Monday, February 23, 2015

How Living in Fear Robs Us of Life (Part 3 of 3)

(Part 3 of 3)

Where Are My Eyes?

There are truly frightening things in the world, but I’ve learned that where I look has a tremendous impact on the way that I feel about them.    

If my focus is on my situation, or on what is difficult, or on things that are outside of my control, I can get anxious and depressed and just want to give up.  If I let my thoughts be drawn toward what-if’s and ugly scenarios, the result is worry, tension, stress…and fear.  

When I focus on myself, I forget that God is so much bigger.  When I fix my eyes on how things are going or how they might end up, I forget that He loves me more than I could ever imagine.  I might even start to think that He just tolerates me, at best.  It’s not that I would think He is against me, but sometimes, I can forget that He is for me.  

That, however, is far from the truth.  He is always for me.  And He loves me with an unstoppable, overwhelming, self-sacrificing, forever love.  “The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save.  He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing,” (Zephaniah 3:17).

The book of Acts gives an account of a man who was born lame and is begging for money outside the temple gate.  As Peter and John approach the temple, the man asks for alms.  Peter and John look directly at the man, who is obviously not really anticipating getting anything from them, because he is not even looking at them.  “Look at us!” They say to him (Acts 3:4).  So, then, he gives them his attention, expecting to receive something.  Now that Peter has the man’s gaze, he is able to offer him something far more valuable than money.  Through the power of Jesus, Peter and John take the man’s hand, tell him to get up, and he is healed.  This man, who has never walked a day in his life, jumps up and walks, praising God.  When he shifted his focus, he was able to receive something amazing from God.  To see God work on His behalf.      

If I fix my eyes on Jesus and on the good news that nothing can separate me from His love, my expectations change.  If I focus on Jesus instead of on my situation, the result is joy and hope and peace that will carry me through anything.

God acknowledges all through His Word that things can be scary.  Life-threatening, painful, heart-wrenching.  He tells us that we will have trouble in this life, but He encourages us not to fear the things that are frightening.  He asks us to redirect our fear—to shift our focus.  We can’t control everything that happens to us, but we can choose what our response to it will be.  Instead of fixing our eyes on the “what if’s,” God wants us to fix our eyes on Him.  And this may sound harsh or backwards, because God is love, but to put our fear in the right place is actually to fear God.  

There is a Right Kind of Fear.

Over and over again, the Bible says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning.  The beginning of wisdom, the beginning of knowledge, the beginning of understanding. No wonder the enemy tempts us with fear and tries to turn our eyes towards things that are frightening.  If we fear evil instead of fearing God, we’ve lost the very foundation to truly knowing Him. 

Countless times, I’ve heard it said that fearing God is really just about a healthy respect and awe.  It’s like we’re trying to defend the Bible and make sure that people don’t think that God is actually as vastly different-from-us as He is.  But, every time that anyone in the Bible ever came close to seeing God, they fell on their faces, petrified.  Look at what Isaiah, the prophet, said when he saw God:

Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty,” (Isaiah 6:5).

We fear God by acknowledging His vastness, His greatness, His glory.  We fear God by recognizing how small we are in comparison to Him.  By being still before Him.  By remembering the great things He has done.  

We fear God when we put our trust in Him.  When we rely on Him.  When we believe that He really is everything that He says He is.  When we put our faith in the promises that He makes throughout the Bible.  When we admit how much we need Him and rest in knowing how faithful He is to meet our every need. 

We fear God by worshipping Him.  By loving Him.  By being obedient to Him.  By taking the time to really get to know Him.

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, and to observe the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?” (Deuteronomy 10:12-13).

The fear of frightening things is the wrong kind of fear.  It’s a life waster.  I spent years making excuse after excuse for why my fear of frightening things was justified, for why my fear was natural, for why my fear was responsible.  That fear kept me from doing so many good things.  It kept me from experiencing so much peace.  

The fear of God is the right kind of fear.  It’s where true life starts.  It’s where the wrong fear subsides.  He’s worth it.  He’s worth our trust.  Worth our honor.  Worth our love.  Worth our very lives.  

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear,” (1 John 4:18). 


