Today, fear seems to be a normal part of life. Every day, people face fears of every kind. It’s as if fear has become man’s ever-present companion.

Words that describe our society today are:

• fearful
• anxious
• dreadful
• fretful
• apprehensive.

We are continually anxious about the soaring crime rate, the failing economy, wars and rumors of wars, and social, political and racial tensions.

These fears leave us feeling out of control, and our hearts fail us because of fear.

Fear—the First Fruits of Sin

The first recorded words of man in the Bible were by Adam to God, “I was afraid.”

…and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord …. And the Lord God… said unto him, Where art thou? And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. —Gen 3:8-10

Sin brought fear into their lives that man was never supposed to feel. We weren’t created to live with fear and dread.

Fear Distorts Our Realities

When we believe the devil’s lies, we allow fear in.

Self-righteousness is a distorted reality. Fear keeps us in bondage to it, so we cannot see life the way it really is. For many, fear has been a constant companion and motivates their every action.

1. Many are distrusting in their relationships, tormented by thoughts of betrayal and infidelity.
2. Others worry about everything.

Worry means to choke, to strangle. It’s a feeling of suffocation or to be pressed tightly. We worry about money. We worry about our children.

3. Many are distressed—in fear of losing their jobs or of getting one.
4. Many are anxious and arm themselves and live only aware of violence and crime.
5. Many are angry with the world and themselves and take it out on the ones they love the most.

In most cases, we have lost the sense of normalcy—having our fulfillment in God alone.

The Fear of God

What about the fear of God? The Bible is filled with statements about fearing God.

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom…. — Proverbs 9:10

For many, fear has been a constant companion and motivates their every action.

In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence…. —Proverbs 14:26

The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death. —Proverbs 14:27

The fear of the LORD tendeth to life…. —Proverbs 19:23

What does the Bible mean by the fear the Lord?

Worshiping God

It means to respond to God with reverence, honor, respect, and awe—to worship God in obedience.

Jesus understood this truth well:

And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. — Luke 4:8

God intended for us to be constantly aware of His love and presence.

The Answer to Fear—the Gospel of Peace.

Isaiah said, “Who has believed our report?” The same can be said today.

Fear has been passed from generation to generation, even in the Church, because people find it difficult to believe the report of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Promise of Peace

Every religion in the world today has a promise of peace and the illusion of freedom from fear. Only the gospel of Jesus Christ can deliver this reality.

Ending the Reign of Terror.

The first recorded words of the Gospel: “Do not be afraid.”

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. … Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. —Luke 2: 10-14

From the beginning it has been God’s intent to end the devil’s reign of terror and the fear of death.

Jesus has destroyed him who had the power to enslave you to fear and terror.