Fear is an unpleasant often strong emotion caused by anticipation or awareness of danger.[1]
When Jesus was traveling with his disciples by boat one night, a strong storm came upon them and the boat was sinking (Mark 4:35-41). Jesus was asleep and the disciples awakened him. After calming the storm, Jesus said: “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
Clearly, Jesus’ response suggests there is a shield from fear. Thus, there is a state of mind that makes a person fear proof. The current article will chart a course for achieving this state of mind. This state of mind is critical because Luke 21:26 says: “Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken”. The New International Version says: “People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world ….”
Genesis 3 documents that fear started after Adam and Eve sinned. “Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to the man, ‘Where are you?’ He answered, ‘I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.’” (verses 8 -10). These verses affirm that fear alienates. Fear is a negative. It does not attract a person to a place where he or she will want help.
Fight or Flight
Fear should not be confused with fight or flight. The body will respond automatically when facing possible physical harm. Fear is an emotion; a negative emotion. It divides rather than unite. When Adam and Eve sinned, fear entered, and this fear caused them to hide from God. However, when the Lord God said to the serpent,
“Because you have done this, cursed are you above all livestock and all wild animals! You will crawl on your belly and you will eat dust all the days of your life. And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel” (Gen. 3:14-15).
FEAR was replaced by a tug upon humans from the Creator. This tug upon humans translates into enmity between the serpent and human beings, and it is the basis for reuniting sinners with the Creator. The serpent does not have a natural lock on human beings! Each person has to choose. Unfortunately, sometimes it appears like the majority are choosing the serpent!
Ecclesiastes 12:13 (King James Version) says
“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter. Fear God and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.”
Fear God
Clearly, after considering everything, Solomon concluded that the last word, the most important thing is to fear God. The expression “fear God” is mentioned multiple times in the bible. This fear is not negative. It is captured by the Hebrew word יִרְאָה whose transliteration is yir’ah. This word means fear, reverence, awe. The Hebrew word "yirah" primarily denotes a profound respect or reverence, often in the context of a relationship with God. It encompasses both the fear of God's power and judgment and a reverential awe of His majesty and holiness. In the Old Testament, "yirah" is frequently associated with wisdom and obedience, as the fear of the Lord is considered the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10).[2] The Contemporary English Version of the bible translates Ecclesiasters 12:13 as: “Everything you were taught can be put into a few words: Respect and obey God! This is what life is all about.” Interesting, the fifth commandment in Exodus 20:12 (King James Version) says “Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.” Using yirah, this verse can also be rendered “Fear thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.” Thus, a blessing is associated with fearing!
Unfortunately, fear as used today has taken on a different meaning. As a noun, it is an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat. As a verb, it means to be afraid of (someone or something) as likely to be dangerous, painful, or threatening.[3] In the Old Testament, "yirah" is frequently associated with wisdom and obedience, as the fear of the Lord is considered the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). This fear is a protective and guiding force, leading to life and blessing. Clearly, we need yirah and not the fear of today. Yet, most days have the potential to evoke the fear of today. There is a need to become fear proof. If we don’t, the daily news and information on the worldwide web can evoke fear as it is defined today.
Becoming Fear Proof
How do we become fear proof? How do we replace the fear of today with yirah? When the violent storm evoked fear in the disciples while Jesus was sleeping, Jesus calmed the storm and said “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith? The shield against today’s fear is FAITH. Paul states in Romans 12:3 that God has given every person a measure of faith. Thus, we have within us the proof against fear as it is defined today. We simply have to use our freedom of choice to choose to use that “measure of faith.” We have to grasp the reality that God, the Creator, is in control. Nothing is beyond His power! Daniel 2:21 says: “And He changeth the times and the seasons: He removeth kings, and setteth up kings: He giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding.”
Do not let current events make you question whether God is in control. He is and in due time, the whole world will know that He is. Use the faith He has given you to embrace and hold onto this reality. All the devils in hell cannot keep you from using this faith if you choose to use it! May God’s blessings rest upon you and me!
“But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death” (Revelation 21:8).
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Melvin Davis, Ph.D.
When Dr. Davis graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1976 with a Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology, he had a wife and two young daughters. Forty-five years later, he and his wife have five grand-children, and two son-n-laws. His career journey has included the University of South Carolina at Spartanburg, Alabama A. & M. University, Oakwood University, Alabama Center for Higher Education, the Educational Testing Service, Alcorn State University,and Jackson State University. His most memorable event was speaking to Alabama Senator Shelby’s Panel on “The Plight of the African American Male”.
Dr. Davis created the Online Journal of Rural and Urban Research, which is housed at Mississippi Urban Research Center. Dr. Davis has published, presented at national and international conferences, and secured millions in external funding. Shortly after coming to Mississippi, he joined the writing team that helped land the ACHIEVE Mississippi grant for $12 million. In 2002, Dr. Davis left higher education administration for fulltime teaching, thinking he would retire as a teacher. Since leaving the University, Dr. Davis and his wife have established A Natural Way Family Health Clinic in Byram, which uses lifestyle and traditional medicine to control and sometimes reverse diseases. They have witnessed diabetes being reversed, and hypertension and cholesterol being controlled without pharmaceuticals. Dr. Davis is grateful to God and those who supported him during his career journey!
