F.E.A.R.

Whenever I begin a new chapter in life, or face a new challenge, I experience a familiar struggle. 

It usually has to do with people, or more specifically, the FEAR of people. I don’t mean enochlophobia (the fear of crowds) – I mean the feeling that wells up because you worry about what people (usually people you don’t even know very well at all) will think about, say about or do to you! 

You know what I mean… Remember when you started high school, or university, or a new job, or spoke in front of a group of people for the first time, or went to a new church or a new small group? 

What will I Feel? What will the Experience be like? How will they Act toward me? What if they Reject me? 

F.E.A.R. - It’s a powerful thing that can influence so many of the decisions we make!

Proverbs 29:25a says

• The fear of mankind is a snare, (CSB)
• The fear of man lays a snare, (ESV)
• Fear and intimidation is a trap that holds you back. (TPT)
• The fear of man brings a snare, (AMP)

Fear is something that holds you back! Why is it that whenever we take new step, or face a new challenge, it’s fear and insecurities that rise up inside instead of courage and confidence?  Proverbs 29:25b has the key:

• but the one who trusts in the Lord is protected. (CSB)
• but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe. (ESV)
• But when you place your confidence in the Lord, you will be seated in the high place. (TPT)
• But whoever trusts in and puts his confidence in the Lord will be exalted and safe. (AMP)

It has everything to do with misplaced trust. I fear, because I put my trust in ME! MY abilities, MY confidence, MY expectations…

I love how this plays out in 2 Chron 20. Jehoshaphat of Judah had everything going for him – he was a great king with a massive army, he was big on education and had zero tolerance for corruption. Even his enemies brought him gifts! One day, a new challenge came along – a vast army was coming to attack. And as one might expect, he panicked!

2 Chronicles 20:3a Jehoshaphat was afraid,

Natural: F.E.A.R. in his own abilities (despite his own powerful army..!)

2 Chronicles 20:3b and he resolved to seek the Lord 2 Chronicles 20:3

Supernatural: TRUST IN GOD

I love that the construct that links the two parts of the verse is AND. Not SO or BUT.

It doesn’t say “he was afraid SO he resolved to seek the LORD”. Or “he was afraid BUT he resolved to seek the LORD.” It says “he was afraid AND he resolved to seek the Lord.” It’s not cause and effect. It’s understanding in whom you put your trust in the midst of whatever it is that you face.

So while in the natural I may have feelings or fears that want to hold me back or trap me, in the supernatural I have confidence that God fights on my behalf, because ultimately it is His battle, not mine!

PS – the end of story, God fights the battle on Judah’s behalf – you should read it sometime!