Why God NEVER Fears!

Did you know God NEVER fears?

Like God, you and I feel grief, compassion, anger, and love. . .and so does God. Yes, God has emotions.

But God never fears while we fear almost daily to some degree. God never fears anything; he never fears anyone. God is the Creator of everything and everyone. Because He is sovereign — which means he’s in control, always — he has a perfect interpretation and uses his power for our good and his glory.

For us, fear feels distressful. Or worse, it may feel so disturbing we pray God takes us to Heaven. Now.

Why We Fear

Fear results from our interpretation that someone or something in our life is dangerous, resulting may cause pain or loss. Often our interpretation is faulty. When we have a faulty interpretation of life and the events around us, and because we know we cannot control them, we experience fear.

Fear flowing from a wrong interpretation of life often paralyzes you and me from doing Godʼs will.

Paralyzing fear leaves a person unable to think or act normally. God did not give us this type of fear but gave us instead “a spirit of power, of love and of sound mind.” (2 Tim 1:7)  Sound mind — based on the knowledge, wisdom and understanding of Godʼs Word — lets us to interpret life through the mind and eyes of God.

A Good Fear

There is one amazing, wonderful fear: the “fear of God.” This isn’t a scary fear but a feeling of awe and reverence of God. This good fear can end all fears. Peter wrote, “Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.” (1 Peter 2:17, ESV)

Joshua’s Good Fear

Joshua experienced freak-out fear as he began his leadership of Israel. Yet the fear of God quickly eliminated the other fear.

God had given him a new assignment. After Moses died, it became Joshuaʼs job to lead Godʼs people into the Promised Land. Joshua was timid, much like Timothy. His fearfulness of the assignment is why God commanded him four times, “Be strong and courageous…” (Joshua 1:6,7,9,18).

What were the two sources of strength and courage for Joshua?

They are the same sources where we find strength and courage.

First, an awesome awareness of the presence of God.

God told him that He would be with him, that he’d never leave him or forsake him. God promised His presence with Joshua in the same way he was present for Moses wherever he went.

Second, a growing relationship with Godʼs Word.

God promises success and prosperity to all who do not turn to the right nor to the left, but who stay focused and obedient to Godʼs Word (Joshua 1:8).

If we love God, we obey Him. Perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18). It is the truth of Godʼs Word, resulting in love and obedience to the Lord, which allows us to lead lives of strength and courage.

And live fearlessly!

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