Fake Caution and Ugly Red Curtains.

How often do we disguise fear with nice cover-ups like “caution” or “responsibility” and make excuses for our choices because of what, deep down, we are afraid of?  Maybe it’s going out on open water.  Or flying in an airplane.  Or going to the doctor.  Or being alone.  Maybe we’re not consistent with our children because we’re afraid that the won’t like us.  Maybe it’s speaking in front of people or sharing our faith.      

I realized that my fear had the “caution” facade the day that I bought hideous red curtains for our beautiful back-of-the-house kitchen windows and asked Sean to put them up.  First of all, we loved those windows bare.  They were open and clean, and they looked out over a stream and a forest of trees.  Secondly, the only things that could really see into them were woodland creatures and birds.  I justified my decision to hang up the gaudy and unnecessary curtains by saying that I didn’t want anyone to be able to see into our house.  But in truth, I was afraid of what (or who) might be outside the windows.  I felt exposed when I couldn’t see out but someone might be able to see in.  I was sure that one day, I would walk out to the kitchen at night to fill a glass with water and someone would be staring back at me through the glass. But, based on how readily I listened to the oh-so-scary water heater coming on in the basement or how quickly I could run from the bedroom to the bathroom and back again at 2am, I know that whether the curtains were open or not, I wasn’t basing my decision to close up the windows on wise caution.  I didn’t trust that God could really take care of us even if the curtains were closed.  I thought that my “caution” would keep us safe.  And I didn't even like the curtains.  Really, I was afraid.

Responsibility and caution are both very good and very important--IF our focus is in the right place.  When I tried to hang the ugly red curtains, my focus wasn’t.  It was on my fear, and on trying to create an illusion of a safe place.  In truth, there are no places that are safer than others if we are living with our eyes focused on Jesus.  God’s will is the only safe place.  He will never leave us or forsake us.  We can trust Him.   


Fear is Real.  Our Response to Fear is a Choice.

In the sixty-six books of the Bible, there are nearly five hundred verses (give or take, depending on the translation you’re looking at) that use either the words, “fear” or “afraid.”  Between the five hundred, there are three overarching themes:
1. People should fear God
2. God’s people do not need to be/should not be afraid of things that are frightening
3. It is common for people to be afraid when they aren’t fearing God 

A clear thread throughout Scripture is that loving God, seeking God, and obeying God is the way to live without fear.  Fearing God is the answer to all of the frightening thing we face.  Fearing God (honoring Him, trusting Him, recognizing how great He is) is the way to find hope and joy and peace in the midst of frightening circumstances.

Jesus says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world,” (John 16:33).  Jesus is the hope of the future.  I love what that a good friend of mine says about how we can move forward in life.  She says that we can truly live, “When the hope of the future is greater than the fear of the future,” (Ashley Hibbard).  

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord,” (Romans 8:38-39).


A Pretty Exhaustive List.

I love lists—they help me.  Feel free to ignore this next part if you’re not a list fan.  I’ve put a handful of the verses about “fear” in the Bible into sub-categories, to help me understand what God is asking for when He says to fear Him, and what He teaches me to do with fear.  I’ve also compiled several resources—books and teaching videos—that have been helpful to me in my journey to freedom from the wrong kind of fear.  I hope they’ll be helpful to you, too! **[italics and brackets] are mine, for explanation.


FEAR IN THE BIBLE

LOVE

Psalm 33:18  But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love..

Psalm 103:11  For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him..

Psalm 118:4  Let those who fear the Lord say: “His love endures forever.”

Psalm 139:14  I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 

1 John 4:18  There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

TRUST IN GOD and RELIANCE ON GOD

Psalm 56:3-4  When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?

Psalm 56:11  ..in God I trust and am not afraid. What can man do to me?

Psalm 118:6  The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?

Mark 5:36  Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”

Matthew 1:20  But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.

Isaiah 50:10  Who among you fears the Lord and obeys the word of his servant? Let the one who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the Lord and rely on their God.

GOD’S COMPASSION AND MERCY

Psalm 103:13  As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him..

Psalm 145:19  He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.

Luke 1:50  His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.

GOD’S CLOSENESS

Psalm 25:14  The Lord confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them.

