2nd Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
This passage of scripture teaches us that fear does not originate with God, because the Bible tells us that perfect love casteth out all fear. Fear and anxiety were first introduced into the human equation after Adam and Eve sinned, when they became scared of meeting with God, on account of the decision to disobey. As a general rule of thumb, fear comes on the heels of conscious disobedience, a fact that is well demonstrated and understood in the context of our everyday experiences. For instance, if we are traveling on the I95 at a section where the speed limit is 65 mph, but we were deliberately doing 90 mph, the fear factor would be ignited if a state trooper were to pull up behind with lights flashing and siren blaring.
The same is true with the law of God when it is deliberately violated, for the result is unease, restlessness, and dread because of a seared conscience. This then leads to other types of negative behaviors, including anger, rebellion, alienation, and self-justification, elements that are counterproductive in nature, and which deprive us of that inner peace that only a clear conscience, and knowing Jesus can bring. The apostle John puts it this way, that fear results in torment, which can only be alleviated through reconciliation with The Lord Jesus, and also through confession, repentance, and a permanent change of heart. Let's read:
1st John 4:9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world" ..... "to be the propitiation for our sins. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
In our day there are millions of people who are suffering from anxiety and fear because of the unsettled state of affairs in the world. Ever so often we hear of rumors of wars and earthquakes in different places, together with terrorism and social unrest in various parts of the world. Added to all this we are now facing the prospect of new diseases and viruses that are coming upon the stage of action with increasing frequency and intensity, and because of all these and other factors, fear has now become the norm in modern society. Even wall street has taken up the strain by having a fear index to measure the agitated sentiments of investors.
The fact of the matter remains that peace, which is the antidote for fear, can only be found in Christ, since all other measures prove futile or temporary at best. That's why the call of God through the gospel is for us to let The Son take full control of our lives, so that His Righteousness may become ours, and that His peace may be bestowed in our hearts. The essence of the entire gospel is briefly summed up in the following well known saying: "No Jesus, no peace. Know Jesus, know peace.
We therefore end with a passage of scripture that sums up the results of abiding in Christ and following after righteousness. Let's read:
Isaiah 32:17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. 18 And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.
May the God of peace rest and abide with us now and forever. "Good night" and God bless!