Fear is a Liar

Fear: An unpleasant emotion caused by the BELIEF that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat.

Just the other day I was reminiscing about a fearful moment in my childhood. Through a bizarre accident I had developed an infection in my jaw that required surgery. The procedure was booked well in advance and there were many preparatory milestones that I had to meet prior to the actual date. Plainly put, I knew it was coming. Even though this event took place approximately 30 years ago, I can vividly remember the terror weeks before the actual day came. Physical ramifications such as sleeplessness, dietary irregularities, and mood fluctuation were all well established as the day drew nearer.

The morning of the surgery, my parents woke me early for the trip to the hospital. As I approached the car, I was gripped with fear and the uncertainty that lay ahead. With my fear response at full throttle, and adrenaline surging through my body, I broke free of my parents and sprinted off down the street hoping to escape and avoid. Now let me be quite clear, the procedure was performed by caring, loving, nurturing medical professionals. At no time was I in danger or even discomfort at any stage in this process. The state of fear was self-inflicted by my BELIEF and not the reality.  It was created within the imagination of the worst case scenario and the unknown. Simply put, it wasn’t real, it was my creation.

As we read the Scripture in Mark it is clear that Jesus’ time with his people is drawing to a close. As He leads the disciples to Jesusalem, the Scripture indicates that they were “filled with fear”. Now make no mistake, due to heavy persecution, hostility, and violence the disciples are justified in their fear. However, their fear was rooted in their BELIEF vs TRUTH. How often do we allow our personal circumstances to dictate our reality and to separate us from the truth of God’s Word?

Jesus goes on to vividly depict the events that are to follow. While I believe that we are all quite clear on the physical persecution that Jesus was about to face, the reality of the upcoming events are so much deeper and ultimately more painful.  “They will mock him, spit on him, flog him with a whip, and kill him, but after three days he will rise again.”  (Mark 10:34) Jesus was fully cognizant of the reality that He was soon to face yet He led the disciples to Jerusalem. He would clearly be subjected to physical pain and the betrayal of His friend Judas. However, the harshest of these realities that Jesus would have to face was that God (His father) would turn away from Him as He absorbed the sins of the world! Jesus chose resolve over fear because He was rooted in the truth of God and because He loved us enough to take on our sin. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Jesus is the ultimate example and demonstration of trusting in God, even when His promises over our lives seem like an impossibility. No matter what you may be facing in the storm, the encouragement in this writing is that fear is not reality, the word of God is. Lean on the truth of Jesus’ sacrifice and God's love for you rather than fear. God loves you and He is for you. Fear is YOUR belief. Jesus is OUR reality.  

Prayer:
Lord, we thank You for Your truth. Your word confirms to us that You have not instilled in us a spirit and timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline. Father, we ask that in our moments of weakness and doubt that You empower us with Your Holy Spirit. Father, grant us the strength to remain steadfast, relying solely on you. We pray for the gift of discernment to separate any voice of fear that may try to separate us from Your will and purpose over our lives. We love You, and we thank You. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray, Amen.