In A Grief Observed, C.S. Lewis wrote that one of the surprises in experiencing grief, is how very similar grief is to fear, in one’s life. When fear and grief come together, they deepen our sadness and sense of loss. I believe that fear, in fact, attaches itself to any large or small change in our lives that makes us the least bit anxious. People of all professions can experience paralyzing fear that interferes with their jobs as well as their private lives.

God is aware of our propensity to fear. He has long ago placed a remedy that is echoed in both the Old and New Testaments.: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. (Proverbs 9:10)

We can’t simply rid ourselves of fear, but with God’s help help we can replace the source of our fears with the Spirit of God who welcomes our fear in order to transform it into courage and strength: through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for: through the fear of the Lord evil is avoided. (Proverbs 16:6)

The fear of the Lord is a recurring theme in the Bible. It is more than respect or acknowledgment. It is intimate contact with God that is reassuring and healing. It is the consciousness of God’s power wrapped in His love. It is altogether different from the fear we experience toward evil in our world, for it carries commitment with it and that makes the difference between craven fear of the things of the world, and triumphant fear of a triumphant God.

Fear of the Lord is opening ourselves to one who is greater and stronger and better than ourselves and knowing this is true. It isn’t merely “respecting” God, but accepting Him as our own God. The fear of the Lord drives out all other fears: Perfect love drives out fear. (1 John 4:18)

The things we fear are many, and many entities use fear to motivate us commercially, politically and socially. Fear is a strong motivator, but the message of the scriptures is emphatically the message given to Joshua when he was faced with the virtually insurmountable task of entering and subduing the land that had been promised to the Hebrew people: Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9) Jesus said it even more simply: Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is the Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. (Luke 12:32) Indeed the Father’s good pleasure is enough to drive out all other fears.

Love in Him,

Prue