Fear: Unwarranted or Warranted?

fear |fi(ə)r| noun – an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat

There are two types of fear.  The type that is warranted which most of us experience on a regular basis.  For example, a fear that is warranted would keep us from swimming during a thunderstorm or driving at a high rate of speed in the snow and ice.  There are some obvious times when fear is warranted and even healthy.  Our son, not long ago failed to have a proper fear of the hot burner on the stove and the result was a hand full of blisters.  Fear would have helped him at that moment in his life.

However, many unwarranted fears also exist which are not only unproductive, but also, in many cases, prove to be destructive.  This type of fear is controlling and debilitating.  It takes away hope, drive, and ambition.

The sad part about this type of fear is that when I say it is “unwarranted”, I am actually saying that it doesn’t really even need to exist.  This fear generally arises from circumstances beyond our control.  Psalm 46.2-3 lists a set of circumstances that are completely and utterly overwhelming, all-consuming and totally beyond any one person’s control.  This unwarranted fear results from our being taken out of the driver’s seat in life, of having our options gone, of being forced to let go, of losing control of whatever the situation might be.  Just take a minute and think about the last time you were afraid… wasn’t it because you were facing a situation that was beyond your ability to direct?  We try to hold on and ‘fix’ things, but the more we do this the greater the fear becomes.  Our focus moves from our goals to the ‘trouble’ or conditions that are causing this great fear.

What is the answer?  How do I respond to such a situation?  I am glad you asked!  You can look just a few verses down towards the end of Psalm 46 and find a verse that is very insightful.  “Be still and know that I am God…” 

When we think of being still, we think of stopping and/or waiting for something to transpire.  However, in the original language, the meaning is much deeper.  First of all, this word is an imperative, which tells us that the idea of “being still” is actually a command from God.  God says, “Be still!”  Secondly this word literally means, ‘to sink down, to let go’… What God is saying to us, or actually commanding us is “relax, let go and know that I am God!”  Does God really want you to walk in fear?

The next time you are experiencing unwarranted fear due to a situation ultimately out of your control, obey God by relaxing, realizing who IS in control, and allowing Him to handle it.