Isn't fear a wonderful thing? Fear is what keeps us back from a ledge, from racing down a mountain at high speeds, or walking down a trail after smelling a bear. Fear can keep us safe from danger.
Of course, we are commanded to fear God, twenty times in Proverbs alone it talks about fearing God or extolling the fear of the Lord. That fear is showing the proper reverence for God. Respect, awe, majesty. It is not the afraid fear. After all, the only thing we should be afraid of regarding God is not having our names written in the Book of Life.
What about the fear that grips your stomach and will not let go. The fear that makes you break out in a cold sweat just thinking about what might happen. The fear that holds you back from God's best plan for your life. The built-in safety mechanism calls us to take flight, fight, or freeze.
God knows everything about us, including our natural fear of the unknown. That is why He gave us the flight or fight instinct. But, I have come to realize that for me, that fear of the unknown is a form of pride. It is a sin that must be dealt with. Let me explain.
When I walk into a crowded room I am always a little fearful. If it is a crowded room of strangers, I am ready to flee or freeze, depending on the situation. I think Joshua was a bit like that at first. He was Moses' right-hand man. He had all authority under Moses, he was one of two people in his generation to step into the Promised Land. He was an adult when he was sent as a spy and then wandered for forty years in the wilderness. Joshua was at least 60 by my guess when Moses died and he was put in charge. He was expected to conquer the Promised Land, lead hundreds of thousands (or more) of people, and talk to God like Moses. Whew! I would have been terrified! Too much responsibility! Joshua did not have to say a word though. God knew his heart and encouraged Joshua most sweetly. I imagine God putting His arm around Joshua's shoulders and pointing across the river. To paraphrase God told Joshua not to worry, to get ready because we are crossing the Jordan River together. I am giving you this land, He said, just as I promised Moses. God went on to describe the territory Joshua would conquer, with God's help. Then He gave this promise "As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous." (Josh 1:5-6a). He goes on to tell Joshua, one of the mightiest men in the Bible to be strong and courageous four times in that single chapter. God does not repeat Himself without reason. Joshua needed to be reminded to be strong and courageous.
I have come to realize that my fear is not in disobeying the Lord, it is in people. It is my pride - what if they don't like me, what if I am not smart enough, what if I am not good enough, or articulate enough, what if I am not enough for this group or that person? My focus you see, was all on me! I was not even giving God a chance to work through me even though I said that was what I wanted. I was allowing my fear to dictate my actions. I was using being an introvert as an excuse not to be around people created by God, in His image. (Introverts usually like people, we just need time to recharge after being around them.) I need to be reminded to be strong and courageous. I promise I do not have those attributes in myself but, if I step aside, I can be strong and courageous with God's help.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9 NASB, 1995)
Lord, Heavenly Father
Forgive me for taking my eyes off of You, and putting them on myself.
You command me to be strong and courageous,
I cannot do that without Your help.
Please give me your strength and courage.
Thank you for encouraging me when I am discouraged,
Thank you for being with me wherever I go.
Your promise never to leave me or forsake me is humbling,
yet it fills me with hope and joy.
I praise Your Holy Name and pray in Jesus' name
Amen
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