Kentucky is an 11-year-old penguin who is scared to stick even one toe in the water. Experts say his phobia developed because he has “molting issues,” which is zookeeper lingo for losing your feathers too easily. As it turns out, having fewer feathers means more goosebumps and a greater sensitivity to cold water!
Gideon was afraid to get his feet wet when it came to liberating his people from an enemy nation. Unfortunately, his phobia of the Midianites caused him to focus on everything but the One who could help him.
Gideon was secretly threshing wheat at the bottom of a winepress when the angel of the Lord dropped by and declared, “The Lord is with you!” (Judges 6:12). Our nervous hero refused to concentrate on God’s presence, insisting that God had abandoned Israel. What a shame! Pondering God’s nearness can relieve our anxiety.
The angel tried again, saying, “Go with the strength you have, and rescue Israel” (v.14). Gideon’s terror made him obsess over his inadequacies, which can happen to us too. “My clan is the weakest . . . I am the least in my entire family!” (v.15), he whimpered.The angel persisted, so Gideon demanded proof that his marching orders were truly from God. At this point, the angel revealed the supernatural power of God, and Gideon yelled, “I’m doomed! I have seen the angel of the Lord face to face!” (v.22).
He then contracted a healthy case of godly goosebumps, dismissing his daunting circumstances and refocusing his fear on the One who is worthy of our “reverent fear” (Psalm 2:11).
Training ourselves to revere God is the key to overcoming fear. Whatever it is that creeps you out—evil people, the water, or worse—remember, “The fear of the Lord will be your treasure” (Isaiah 33:6).
More:
• Psalm 34:7
• Isaiah 41:10
• Romans 8:31
Next:
Why is it important to refocus our fear on God rather than just trying to think “happy thoughts” when we’re afraid? What are some practical ways in which you can increase your fear of God and decrease your earthly fear?
fieldlily on January 2, 2010 at 10:01 am
The fear of the LORD is my treasure and strength. But in our world today sometimes our fear is negated by complacency. We become too comfortable, too desensitized by the world, special effects, technology. We take things for granted, we make jokes or mock things that we should be taking seriously or revere.
Then the LORD gets our attention by something tragic or tramatic happening in our lives or around us. We either cower in fear or we turn to HIM to get us through it.
We need to check ourselves, our attitude, daily to see if our sliding into complacency or irreverence. We should observe our speech and mannerisms and also by asking someone we respect to hold us accountable.
The Israelites did this repeatedly by forgeting that is was the LORD who brought them out of Egypt.
I pray that in this new year we remember who we should fear, trust and seek peace and strength in.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
fieldlily on January 2, 2010 at 10:09 am
I meant to say “We need to check ourselves, our attitudes, daily to see if we are sliding into complacency or irreverence. We should observe our speech and mannerisms (if they are developing a worldly view) and also by asking someone we respect to hold us accountable if they notice a change in us. :<)
shayskin on January 2, 2010 at 11:38 am
A friend of my used to say check yourselve before you wreck yourselve that what this article meant to me I want to follow God no matter if I think negative I govern my life after the words that GOD peices in my heart everyday just like my job the way they treated me i should have gotten mad but i just praise the Lord almighty and forgave all who spoken bad about me And walked away with no money so far God have paid all my bills and beyond that Its all about who you trust with your life Right now i have been off from work for 5 month and God is working it out for me. Thanks be to God who will never fell
LOVE is God
jennifer benson schuldt on January 2, 2010 at 2:15 pm
I like that saying – “Check yourself before you wreck yourself”!
When circumstances cause us to fear, many times that’s when we see God at work. As you mentioned, He has made sure all of your bills are paid. I pray that you will find new work soon and that you will treasure the memory of God’s provision during this time.
dianalovesjesus2 on January 2, 2010 at 1:09 pm
I find that my wonder at His incredible creation….look at the star filled night sky…look at a hummingbird…look here …look there….all of this amazing creation keeps me very much in reverential awe of the One who created it.
KayElAr on January 2, 2010 at 9:58 pm
Fear comes from being away from God. I found this the hard way. Letting God take control makes you feel more comfortable with all situations. A world without fear would be a beautiful place. But God made the world beauty. Nature is unbelievably beautiful because the best made it. I thank God for His beautiful creation.
bethanyF on January 16, 2010 at 7:31 am
Reading everything you guys write encourages me so much. It’s a blessing that God has led me to this website where so many christian people gather. Thanks everyone.