Dearest Sister,
Did you know that fear is the number one reason women seek counsel? Sometimes the fear is creatively disguised and sometimes it has become a cherished object of affection. Either way, eventually there is a collapse of sorts that takes place when this burden is carried for too long. The crumbling, crippling effects are far reaching, and our running or fighting inevitably become ineffectual at some point.
God has promised us sister that we are His new creations! He has promised to complete the work He began in us when our hearts were first regenerated by His Holy Spirit! He has given us the power to put off our fears (as deeply rooted as some of them are) and to put on the One fear that will deliver us from this burden, which is to Fear Him.
Consider these words from our heavenly Father:
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!” (Psalms 111:10 ESV)
“In the fear of the LORD there is a strong confidence and His children will have a place of refuge.” (Proverbs 14:26)
“And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the Lord is his treasure.” (Isaiah 33:6 KJV)
“The fear of the Lord leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm.” (Proverbs 19:23 ESV)
The thing about sinful (unhealthy) fear is, it is based on our looking inwardly. That is why the antidote (the put on) is to focus outwardly and upward. Just like most things that are lasting and valuable it takes repetition for us to “get it”! That is why Paul exhorts the Philippians (4:4) to “rejoice…always…and again I say rejoice”. This upward outward focus sets our hearts aright.
But we are not done sister; then we are to let go! Paul puts it this way;”Let your gentleness (graciousness,reasonableness) be made known to all men”. Not just sometimes, or selectively, but all the time in front of everyone. We cannot be gracious to others if we are holding on to our fears. The first takes an open hand if you will, and the second is a clenched fist.
If that doesn’t stop us in our fearful tracks Paul’s next statement will;”The Lord is at hand”. Wow, imagine living our lives as if the Lord Jesus was about to return at any moment. Would you or I want our eyes and heart to be fixed inwardly upon our fear or would we want to be looking up with exuberant anticipation to see His return? (Philippians 4:5)
Lastly, Paul says be thankful! Fear has a way of robbing our joyful gratitude, it has a way of becoming a stumbling block to us. Paul insists that if we approach all things with a thankful heart that the “peace of God will guard our hearts”. What a lovely picture sister: God our Father setting up post in our hearts to protect us from ourselves, the world and the enemy. (Philippians 4:6-7)
Fearing the Lord (our “putting on”) entails all of these imperatives: rejoicing in the Lord, Trusting the Lord, anticipating the Lord’s return, thanksgiving, Prayer and supplication which is intentional relating with the Lord. This is how we put off and put on sister. This is how we are progressively sanctified. This is how we are able to rejoice in the fear of the Lord.
Your Sister,
Susan
Great reminders!