Our journey on earth is often beset with fears. We fear uncertainty, criticism, ill health, old age, unemployment, death and the list goes on. Fear is a natural, powerful and primitive human emotion that alerts us to protect our physical and psychological well-being. In healthy doses, fear is an excellent motivator as it spurs us to take rapid and deliberate action to keep ourselves safe. Sometimes, however, fear crosses the delicate line from being a natural “warning system” to becoming a constant companion – engulfing every aspect of our lives; crippling and paralysing us from moving forward. As Christians, we need to be able to discern such fear and nip it in the bud. The reason is obvious - unbridled fear is dangerous and can wreak havoc on our physical and spiritual lives.
Just like sin, fear originated in the Garden of Eden. In the beginning (Genesis 2), Adam and Eve had no reason to fear whatsoever. They enjoyed daily fellowship with God while living in perfect comfort and serenity. However, as soon as they ate the fruit off the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, they fell from grace and sunk into sin. That was when fear first crept upon humans. In the evening, when God came around to fellowship with them, He found them hiding in fear (Genesis 3:10) for they were naked.
The Bible holds many accounts of men and women acting in fear and the consequences thereof. While some succumbed to fear and descended into deep despair; others, like Prophet Elijah emerged victorious.
In 1 Kings 16-19, we read of the evil deeds of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. Jezebel’s devotion to pagan gods saw the influx of hundreds of prophets of Baal and Ashtoreth into Israel. She was determined to stamp out every remnant of Jehovah worship and take idolatry in Israel to a new high. Only Prophet Elijah was courageous enough to stand against Jezebel’s wickedness. In a standoff between Elijah and the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, God gave Elijah an astounding victory. God reproved idolatry by fire from heaven and 450 false prophets were slain that day.
Queen Jezebel, upon hearing the news, issued a death threat to Elijah. What did Elijah do? 1 Kings 19:3 states “And when He saw that, he arose and ran for his life…” Ran for his life? Yes, that’s right. He ran for his life. Elijah had just demonstrated amazing boldness at Mount Carmel. He had experienced first-hand, the immense power of God working through him to resurrect a widow’s son (I Kings 17) and bring fire to the soaking wet altar at Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18), yet he was not immune to fear. He feared for his life, his ministry and the future of Israel. Feeling so weary, he “prayed that he might die” (1 Kings 19:4). As you can see when fear gets its stronghold, its companions - worry, anxiety and depression soon follow.
But Elijah’s story does not end here. He overcame his fear with God’s help. God did not rebuke Elijah for his weakness rather He sent an angel to sustain him physically for his long journey to Mount Horeb. God did not speak to him till he was at Mount Horeb. When He finally did, it was not words of comfort, encouragement or guidance but a peculiar question – “What are you doing here, Elijah?” (1 Kings 19:9;13). Elijah then shared his fears with God. God’s answer in 1 Kings 19: 15-18 summarised reads: “Go. I still have work for you to do. You are not alone.” In the chapters that follow, we read that Elijah was no longer fearful. He found a mentee in Elisha and continued to serve God faithfully. Amazingly, Elijah never saw death and went up by a whirlwind into heaven (2 Kings 2:11).
The life of Elijah beautifully illustrates and captures several key elements in our battles with fear. As Christians, we need to be aware that we can fall into the snares of fear, just like Elijah and become overwhelmed. We may be diligently living our lives in accordance with God’s Word, but the world may throw something at us that could cripple us in an instant and halt our spiritual journey. We should soldier on and remind ourselves that we are not alone – we have the love and support of the Almighty and our spiritual family. We must surrender our fears in the hands of our heavenly Father and wait patiently for Him to reveal His plan for us.
Second, we should fear God. King Solomon perfectly surmises this in Ecclesiastes 12:13 - “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all.” Earthly fear is unhealthy, all-consuming, and crippling. Godly fear, on the other hand, is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 1:7). When we fear God, we submit to His will and follow His commandments. Instead of fearing what the future holds for us, we trust full heartedly that He will carry us through all storms of life. We accept without question, Romans 8:28 that “…all things (good and bad) work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
Finally, God gives us the reason to never be fearful over earthly matters. In Isaiah 41:10, God tells the Israelites, “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Similar sentiments are expressed in Psalms 118:6, “The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” and in Psalms 23:4,” Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”
If you are struggling with fear, be rest assured that the all-powerful God is with you 24/7. Just as He asked Prophet Elijah thousands of years ago, He is asking you, “What are you doing here (your name)?” Pour your heart to Him in prayer and He will allay your fears.