Fear as a Teacher

My mentor suggested a strategy for dealing with fear that is completely different than what I had been doing. At times I have been afraid of fear. Yeah, I know that sounds ridiculous. I had learned that fear is not from God and as one of his kids I have authority, in Jesus’ name, to command the spirit of fear out of my presence and out of my life. But this new way of dealing with fear felt uncomfortable, and a little treacherous at first. She suggested that next time Fear comes knocking at my door, I sit with God and invite Fear to make his case against me in God’s presence. She suggested that I ask Fear what he has to say to me and then ask God what his take is on the matter. Could I trust God with this exercise? 

I learned much during that interview with Fear. I learned that I am more afraid than I realized. I was sort of living in denial and just announcing truths from my head that had not truly settled in my heart because I had not truly given myself (or Holy Spirit for that matter) the time to examine what was going on. My M.O. had been “God has not given me a spirit of fear so Fear, you are the weakest link, Good-bye!” I did not take the necessary time to process what was going on deep in my soul.

Fear can be a teacher if we listen. Though, it is true, God has not given us a spirit of fear (“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7, NLT), he can use fear to teach us about ourselves and about him.

After we allowed Fear to make his case against me, the Lord escorted Fear out of our presence so we could talk freely. He showed me where I had made agreements with Fear, he showed me where I was already living in victory and recognizing Fear’s lies and tactics, he showed me blind spots, and he spoke His loving truth into every situation. One of the things I heard Jesus say was, “It’s true, Fear is always lurking, skulking about. Use it as a tool toward greater intimacy with me (or rather with Triune God: Father, Son, Holy Spirit). I am not going anywhere!”

It was absolutely essential for me to sit solidly in the presence of God before I allowed Fear to speak. Had I attempted this exercise before, I may well have been led down the proverbial ‘garden path’ into deception and/or condemnation. As I sat in God’s presence, I was able to listen without angst, and weigh Fear’s accusations in my spirit in the company of God. It was a beautiful journey of deepening my trust in Father, Jesus, and Holy Spirit.

One of the most common lies I think Fear tries to tell us is that we are alone, we are the only ones feeling this way, if we were better Christians we would not struggle with this…on and on he goes. Fear can be like a flashing light, revealing that which is hiding in the dark, and getting our attention that something is not quite right.

If you find yourself taking the enemy’s bait and agreeing with the lies he is spewing, take a moment and ask Jesus to reveal to you how to work through that. What is true about what Fear is saying, and what is false? If you have made agreements with the false things that the spirit of fear has presented to you, break those agreements today and ask the Father to send them away. Then ask God what he wants to put into your soul in place of that which was punted. It is vital to replace that which was punted with some truth from Father. My favourite part in my exercise was listening as my Father, Jesus, and Holy Spirit took turns speaking truth into my soul, truth about him, me, our circumstances, etc. It was glorious!

For those of you who feel that we cannot hear God speak to us, that we cannot know what He is thinking, I’d like to share a few verses with you that may help to help change your mind.

“For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” (Romans 8:15–16, NIV84)

“This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike “What’s next, Papa?” God’s Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children.” (Romans 8:15–16, The Message)

“Isaiah’s question, “Is there anyone around who knows God’s Spirit, anyone who knows what he is doing?” has been answered: Christ knows, and we have Christ’s Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 2:16, The Message)

The next time I am afraid I will stop, look, and listen to find out what Fear is trying to reveal. Have I made agreements with lies or is there some truth that I need to examine and learn from? I want truth to penetrate down to the depths of my soul, not just tour around in my head as some tidbit of knowledge.

“To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”” (John 8:31–32, NIV84)

It’s not enough to just know the truth but we must hold to it, live by it day by day, embrace it. God has not given us a spirit of fear, but there is much to learn from it. Next time you are battling with fear and angst, get alone with God and ask what lesson there is for you in what Fear is trying to tell you. What truth does God want you to know about yourself, about your relationship with him, about him?