state of fear or worry and they are not to fear the future or the powers of this world.”*
So, when is fear discouraged? If we’re experiencing rash fear, we won’t allow reason to settle in our hearts. We take our eyes of the God who is guiding us and we focus on ourselves or others.
When it comes to overcoming rash fear:
1. Remember the power of God’s love. (1 John 4:17-18; 2 Tim 1:7).
2. Remember the promises of God.
Joseph didn’t fear the process the angel laid out for him. When he awoke, he did what the angel commanded him to do.
Rash fear assaults everyone. I’ve felt it intensely during the last few months since our move to Salt Lake City. The quick transition has stirred all kinds of fears. Many are deep rooted from my childhood. As a kid, I moved so many times. Each move was marked by losses and pains, but also tremendous opportunities for growth and new experiences.
I have to remind myself of this daily. Let go of the rash fears. Cling to the promises. The same God who has gone before me and provided will continue to be with me every step of the way.
May we be a people who find that our fears don’t get the best of us, but rather bring the best out of us as we learn to walk in deeper trust.
*Elliott, Faithful Feelings, 203.
