Exodus 20:18&20 The people saw the thunder, the lightning… and the mountain smoking – and they trembled with fear. Moses said, “Do not fear, for God has come to test you, that the fear of the Lord may be before you so that you do not sin.”
Fear is a powerful emotion. It blinds our reason, causing us to cower before the possibility of danger – real or imagined. Through fear we are enslaved to the things that cause us dread: instability, poverty, hardship, pain, or even loss of life. Fear also causes us to compromise our values for the sake of peace. Scripture gives us an escape from this enslavement: fear God and Him alone.
As the former Egyptian slaves received the law from God, they experienced a physical demonstration of His awesome might. It caused them to trembled with fear. Moses separated this fear into a negative and a positive. He tells them not to be afraid of God as to avoid Him, yet, to fear God or let the awe of His might be etched into their hearts. The fear of God would keep them from sin as well as give them courage to stand in the face of any other fear. In Luke 12 Jesus says “Do not fear the power of mankind, rather fear God! Yes, fear Him!” (Luke 12:4-5) Then He explains that this fear and knowledge of God should set us free from all earthly concerns. “Don’t worry about what you will eat or wear. Fear not, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:29-30)
The veneer of earthly security has once again been torn. There is fear of more inflation, more disruption of supplies, world instabilities, and even the fear of world war. As believers, we must calm our hearts by focusing on the awesomeness of God. Fear Him, and in that fear – do not be afraid. Our Father, who has all things in His hands is pleased to give us the kingdom. We may have less comfort and less earthly security. We may endure difficulties, but we must be a people whose hearts are not shaken by worldly tempests. Now is the time to let the awe of the Almighty fill our hearts, souls, and minds. Mighty is our God! In these turbulent times, may the truth of His power and goodness be the anchor for our souls.