Wrestling with Fear: From Roof Jumps to Icy Patches
Fear. It's a funny thing. I've never been particularly good at it, at least not the self-preservation kind. Growing up in the 70s meant a childhood filled with questionable stunts: jumping off roofs into swimming pools (don't try this at home!), skidding on ice while holding onto a car bumper (definitely don't try this!), and even letting my brother jump his bike over me (seriously, what were we thinking?). Looking back, I’m amazed I survived.
This almost reckless fearlessness has served me well in some areas. It's certainly come in handy when preaching and playing rugby! But lately, I've been bumping up against my limitations, and fear – the real, gut-clenching kind – has crept into my life.
Just last week, my usual 5 a.m. dog walk took an unexpected turn. One house down the street, I hit a patch of black ice and went down hard. My feet flew up, and I landed squarely on the back of my head, the impact so forceful that my AirPod was launched into the street. I picked myself up, brushed myself off, and decided the treadmill was a safer bet.
Now, I'm no stranger to falls or even head injuries, so I was a bit surprised by what happened next. Later in the week, I was walking back from dropping my car off at the shop when I felt it: butterflies in my stomach. My steps were hesitant, my pace slow. I was a little scared. A little fearful.
The Bible has a lot to say about fear. We're told to "be strong and courageous," like Joshua, but we're also told to "fear the Lord." What does that even mean? What does it look like to live a life marked by both courage and the fear of God?
In an old journal, I found a quote from a long-lost book (I suspect it was by Paul Tripp or Dan Allender) that has been resonating with me:
"The fear of the world drives us away from God. Fear of God strips away all other fears and compels us to deal with God. ... Fear of God roots us not in our problems but in the essence of existence."
This quote gets to the heart of the matter. Worldly fear – the fear of falling, the fear of what people think, the fear of failure – can paralyze us and even drive us away from God. But the fear of God is different. It's a reverent awe, a recognition of His power and holiness. It's not a cowering terror, but a deep respect that reorients our entire perspective.
The fear of the Lord isn't about being afraid that God will strike us down. It's about understanding the sheer magnitude of His presence and recognizing that we are accountable to Him. It's about acknowledging that He is the source of all life and goodness.
Think about it: When we truly fear God, other fears begin to shrink in comparison. The fear of failure pales in the face of our desire to please Him. The fear of what others think loses its grip when we understand that our ultimate approval comes from Him. The fear of death itself is transformed when we know that we are secure in His love.
So, how do we cultivate this healthy, biblical fear of God? Here are a few practical steps:
Immerse yourself in Scripture: The more we read and meditate on God's Word, the more we understand His character and His holiness. Spend time in the Psalms, which are filled with expressions of awe and reverence for God.
Spend time in prayer: Prayer is not just about asking God for things. It's about coming into His presence, acknowledging His greatness, and surrendering our lives to Him.
Fellowship with other believers: Surrounding ourselves with people who also strive to live in the fear of the Lord can be a great encouragement and support.
Obey His commands: The fear of the Lord is not just a feeling; it's a way of life. When we obey God's commands, we demonstrate our reverence for Him.
Developing a biblical fear of God is not easy, but it's essential for living a life of true courage and purpose. It’s a fear that liberates us from the tyranny of lesser fears and roots us in the solid foundation of God's love and grace. It’s a fear that allows us to jump off metaphorical roofs, not with reckless abandon, but with the confidence that comes from knowing who we are in Christ. And maybe, just maybe, it will even help us navigate those icy patches with a little more caution and a lot more faith.
Ask yourself:
Where do you locate your fear? Is it rooted in the world – fear of failure, social anxiety, physical danger, uncertainty – or is it primarily a reverent awe of God? Consider specific examples in your life. What situations trigger fear in you, and how do you typically respond?
How does your fear impact your relationship with God? Does fear cause you to doubt God's goodness or power? Does it make you want to hide from Him, or does it compel you to seek Him more earnestly? A healthy fear of God should compel us to deal with Him. How does your experience align with (or diverge from) this idea?
Do you see your problems as bigger than God, or do you view them through the lens of His sovereignty? This question gets at the heart of perspective. When faced with a challenge, is your immediate reaction to panic and despair, or do you first turn to God in prayer and trust? Our problems are real, but the fear of God "roots us not in our problems but in the essence of existence." How can you practically shift your focus in this way?
Do you believe that God is in control of everything, even the difficult and painful things in your life? This includes the icy patches, the unexpected falls, the broken relationships, and the unanswered prayers. Can you see God's hand at work even in the "falls" of your life? How does acknowledging God's sovereignty impact your experience of fear?
How does the fear of the Lord shape your other fears? Does it diminish their power? Does it reframe them? Does it motivate you to act differently in the face of them? The fear of God can strip away other fears. Have you experienced this in your own life? If so, how?
What practical steps can you take to cultivate a healthier fear of the Lord in your daily life? Consider immersing yourself in Scripture, spending time in prayer, and fellowshipping with other believers. What specific actions will you commit to this week to grow in your reverence for God?
Scriptures to consider:
Proverbs 9:10: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
Deuteronomy1 10:12: “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul…”2
Psalm 34:9: “Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing.”
Praying for the adroitness of a mountain goat;
Pastor Tim
