We live in a troubled and fear-filled world.
In fact, Jesus tells us it will only intensify. His description of what’s on the horizon is sobering: “‘Men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth’” (Luke 21:26 NKJV).
These fears and anxieties displace hope, peace, and tranquility, leaving only unrest, heavy hearts, and persistent torment.
What’s the antidote?
Kept Safe by Heaven’s Armies
The Lord has given me a strong warning not to think like everyone else does. He said, “Don’t call everything a conspiracy, like they do, and don’t live in dread of what frightens them. Make the Lord of Heaven’s Armies holy in your life. He is the one you should fear. He is the one who should make you tremble. He will keep you safe” (Isaiah 8:11–14 NLT).
Holy fear eliminates all other fears and anxieties, for it is backed by God’s promise of being kept safe. Stop for a moment and ponder this reality.
Imagine all the armed forces of the United States being assigned to protect you. Every general informs their down-line officers that you’re top priority, and anything required for your safety is to be implemented. Their full spectrum of advanced weaponry is committed to provide protection wherever you stay or go. It’s almost unimaginable, but if this occurred, I’m sure you’d feel safe and secure. Yet this pales in comparison to God Almighty saying, “I will keep you safe.”
No wonder we are told:
How great is the goodness you have stored up for those who fear you. You lavish it on those who come to you for protection, blessing them before the watching world. You hide them in the shelter of your presence, safe from those who conspire against them. You shelter them in your presence, far from accusing tongues. — Psalm 31:19–20 (NLT)
The promise of lavished goodness — being hidden in the shelter of God’s presence, safe from those who would try to harm us — is not made to all, but to those who fear God.
‘Don’t Be Afraid!’
There was a time when the king of Aram became furious with Elisha the prophet and sent troops to arrest him. Elisha’s servant was the first to see the soldiers, horses, and chariots. He was overwhelmed with fear.
“‘Don’t be afraid!’ Elisha told him. ‘For there are more on our side than on theirs!’ Then Elisha prayed, ‘Oh Lord, open his eyes and let him see!’” (2 Kings 6:16–17). The Lord did, and the servant saw on the hillside multitudes of angelic horses and chariots of fire.
Jesus often encountered crowds that picked up stones to hurl at Him. Another time a crowd attempted to throw Him off a cliff, but in each life-threatening occasion, He simply walked away unharmed (see Luke 4:29; John 8:59, 10:39).
The only time God permits someone who fears Him to go through suffering is if it’s granted from above for God’s glory. However, even in these situations there is a confidence from holy fear that eliminates human fear. Consider the three young Hebrew men who were brought before the most powerful king on earth, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. He had built a large idol and made a decree that all people should bow before it anytime music was heard in the land.
These three young men feared God and refused to sin by obeying the leader’s decree. They were brought before a very angry Nebuchadnezzar, one who could instantly throw them into a furnace of fire. Were the young men afraid? I’ll let you determine, for notice what they say to an enraged king: “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up” (Daniel 3:17–18).
What confidence! They remained calm and fearless, even though Scripture states, “Nebuchadnezzar was so furious with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego that his face became distorted with rage” (v. 19). These men feared God and therefore knew He would deliver them either by life or death. They were hurled into the furnace but came out unharmed, without even the smell of smoke. They remained unafraid, even if it meant death.
The apostle Paul, a man who greatly feared God, had the same attitude. When facing possible execution he stated, “I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better” (Philippians 1:20–21).
Why is dying to glorify Christ even better or, as other translations say, “far better” than life? The fear of God, which is the beginning of wisdom, enlightens us with the proper perspective on this life and the next. This is why Jesus states, “Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28).
Freedom From Fear
Years ago, while I was on the road ministering, God spoke to me when I was fearful for my children. He said, “John, any fear in your life only identifies what you haven’t put under the cross; you still own that area of your life.” I repented that evening, gave our sons completely back to God, and never worried again for their safety.
The fear of the Lord leads us to surrender all to Jesus. When we do, we live in what others greatly desire but just can’t find: peace, confidence, and freedom from fear.
Adapted from The Awe of God by John Bevere.
Do you long for an intimate relationship with your Creator, but He seems elusive? Perhaps it is because something utterly essential is missing — the fear of the Lord. Don’t let this frighten you. Fearing God is very different than being afraid of God. It’s the key to everything.
The Awe of God was designed to be read slowly and intentionally, given its devotional format. At the end of each of the 42 chapters are five tools to help you deepen your understanding and apply what the Spirit of God is teaching you. With this compelling and convicting message, you can experience a revival in your relationship with God, whether you’re new to following Him or have walked with Him for most of your life.
The Awe of God is published by HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., the parent company of Bible Gateway.
John Bevereis a minister known for his bold, uncompromising approach to God's Word. He is also an international bestselling author who has written more than 20 books that have, collectively, sold millions of copies and been translated into 129 languages. Along with his wife, Lisa, John is the co-founder of Messenger International — a ministry committed to revolutionizing global discipleship. Driven by a passion to develop uncompromising followers of Christ, Messenger has given over 50 million translated resources to leaders across the globe, and to extend these efforts, theMessengerXapp was developed, providing translated, digital discipleship resources at no cost to users in 120 languages and counting.MessengerXcurrently has users in over 19,000 cities and 228 nations. When John is home in Franklin, Tennessee,you’llfind himloving onhis g-babies, playing pickleball, or trying to convince Lisa to take up golf.