Psalm 147:11  The Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.

Isaiah 43:1  But now, this is what the Lord says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

Isaiah 51:12  “I, even I, am he who comforts you. Who are you that you fear mere mortals, human beings who are but grass..

Lamentations 3:57 You came near when I called you, and you said, “Do not fear.”

Romans 8:15  For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”

Luke 12:32  “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.

GOD IS WITH US

Genesis 26:24  That night the Lord appeared to him and said, “I am the God of your father Abraham. Do not be afraid, for I am with you…”

Deuteronomy 31:6  Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Deuteronomy 31:8  The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Joshua 1:9  Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

1 Chronicles 28:20  David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. 

Matthew 14:25-27  Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.  But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

John 14:27  Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

GOD IS ON OUR SIDE

Exodus 14:13  Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today.

Deuteronomy 3:22  Do not be afraid of them; the Lord your God himself will fight for you.”

2 Chronicles 20:15  He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.

2 Chronicles 20:17  You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.’” 

Isaiah 41:10  So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:13  For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.

Jeremiah 32:40  I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never stop doing good to them, and I will inspire them to fear me, so that they will never turn away from me.

Hebrews 13:6  So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”

HAVING AN UNDIVIDED HEART

Psalm 86:11  Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.

Jeremiah 32:39  I will give them singleness of heart and action, so that they will always fear me and that all will then go well for them and for their children after them.

GOD’S PROVISION AND PROTECTION

Deuteronomy 3:22  You shall not fear them, for it is the Lord your God who fights for you.

Psalm 34:9  Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing.

Genesis 50:21  So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.”

Psalm 115:11  You who fear him, trust in the Lord— he is their help and shield.

Proverbs 9:10  The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Psalm 115:13  He will bless those who fear the Lord— small and great alike.

Genesis 15:1  After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.”

GOD’S SALVATION

1 Samuel 12:20  [In response to Saul when he had sinned against God] “Do not be afraid,” Samuel replied. “You have done all this evil; yet do not turn away from the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart.”

Isaiah 12:2  Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.”

Proverbs 16:6  Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the Lord evil is avoided.

Hebrews 2:14-16  He [Jesus] too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.

WISDOM AND KNOWING GOD THROUGH THE FEAR OF HIM

Proverbs 1:7  The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 1:29  ..since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the Lord.

Proverbs 1:33  ..but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.”

Isaiah 11:2  The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord

Proverbs 2:5  [When you seek God’s wisdom and understanding] ..then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.

Proverbs 3:24   [When you seek God’s wisdom and understanding] When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.

Daniel 10:12  Then he continued, “Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them.

Isaiah 33:6  He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.

GOD IS ABOVE ALL

Deuteronomy 6:13  Fear the Lord your God, serve him only

Psalm 96:4  For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods.

Jeremiah 10:7  Who should not fear you, King of the nations? This is your due. Among all the wise leaders of the nations and in all their kingdoms, there is no one like you.

FEAR GOD (REVERENCE and RECOGNIZING THE GREATNESS, POWER, GLORY, AND HOLINESS OF GOD)

Genesis 28:17  He was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven.”

Judges 6:23  [When Gideon saw the angel of the Lord] But the Lord said to him, “Peace! Do not be afraid. You are not going to die.”

Psalm 64:9  All people will fear; they will proclaim the works of God and ponder what he has done.

Psalm 33:8  Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the people of the world revere him.

Proverbs 22:4  Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life. 

Psalm 76:7a   You alone are to be feared..

Psalm 119:120  My flesh trembles in fear of you; I stand in awe of your laws.

Luke 8:25  “Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.”

Philippians 2:12  Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,

Hebrews 12:21  The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, “I am trembling with fear.”

Revelation 14:7  He said in a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.”

Revelation 15:4  Who will not fear you, Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.”

OBEDIENCE TO GOD IS FOR OUR OWN GOOD

Deuteronomy 5:29  Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always, so that it might go well with them and their children forever!

Deuteronomy 10:12-22 [v. 12-13]  “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, and to observe the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?”

Psalm 112:1  Praise the Lord. Blessed are those who fear the Lord, who find great delight in his commands.

