by Alan Langstaff

Today, I want to discuss the subject of “Fear.” Fear is constantly mentioned in the Bible. “Do not fear” was a constant word the Lord spoke to His servants.

People and their makeup have the potential to be afraid. It is often internal and irrational. One need not be ashamed of having experienced fear. Indeed, sometimes fear is a warning to us of dangerous places – i.e., fear of heights.

If you search the internet, you will find various definitions and descriptions of fear. For example, Wikipedia describes “fear” this way:

“Fear is an unpleasant subjective emotional state arising in response to perceived dangers or threats and which, when experienced, is typically associated with physiological and psychological changes. These changes frequently lead to behavioral reactions such as fight-or-flight responses or, in extreme cases, immobilization (freeze response). Unlike most (perhaps all) other animals, humans can experience fear in response to a present or anticipated stimulus and to imagined events.”
(From Wikipedia.com)

MOST PEOPLE HAVE EXPERIENCED FEAR

Most people have fears of one kind or another – whether it be small ones, a spider, or a big one, fear of heights, or flying on a plane.

In the midst of it all, there are phobias. For example, there is claustraphobia, “an intense fear of a confined or enclosed space.”

12.5% of people suffer from claustrophobia. It can be caused in a number of ways:

a) events as a child – i.e., trapped in a confined space.
b) later in life – i.e., stuck in an elevator or a bad flight on an airplane. 

Commentator John Madden always went in a motor home, not in airplanes, because of his claustrophobia.

If you have a major problem with “fear,” you may need help from a Christian counselor.

FEAR OF GOD

There is another kind of fear that is a positive one that all Christians should exhibit – it is the fear of the Lord.

God is not to be feared like the fear that is a part of life. Rather, it is a deep respect for the Lord who He is and what He has done. Although there are also warnings in Scripture about fears that can come upon people.

AN EXPERIENCE WITH FEAR

Let me share my own experience with you. I suffered from a particular fear – “claustrophobia.” It is the fear associated with being in an enclosed or confined space that, in many cases, you could not get out of very easily.

I didn’t know about having this fear until I went on a world trip in 1971. I had never been in an airplane before, and our first leg of the flight was from Sydney to Perth (all in Australia). I was so overcome with the fear that I considered walking home from Perth to Sydney. I didn’t do that, only thought about it. Each leg of the flight was stressful.

Eventually, I ended up in England and, after attending a conference, stayed for a few days in London. One night I was to go to a meeting at Spurgeon’s Tabernacle.

Where David du Plessis, a great Pentecostal leader, was to speak. To get to the church required a trip by underground railway.

The train was at peak hour, and it was filled to capacity, with people jammed in like sardines in a tin. This was bad enough, as I was in a confined space and could hardly move. There, the train, which was passing under the Thames River, stopped, and at the same time, the lights went out.

So here was I in a confined and darkened space. I prayed and prayed, knowing I was stuck there and couldn’t get out. Eventually, the lights came on, and it continued the journey.

So many experiences like that happened. Somehow, I completed all the flights and came back to Sydney. Australia is an isolated place, and the only way to go anywhere in the world in a short time is to fly.

I sensed God had called me to do just that, but I dreaded flights on an airplane. There was one particular verse I held on to. 1 Corinthians 10:13 “[God] will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able.” 

Over the years, I leaned in on God, and God set me free. During the 40 years, I traveled well over 1 million miles. The devil knew that if I could be beaten by that fear, my ministry would be greatly restricted. So I pressed on, and bit by bit I won the battle, with the Lord’s help, and I flew, and I flew all over the world. It was a combination of the Word and the power of the Holy Spirit.

FEAR OF DEATH

The fear of the end of life results in the fear of death.

When people are faced with their own thoughts of death the either accept that death is inevitable – all die, or as Mark Twain put it, “The only certainties in life are death and taxes.”

A Christian has a distinct viewpoint here – they believe that life after death awaits them. As Jesus said, “Because I live, you shall live also” (John 14:19 NKJV). 

So, as a Christian, we most often approach death with “thanksgiving” for the life He has allowed us to experience.

FACING YOUR FEARS

I am not an expert in matters of fear, but let me share some thoughts on my own responses.

1) Everyone has to face fear sometime. It is a common experience in either:

a) the natural realm, as mentioned before,
b) the supernatural realm, as in my case, to stop me from traveling.

2) Face your fears, don’t run away. Ask God for the power to overcome things when they arise. Quote Scripture. If necessary, seek the help and support of others. 

3) Each time you win a battle, take time to praise God and keep believing for more victories to come. It is God who gives you the victory.

Let me finish with a list of Scriptures that you can stand upon to overcome fear:

“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 41:10 NIV)

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”
(Psalm 56:3 NIV)

“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.”
(John 14:27 NIV)

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
(2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV)

“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.”
(Psalm 94:19 NIV)

“But now, this is what the Lord says—
…“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;  I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” (Isaiah 43:1 NIV)

“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.”
(Joshua 1:9 NIV)