Healing Heart Ministries: Lose the Fear

Sunday, May 18, 2014

Lose the Fear

Fear, in some ways can be a good thing. The fear of getting hit by a car can save you from getting hit by a car! You have been taught to know enough fear to stop and observe the traffic both ways before crossing a street or highway. The fear of getting burned keeps us from touching elements that we know either are or could be hot.

Babies, by nature, are only afraid of two things: falling and loud noises. They actually test babies on this when they are born. The medical professional will act as if they are going to drop the baby and instinctively the baby's arms flail outward in fear. They cause a loud noise to happen to test the babies hearing ability. A normal baby will either cry or jump in a startled way. I believe that the remainder of the fears we seem to embrace later on are taught to us by our parents or others.

The Bible talks about the 'fear of God.' What does that mean? It used to really confuse me when I read that in the Word. I used to think, 'Why should I fear God when He is telling me He loves me?'

I came to understand that the word for 'fear' in these passages is better translated 'reverence.' Now it makes much more sense. Sometimes we really need to understand the real meaning behind a certain word in the Bible in order to get the full effect of what is being said. I can, should and do reverence the Lord.
But, I don't ever need to 'be afraid' of Him. Now, I need to clarify that I'm speaking of a person who has been born again. The blood-washed person has no need to fear God in the 'scared' way.

But, a person who does not have a relationship with God through Jesus needs to have a fear of going to hell, because if you aren't trusting in the fact that Jesus took your punishment for sin, then hell is your eventual destination. Not because God is sending you there, but because YOU through your unbelief, have chosen to go there. You have rejected [made the choice] Jesus and His payment for your sin, which ultimately means that YOU must pay for the sin of rejecting Jesus' work on the cross for you.

The reality for a Christian is ~ He is my Daddy; my Abba Father. He is the very best Father of all. Worship and reverence Him, but please lose the fear factor when it comes to God. He is not standing over you with a club, waiting for you to mess up yet again so that He can pound you over the head. He loves you and He is for you. He promised that He will never leave you nor forsake you. He rejoices over you with singing...and this is Old Testament Scripture! How much more does He rejoice over you in the New Covenant of grace.