Strengthening Our Faith with God’s Love

06/12/22 – 06/30/22

When Fear Is Sin

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  06/17/22

We all experience fear from time to time. In some cases, fear can protect us. It tells us to use caution when crossing a busy street. It keeps us from putting our hands on a hot stove. It reminds us to wear a seatbelt when we drive a car. But fear turns into sin when we surrender to it. When fear becomes our daily master, it imprisons us spiritually. Constant fear affects our relationships, our perceptions, and even our health. When we allow fear to control us, it deteriorates our relationship with God.

God does not harshly chastise us for our fears but redirects our attention to faith in Him. God wants us to turn from our fears and instead embrace our faith. He wants us to stop and see what has been feeding our fears—the people who influence us, our thought patterns, or the goals we chase. When we recognize what is feeding our fears, God wants us to turn away from fear and focus on Him.

In 2 Timothy 1:7, Paul reminds us: “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” The spirit of fear is not from God. When we neglect our relationship with God, a spirit of fear can easily dominate our lives. But when we focus on the promises of God in His Word, we can defeat fear.

A righteous, God-fearing life will lead to victory over sinful fear: “Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD. Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes” (Psalm 112:6-8).

Prayer: God, help me recognize what it is that feeds my fears and turn away from those things to focus on You. May I no longer be controlled by fear. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD” (Psalm 112:7).