Hebrews 12:28 (NKJV)
"Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear."

As Christians, we should have a holy fear. To fear God is to give Him all that belongs to Him. It is to tremble before Him in wonder and awe, giving His word and presence our full devotion.

"The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe."
Proverbs 29:25 (NKJV)

Turn away from fear and turn to the One who can save you.

There is a significant distinction between the "spirit of fear" and the "fear of the Lord." The spirit of fear is a negative, paralyzing fear that stems from a lack of trust in God. In contrast, the fear of the Lord is a reverential awe and respect for God's power and authority, which leads to obedience and wisdom.

Only those committing sin should fear God in a punitive sense. Christians, however, are called to fear God in a reverent, loving manner—not in terror or dread.

To walk in fear is to be unaware of God's unconditional love, for His perfect love casts out all fear. Fear, when left unchecked, can be debilitating. It is a root factor in paranoia—a thought process influenced by fear, anxiety, or suspicion. Paranoia often leads to irrational beliefs or thoughts about persecution, conspiracy, or threat.

That said, fear does have its purpose. In moments of danger, it can act as an instinctive response, helping us recognize and react to threats.

Three Types of Fear

1. Human Fear
   Human fears are diverse, ranging from rational concerns to irrational phobias. Common fears include fear of heights, flying, water, spiders, snakes, needles, and darkness. Human fear is a distressing emotion aroused by the anticipation of danger, evil, or pain—whether the threat is real or imagined. It serves as an alarm signal, alerting us that something is wrong and requiring attention.
   
   
2. Godly Fear
   Godly fear is the reverent awe and respect we develop for God as we serve Him. It is not a fear of punishment from God, who loves us with an everlasting love, but rather a fear of disappointing Him through our failures. This type of fear draws us closer to God, encouraging a life of obedience and devotion while fostering peace and assurance in His presence.
   
   
3. The Spirit of Fear
   A spirit of fear is a state of overwhelming anxiety or worry that can prevent individuals from fully living their lives. It feels like a heavy weight, holding people back from enjoying life or pursuing their goals. This fear is paralyzing and often rooted in insecurity, creating barriers to progress and freedom.

Both the "spirit of fear" and the "fear of the Lord" involve fear, but they differ significantly in meaning and impact. The spirit of fear is a paralyzing, negative fear associated with anxiety and insecurity. It is destructive, preventing growth and freedom. In contrast, the fear of the Lord is a deep reverence and awe for God, seen as a positive attribute that leads to wisdom, obedience, and a healthy relationship with Him.

The devil uses the spirit of fear as a weapon to intimidate and distance people from God. Fear is a powerful tool; when people are afraid for their lives, they often submit to those in authority. Cult leaders, for example, frequently use fear to manipulate and control their followers.

God, on the other hand, uses godly fear to draw us closer to Him. Godly fear is a reverent respect for God that brings peace and assurance. Unlike fear that leads to anxiety or alarm, godly fear fosters a deeper relationship with Him.

Psalms 103:8–10 (NKJV)
"The Lord is merciful and gracious,
Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.
He will not always strive with us,
Nor will He keep His anger forever.
He has not dealt with us according to our sins,
Nor punished us according to our iniquities."

God is not an angry God; He is patient, merciful, and gracious. We do not need to fear God in terror, but we should have a holy fear of Him. To fear God is to hold Him in awe and reverence while fearing separation from Him. Holy fear is a gift from God that combines love and reverence. It is described as the beginning of wisdom.

1 John 4:18 (NKJV)
"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love."

We are called to live free from fear. Though we may think we are doing well, sometimes fear lingers in our subconscious. Even Job, who was considered righteous in God’s eyes, had a hidden fear.

Job 3:25 (NKJV)
"For the thing I greatly feared has come upon me,
And what I dreaded has happened to me."

Job’s experience reminds us to examine ourselves for hidden fears and bring them to God. Perfect love casts out fear, and through a holy reverence for God, we can live in freedom and assurance of His love and mercy.

What Was Job Afraid Of?

Job feared losing everything—his possessions, his family, his wealth, his power, and even his reputation among those who knew him or had only heard of him. He also feared that he might sin against God and that his sons and daughters would do the same.

These fears reflect common anxieties we may face: the fear of losing safety and control, the fear of aloneness and disconnection, and the fear of unworthiness.

One of the great lessons we learn from Job in this chapter is that faith and despair are not incompatible. It is possible to have faith in God while feeling the crushing weight of trials that leave us broken. Faith is a trust or belief in something, often accompanied by hope and optimism. Despair, on the other hand, is a sense of complete hopelessness and the absence of belief in a positive outcome. In essence, faith and despair are opposites: faith represents hope in adversity, while despair signifies the loss of hope.

In the midst of his immense suffering, Job expresses a profound fear that has tragically come to pass in his life. His words reveal the heavy burden of his woes and a vulnerability that transcends the physical pain he endures.

Job describes his state as follows:
"I have no peace, no quietness; I have no rest, but only turmoil."
(Job 3:26, paraphrased)

Faith Over Fear

We must make a conscious choice between faith and fear, keeping our focus on Jesus. Consider Peter, who stepped out of the boat and walked on water as long as his eyes were fixed on Jesus. When he looked away and focused on the storm around him, fear overtook him, and he began to sink.

In the same way, we need to keep our minds on Christ, trusting that He knows our situation and is in control. When we focus on Jesus instead of the difficulties we face, we experience His peace and assurance.

Let God take control of your life. When you fully surrender to Him, fear, worry, and doubt lose their hold. We must learn to let go of self-reliance and allow God to lead us. By doing so, we find true peace and freedom from fear.

Evangelist Henry Miranda earned a Bachelor of Christian Ministry degree @ Christian Leadership University. Evangelist Henry Miranda is a Bible Teacher, Author, and Guest Speaker and, with the help of the Holy Spirit, has written ten books. You can reach @  //www.evangelize-for-jesus-ministries.co