MANAGING FEAR

January 11, 2026

In his sermon this week, Joe elaborates on the topic of fear. He discusses fear in terms of a “toxic pairing.” First, the fear of the Lord, a respectful amazement or reverent awe based on an understanding of His power and might. 2 Chronicles 34: 14-27 gives us an excellent example of fear of the Lord: specifically, His potential rath at disobedience. Fear of the Lord helps us since we are to worship God and do His will first and foremost. Ironically, when we fear His power and might, He will remove the need for that fear because He saves us from His own anger, justice, and power through grace. The second type of fear is the fear of unknown possibilities such as fear of a forest fire and other life events that we normally associate with fear. This second type of fear is frequently necessary and healthy since it can propel us to protective action. But when we take counsel of these fears and allow ourselves to become anxious and preoccupied, they become unhealthy and can even lead to a slave mentality. One example (among many in the Bible) of this is the Israelites at the Red Sea. This second type of fear is embedded in a fundamental questioning of the power and might of God. It also elevates our own influence and ability to affect change above that of God. The first fear is necessary, the second fear must be mitigated and properly applied. Often God gives us tasks, as He did Moses, to help manage the second fear and ultimately trust in His solution and timing.