Psalm 128:1 Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to him.

Ecclesiastes 12:13  Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.

Isaiah 8:13  The Lord Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread.

Exodus 20:20  Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning.”

1 Chronicles 22:13  Then you will have success if you are careful to observe the decrees and laws that the Lord gave Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged.

GOD GIVES US BOLDNESS TO FEARLESSLY MAKE HIM KNOWN 

Ephesians 6:19  Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel..

Acts 18:9  One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent.

FEARING GOD BY DOING GOOD AND SHUNNING EVIL

1 Samuel 12:24  But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.

Proverbs 8:13  To fear the Lord is to hate evil;

Job 1:1  [T]here lived a man whose name was Job. This man was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil.

Proverbs 3:7  Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.

Acts 10:2  He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need 
and prayed to God regularly.

GOD SAYS WE DO NOT NEED TO FEAR THE THINGS THAT ARE FRIGHTENING

Deuteronomy 1:29 Then I said to you, “Do not be terrified; do not be afraid of them.

Psalm 27:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalm 27:3  Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.

Psalm 46:2  Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea..

Psalm 49:5  Why should I fear when evil days come, when wicked deceivers surround me..

Psalm 55:5, 23  Fear and trembling have beset me; horror has overwhelmed me . . . But as for me, I trust in you.

Psalm 91:5  You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day..

Proverbs 3:25 Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked..

Proverbs 29:25  Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.

Isaiah 8:12  “Do not call conspiracy everything this people calls a conspiracy; do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it.

Isaiah 35:4  ..say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.”

Isaiah 51:7  “Hear me, you who know what is right, you people who have taken my instruction to heart: Do not fear the reproach of mere mortals or be terrified by their insults.

Jeremiah 1:8  Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord.

Jeremiah 51:46  Do not lose heart or be afraid when rumors are heard in the land; one rumor comes this year, another the next, rumors of violence in the land and of ruler against ruler.

Ezekiel 2:6  And you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their words. Do not be afraid, though briers and thorns are all around you and you live among scorpions. Do not be afraid of what they say or be terrified by them, though they are a rebellious people.

Matthew 8:26  He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.

Matthew 10:26  “So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.

Luke 12:4  “I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more.

Luke 12:4-6  “I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.”

1 Peter 3:14  But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.”

1 Peter 3:6  …like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her lord. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.

Revelation 2:10  Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.

WHAT FEAR LOOKS LIKE WHEN PEOPLE ARE FACED WITH THE PRESENCE OF GOD or THE ANGEL OF THE LORD

Daniel 10:19  “Do not be afraid, you who are highly esteemed,” he said. “Peace! Be strong now; be strong.” When he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Speak, my lord, since you have given me strength.”

Matthew 17:7  But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.”

Matthew 28:4  The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

Matthew 28:5  The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.

Matthew 28:8  So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples.

Mark 6:50  ..because they all saw him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

Luke 1:13  But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John.

Luke 2:10  But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.

Luke 1:30  But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.

John 6:20  But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.”

Revelation 1:17  When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last.



Some Additional Resources That Have Been Helpful to Me

Books

1.  The Hiding Place (Cori Ten Boom)

2.  Running Scared: Fear, Worry, and the God of Rest (Edward T. Welch)

Videos

Nate Miller gave me a line in this incredible message that I’ll never forget:  “Replace every ‘what if’ with an ‘even if.’”  (Excerpt: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyi8_iDNckg)

2.  “A Final Word on Suffering” (David Whiting): http://www.northridgerochester.com/messages/1-peter/a-final-word-on-suffering/
From an incredible series on the book of 1 Peter, David Whiting talks here about how the Bible says that we shouldn’t be surprised when we suffer in this world, and what our response to suffering should be.  

3.  “The Hopes and Fears of All the Years are Met in Thee Tonight” (David Whiting):  http://www.northridgerochester.com/messages/hopes-fears/the-hopes-and-fears-of-all-the-years-are-met-in-thee-tonight/
David Whiting teaches about how the opposite of fear isn’t courage; it’s love.  

4.  “Basic: Fear God” (Francis Chan): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPxsaRnd_yU
Francis Chan explains what it really means to Fear God.


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