The Forbidden Fruit of Fear
In times like these, many individuals feel anxious amidst the current conditions and the pervasive fear the media amplifies. The constant news consumption has led many to heightened alertness, inundating them with fear-inducing information. This excessive intake of news content reveals and intensifies the spiritual disposition of those who profess a belief in Christ. Instead of resting securely in the care of the Father, many hearts are succumbing to fear, allowing themselves to be influenced by opposing forces. When prompted by fear, they readily comply with the enemy's directives. Whether adopting precautions out of fear or stockpiling essentials in anticipation of the worst, their responses are driven by a sense of panic rather than faith.
Experiencing panic and fear can result in behaving irrationally and responding illogically without considering facts, reason, or perspective. These overwhelming emotions can compromise the immune system, increasing vulnerability to illnesses. Even individuals who outwardly display strong faith by proclaiming belief in Christ may succumb to fear and panic, attempting to rely on their strength as a form of self-preservation. Despite showcasing a religious appearance, they reject true spiritual power due to their fearfulness (2 Timothy 3:5). Those who fear in the context of faith often frantically seek solutions for seemingly insurmountable issues, becoming agitated and making unsound decisions. Rational thinking takes a back seat as they validate their panic with impractical justifications, forsaking a logical approach for quick, fear-driven reactions to potential threats, some of which may be valid.
As individuals who believe in the Most High God, there should be no cause for us to feel threatened. This assurance stems from the words found in Psalms 91, reminding us of the multitude of promises, assistance, guidance, safeguarding, sustenance, restoration, and triumph we have through our faith in Jesus Christ. These are the declarations that believers are given and can rely upon when they place their faith in God and entrust themselves to Him. Yet, despite this clarity, why does a disconnect persist, and why is it so prevalent? The root cause appears to be disobedience. A fundamental question God poses in Scripture echoes in Luke 6:46, "Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I say?" In John 14:15, Jesus plainly states, "If you love me, keep my commandments." This directive seems straightforward, so what leads many believers to heed the words of satan over God's guidance? Why do some individuals resist yielding to God's supremacy and living by His will consistently rather than merely when faced with fear? And why do they opt for fear when God has promised to remain by our side without abandon perpetually? What compels some to defy God’s teachings and lend an ear to satan and his deceit? Why do certain individuals decline to adhere to God's commands?
God's promises free us from the need to gauge our internal state based on fleeting emotions. Instead of relying on unreliable feelings to guide our responses to negativity, we can turn to the unwavering truth of God's word. Created in His image, we are fully capable of reflecting His character successfully. Fear, originating from the enemy, stands in direct opposition to the spirit of power, love, and a sound mind that God has bestowed upon us. As believers, we do not carry the spirit of fear within us; rather, we are equipped with attributes that align with God's nature. Refuse to operate in a spirit contrary to your identity in Christ, and stand firm in the truth that fear has no place in your life as a child of God.
According to John 8:44, it is established that satan is the originator of lies and devoid of truth. This implies that everything he speaks is falsehood, providing a clear path for us to reject his words. His sole purpose is to steal, kill, and destroy the blessings God has bestowed upon us, even our peace (John 10:10). Fear, originating from the dark realm, leads to torment and stands in stark contrast to love, making it an act against God, thus considered a sin. Opting for fear over faith amounts to choosing rebellion over obedience, akin to the sin of witchcraft (1 Samuel 15:23). Therefore, from this day forward, as believers in Christ, let us assert our authority and avoid granting the enemy any space in our lives. By cloaking ourselves in the armor of God as outlined in Ephesians 6:10-18, immersing ourselves in Scripture, reciting Psalms 91 daily, and leveraging the power of prayer, we can combat any adversity. Let us prioritize trust in God over fleeting emotions, embrace peace amidst turmoil, love over fear, and God over self. This decision solely rests upon us; let us choose wisely, knowing God is infallible in all His ways.
