Biblical Answer

Dealing with Fear as a Christian

As a Christian, it is essential to understand that fear is not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, a healthy dose of fear can be a good thing, as it can motivate us to trust and rely on God more deeply. This is because fear of God leaves no room for fear of anything or anyone else. When we recognize the greatness and righteousness of God, we are reminded of our own limitations and sinfulness, and this can lead to a deeper sense of humility and dependence on God. This is not to say that fearlessness is a virtue, but rather that a steadfast relationship with God can give us the courage to face challenges and uncertainties with confidence.

However, there is a type of fear that is not healthy for a Christian, and that is the fear of being wrong or making mistakes. This kind of fear can lead to anxiety, self-doubt, and a lack of faith. As the passage suggests, fear seems to be most closely connected to lack of faith, and once we are forgiven and cleansed through Christ, there is no reason to be afraid of being wrong again. Therefore, when we struggle with fear, we need to recognize it as a form of unbelief and confess it as such. This means acknowledging that our fear is rooted in a lack of trust in God's goodness and sovereignty.

So, how can we deal with fears in a way that is consistent with our Christian faith? First, we need to confess our fears as unbelief. This means acknowledging that our hearts are saying, "Lord, I don't believe you" or "Lord, my desires want something more than your will." Second, we need to replace our fear with faith. We can do this by reminding ourselves of God's greatness, righteousness, and sovereignty, and by trusting in his goodness and love. By doing so, we can cultivate a deeper sense of courage and confidence, even in the face of uncertainty and challenge. This is not to say that we will never face difficulties or uncertainties, but rather that we can face them with confidence and trust in God's presence and power.