Fear: The Universal Roadblock
Fear is a major part of the human experience. No one is exempt from experiencing some sort of fear.
From the beginning of time we read of many, if not all, people of God having to navigate seasons where fear gripped them. No wonder the phrase “do not fear or do not be afraid” is said to be repeated approximately 365 times in the Bible. It is an inevitable part of our journey through life to be fearful at some point. The repetition of this soft commandment, “do not fear,” reveals a very reassuring truth about our heroes and giants of faith - that even they had moments of fear. Though it may be normal to be fearful in certain seasons and circumstances along the way, fear is a roadblock that causes delays to the purposes of God in our lives.
Physically, fear causes one to tremble, sweat, shiver, be speechless or numb and each of these bodily manifestations of fear have a hindering effect. It would be rather difficult for one to function while in such a state because they would either malfunction or fail to produce desired outcomes. Similarly, our faith and ability to move forward when God speaks can be impacted negatively by fear. This is possibly why the scriptures record persistent urging to be courageous and brave to enable people to act in spite of their fears.
There is an invaluable benefit that results from honestly feeling the whole emotion of fear, acknowledging and processing it with our whole being instead of being in a denial about it.
We read about the prophet Elijah in 1 kings 19 v4 [Then he was afraid, and he arose and ran for his life] running from Jezebel who had sent him vivid death threats. Elijah had literally just experienced God supernaturally, he knew of the matchless power of God but admitted his fear and dread of this ruthless queen. He was honest with himself enough to acknowledge his fear and then cried to God without glossing over, crumbling his internal experiences. By doing this, he allowed himself to access and receive divine reassurance because processing the fear led him to the presence of God where he was strengthened.
The scripture "fear not, for I am with you. Do not be frightened, for I am your God" (Isaiah 41:10) echoes throughout every generation from Gideon to Ruth to Daniel to David to all the prophets and apostles. Moses was fearful of his mammoth task to liberate the children of Israel from Egypt needing reassurance from God and along the journey he, himself, had to preach the do not be afraid sermon a few times to his people (Exodus 14:13]. Joshua was also commanded not to fear his enemies on the battlefield (Joshua 8:1). Hagar, found in distress, was told to "have no fear" and reassured that her son would be ok (Genesis 21:17).
These, and many more, examples of when ordinary people were trapped by fear is evidence that there will come a time when we will be in the same boat. This has encouraged me to identify fear as the roadblock it truly is in my walk with God but also recognize that there is a thread of God whispers along the way, urging me to turn my fear, often of the unknown, into knowing that I do not need to be afraid because God’s guarding presence will be with me always.
I once heard it said that “fear seems to be a universal malaise” and this seems true. Fear affects all humanity in pretty similar and often undesirable ways. As human beings, we share common fears like being afraid of dying, terminal illness, failure, rejection, poverty, loss, loneliness, the unknown and many more. These fears are real and affect our lives in various ways.
The Covid pandemic period was one example of a time where the whole world came to a standstill in an attempt to avert the frightening devastations of the virus. Many people had to face their deepest fears, hence there has been a spike in mental health disorders associated with fear/panic/anxiety ever since. I remember being unable to sleep during the night and having a mini-breakdown almost every day while working in one the hospitals in central London where the virus had taken its toll.
I think back and realise that the fear of the unknown was doing rings around me. I was drowning in fear and all the other emotions that came with it. To make matters worse, we had stopped gathering in churches across our country, there seemed to be nowhere to hide or run. It eventually all got better with time, but this fear-filled season taught me to encourage myself in the Lord. To acknowledge that no matter how massive my fears were, God was still bigger and stronger. That He is consistent and present with me through it all.
"Fear not, for I am with you. Do not be frightened, for I am your God" (Isaiah 41:10)
The above scripture came alive and has had such a deep meaningful impact on me to date.
It is safe to assume that we will all arrive at the roadblock of fear at some point in our lives. Afraid to take the next step, dreading the breakdown of a marriage or important relationship, horrified of a recent diagnosis, anxious of pending redundancy and persistent fear of the unknown. Therefore, we aught to prepare and strengthen our hearts so that we do not faint or lose hope in these seasons of trial.
Remembering that fear does not come from God, but even when we do feel afraid He assures us of protection and provision of the necessary tools to stay on path
(2 Timothy 1:7) For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Recalling the love plus works of God that testify of His ability, plus willingness to contain our fears, protect and rescue us from all evil
(Matthew 14 :27) But immediately Jesus spoke to them “Have courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.”
(Psalm 118:6) God is with me, I shall not fear?
Refocusing onto Gods immense and immeasurable power, he who sustains all things by the power of His words at all times.
(Colossians 1:17) He himself is before all things and all things are held together[a] in him.
Try to meditate and refocus on this God who is on your side.