Day 12: Defining Fear

Reading: Proverbs 1:20-33

To fear the Lord can be a misunderstood concept. When people hear the word "fear" they think of shuddering in a corner because of God's wrath, but this isn't what "fearing the Lord means". When we find a strong reverence and awe of God's power and holiness. When we fear the Lord, we show Him respect and honor.
Proverbs talks all about how to "fear the Lord" and show Him honor. In this reading, we see how we are to pursue and heed wisdom that comes from the Lord. We read that when we follow the wisdom God shows us, we will experience a life of fulfillment and of support. But when we choose to go our own way in things, we will have to "taste the bitter fruit of living" later. "Fools are destroyed by their own complacency", meaning when you're content with where you are, and refuse to grow and get wisdom, you will self-destruct.
Allow God to work in your life and to pour wisdom into you. He wants us to live lives in His instruction and to succeed. But when we refuse to respect His direction, we will have to taste that bitter fruit later.

 What does "fearing the Lord" mean to you?



What is a time you've tried to do life your own way, without paying attention to God's instruction? How did it go?



Reading: Matthew 10:1-31

We are told to be fearless toward man. As Jesus sends out His disciples, He gives them many warnings about what to expect from the world as they go out to proclaim the Good News, as well as heal the sick. These warnings can be well-heeded today as well.
He tells them that there will be persecution and people rising up against them. How true this is in today's world as Christians proclaim and demonstrate God's love. Many times, Christians are just shut down before a word gets spoken. Jesus tells His disciples, however, not to fear man. If we are persecuted, just move on to the next place, but never give up spreading His word out of fear of man. He is greater than all of them, and He will take care of us, as He values us highly.
We don't even need to fear even about what we'll say, because Jesus says we will be guided. If we carry the wisdom He grants us into the work we do, we have nothing to fear.
Don't fear man, fear God.

Why is it hard to share the message of Jesus at times?


How does this reading help you in those fears?



Reading: Genesis 25:1-26:35

We don't have to read about it to know that fear can sometimes get us into trouble. Isaac, like father-like son, ran into the same fear as his father, Abraham did when he lied about his wife actually being his wife. Because he was afraid he would be killed so Rebekah could be taken. But just like in Abraham's case, he is found out and luckily spared for lying.
Because he feared, however, he lied so he could avoid it.
When Esau and Jacob were born, we see the rivalry of siblings begin. Esau is forced to give up his rights as firstborn to Jacob so he can get something to eat. I could imagine that Jacob felt a little fear in not being the firstborn, which led him to be so manipulative.
We read that despite Isaac's fears, he is blessed, and the Lord reminds him over and over not to fear, because He is with him. This is something we can remember before our fears drive us to sin. Running from our fears and lying because of them will only dig our sin deeper. But when we remember that God is with us when we're in doing what's right, it makes it a little easier to deal with.

What fears have led you to sin in the past?



How can you be reminded that God is always with you, even when those fears arise?



We'll face all sorts of fear in life, whether it's something as small as spiders, or something as crippling as fear of death. But as we read today, we are reminded that God has our backs. He will never leave us or forsake us. The only thing we have to "fear" is God. Being in reverence and respect of Him will help us overcome any of those fears that grip us. Don't let your fear drive you to sin. Call on God to build you up and to remind you of His presence.