16 December | Youth
«There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear.» 1 John 4:18
Are you afraid of something? Could you list on your fingers the types of fears you have? Some people have more than ten. The list ranges from the fear of public speaking (glossophobia) to the fear of heights (acrophobia).
This is a natural reaction of human beings in their sinful condition. We feel fear when we are in threatening situations or in insecure contexts. In these times, the brain releases substances that make the heart race, breathing becomes more difficult, and the muscles contract. It is as if the body is preparing to flee.
Psychologists say there is a difference between fear and phobia. Fear is a natural protective mechanism that keeps us alive. A phobia is a disproportionate, exaggerated fear that affects a person’s routine. The word “phobia” comes from the Greek expression phobos, which means “panic,” “fright,” “fear.” Do you have a phobia of something?
Unfortunately, sin affected our emotions and brought fear as its flagship. We are afraid of rejection, afraid of insects, afraid of the dark, and even afraid of God! When he sinned, Adam said: “I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself” (Gen. 3:10). Does God want us to be afraid of Him?
The Bible answers no. In our relationship with God, we must have awe, not fear. The Greek term that often appears in connection with fear is sebomai, which means “to respect,” “to revere,” “to worship.” This feeling has more to do with an attitude of respect for divine authority than with fear.
Let us remember that the Bible often presents the expression “fear not.” There are those who say that these two little words appear together 366 times in the sacred text, one for each day of the year – even leap days! This message from God brings us comfort, eliminates worries, and makes our heart beat at a normal frequency.
How is your relationship with God? Are you afraid of Him or do you respect Him? During this day’s activities, think about your attitude toward your heavenly Father. Between being afraid and having respect, prefer the second option, after all, “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Ps. 111:10).