When is fear a proper response to what I’m facing?
Deuteronomy 7:17-26 (NIV)
You may say to yourselves, "These nations are stronger than we are. How can we drive them out?" But do not be afraid of them; remember well what the LORD your God did to Pharaoh and to all Egypt . . . .. . . . The LORD your God will drive out those nations before you, little by little. You will not be allowed to eliminate them all at once . . . . .Do not covet the silver and gold . . . . .or you will be ensnared by it . . . . Deuteronomy 7:17-26 (NIV)
Pastor’s Blog
Here’s a great quote I read somewhere I can’t remember this afternoon from someone important whom I am forgetting which I wrote down somewhere but can’t find, but remember enough to paraphrase for you.
“ I should not be surprised to notice that when I “fear God”, I find
myself fearing other things less. When I am not “fearing God”, my
fears of other things increase”.
Today’s passage says at least two crucial things:
1. Fear can be reduced if we remember what God has done. If He routed Pharoah, delivered the Jews from Egypt, became a Jew in Jesus, did miracles, was raised from the dead, and if He is for us, then that ought to be a boost to my sense of security. If I “fear” God (respect, trust, know He’s God, place myself in his care, humble myself before Him), then I have the God of the universe going before me when I obey.
2. Notice, however, that driving out the Canaanites didn’t happen “all at once”, not just because of Israel’s sin, but because God planned for it to be a slow process. So too, our victories will rarely be instantaneous. The process of facing our fear is one of God’s teaching and, yes, God’s protection. The journey is as important as the final victory.
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
FEAR as fear of God is the wrong word to use, based on today's negative context....I'm very pleased
ReplyDeletethe pastor's blog defined 'fear' of God as respect, etc...
Why not use one of these POSITIVE words to clearly describe the emotion, especially if
trust, care, etc is the real meaning.
It is difficult to slow down and wait for GOD to take obvious control. We keep right on charging ahead. When the answer comes, it is not always finished but rather a signal to continue working to correct the problem and thank GOD for being with you (and me). You must continue to trust and obey.
ReplyDelete