TO FEAR OR NOT?

TO FEAR OR NOT TO FEAR?

Photo: Vlad Bagacian

God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power and love and a sound mind.

2 Timothy 1:7

To understand fear we must get a better grip on the word fear itself. All through the bible, YHWH (God) established in His word, that, man must fear only Him and nothing else. We read in the bible, the words, fear YHWH. This kind of fear is in no way frightful, but respect and reverence for YHWH. The original Hebrew word for fear is as follows. Yareh means to fear and Yirah a fear.

Deuteronomy 13:4

You are to follow YHWH your God and fear Him. Keep His commandments and listen to His voice; serve Him and hold Him fast.

YHWH is requiring us to have a strong reverence for Him. King Solomon in all his wisdom said, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7).

The outcome of possessing a healthy fear for God is that we become wise and obtain knowledge. This is the reverse of fear produced by a spirit in

2 Timothy 1:7

When we reverence YHWH and offer Him the respect He deserves, we become the beneficiary of His love and grace. But, a spirit of fear is exactly what 2 Timothy 1:7 is warning us of, such fear is anti-Christ and anti-Holy Spirit. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, Psalm 91:5

A fear that is controlled by spirits opposed to God, is one of terror and panic. Bahal is the Hebrew word that speaks of one being disturbed to the point of being terrified. There were have been situations in our lives, especially as children that brought about such fear.

YHWH has never condoned this kind of fear and sadly some Ministers have equated such fear to God. Yes, we realize that the presence of God can be remarkably stunning. Yet, in the book of Revelation, we read where John collapsed when he saw the presence of the Lord. But he was encouraged not to poses a terror, by Yeshua (Jesus).

And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:

Revelation 1:17

When we slip into the snares of a spirit of fear, know that God will sustain and deliver us. Only His love for us can cast out this sort of fear. Love Him adore Him with fear and reverence.

Richard