The question, which comes to mind in the heart of many persons, is where did the spirit of fear originate? The very first incident of fear mentioned in the Bible occurred when both Adam and Eve had eaten the forbidden fruit and both of their eyes were opened and they knew that they were naked. Knowing that they had done wrong after eating the fruit, Genesis chapter 3 verses 8-10 states, “And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden. And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, where art thou? And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.” This is where the spirit of fear had taken root in the hearts of humanity because of sin. They never knew what fear was before.
Since the beginning of time the world has created laws and consequences to instill fear in individuals to properly govern the people; for example, the death penalty, (hanging, lethal injection and firing squads) corporal punishment, jail sentences and fines. In many spheres of various societies, this is a very powerful tool for it keeps many people under subjection and even in bondage that are unable to cope with the laws of society.
The spirit of fear can be looked at from a Christian point of view as carnal governance placed in the hearts of humanity because of sin. This is usually triggered off when faced with the unknown (unexpected crisis). Conscious wrongdoing, knowing that consequences will follow, is also considered moments of fear. Natural disasters can also be determined as fear factors in our lives. Fear also comes about due to our lack of faith in God’s Word and wanting to trust in our own ability to control circumstances in our lives, which in most instances are beyond our control. The spirit of fear is an element of life that is beyond the carnal flesh. It has a psychological affect in our lives that is not clearly understood due to various spiritual forces. The question is how do we control or conquer fear?
The answer to this question is found in the very first paragraph, which indicates that this fear that we possess is not of God. If we have love in our hearts and are of a sound mind, as Christians we are blessed with the power to overcome the spirit of fear. It is a fact that fear is a part of life, but we have a choice not to succumb to the fears of this world. The question is who are we to fear? Psalms chapter 27 verses 1-3 states, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though a host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.” Also in Matthew 10 verse 28 states, “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear Him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” We are only to fear (reverence) God.
The spirit of fear has destroyed many lives over the centuries and has caused many persons not to reach their goals in life even today. From viewing the above contents, another question comes to mind. What is the purpose of fear for Christians to be more confident in decision-making? The purpose for fear is the way to gain wisdom from God. Job chapter 28 verse 28 states, “And unto man He said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.” Though fear is looked at as a negative force in our lives, all we have to do is fear God only and the positive aspect of fear will emerge to sustain us through wisdom. God bless you all.
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