Fear of God: A Motivating Force (a Frenemy)
The phrase Fear of God often sparks confusion. It doesn’t mean cowering in fear, but rather understanding God’s power and reverence for His will. When we experience this type of fear, it motivates us to act with wisdom, integrity, and courage. It encourages us to make decisions that align with our faith and values. Properly channeled, fear can lead us toward positive outcomes. Rather than being an Enemy, Fear of God is a Frenemy.
Fear: Friend or Enemy?
Fear is often misunderstood. We view it as something negative, something to avoid. But fear, when properly understood and managed, can be a powerful ally. In some situations, fear can even be a friend, propelling us toward greater strength and resilience. On the other hand, when fear paralyzes us, it becomes an enemy, preventing us from doing what we know we should.
In my blog post Is Fear Of God Not Loving Him? I said,
“Fear does things for us that when properly managed, and we should not want to dispose of it lightly.”
I neglected to say what those many things are. Here is a list:
- It can make you faster
- It can make you stronger
- It can make you think faster
- It will make you feel less physical pain
You can read more about this idea in the full post on Is Fear Of God Not Loving Him?.
How Fear Can Help Us
Fear is not inherently bad. When we feel it, our bodies undergo several changes designed to enhance our abilities in the face of danger. Here’s how fear can be a helpful force:
- Increases Speed
One of the most immediate effects of fear is an increase in speed. The body’s response to fear triggers the release of adrenaline, which prepares the body for action. The heart pumps faster, sending more oxygen to muscles, helping us react quickly. In a life-threatening situation, this could mean the difference between escape and injury. - Boosts Strength
Fear also makes us stronger. The adrenaline rush prepares muscles to perform beyond their normal capacity. Whether you’re lifting something heavy, running faster, or fighting to defend yourself, fear gives you the strength needed to overcome obstacles that would normally be too difficult. - Sharpens Thinking
Fear also heightens mental clarity. In stressful situations, the brain receives more oxygen, which helps it process information quickly. This sharpened focus allows you to make quicker, more accurate decisions, which is crucial in moments of danger. - Reduces Pain
Another benefit of fear is its ability to reduce pain. As the body prepares for action, it releases endorphins, natural painkillers that help numb discomfort. This ability can be life-saving in situations where injury is inevitable but survival requires continued effort.
When Fear Becomes an Enemy
While fear has its advantages, it can easily shift into a destructive force. If we allow fear to dominate us, it can stop us from pursuing important goals or fulfilling our potential. Fear can cause hesitation, doubt, and a reluctance to take risks. It convinces us that we aren’t capable, that we aren’t worthy, or that failure is inevitable.
This is where the Fear of God comes into play again. Instead of being overwhelmed by fear that causes us to shrink back, the Fear of God should drive us to act with boldness and trust in His guidance. When fear prevents us from doing what we should do, we must challenge it by remembering our strength in faith.
Fear and Its Role in Faith
Fear, when aligned with faith, can drive us forward. It pushes us to respect God’s power, but it doesn’t paralyze us. Instead, it moves us to act boldly in situations where courage is required. Through this, we grow stronger, smarter, and more capable. The key is learning to recognize when fear is helping and when it’s holding us back.
Embracing Fear as a Tool for Growth
Thinking that the Fear of God is a frenemy does not lead us into despair or hesitation. It leads us to greater strength and wisdom. Fear, when managed properly, is a powerful tool for growth. It can make us faster, stronger, and more capable of handling life’s challenges. The trick is learning to use fear wisely, understanding when it is a friend and when it has become an enemy.
Fear can be an incredible motivator. When we respect and manage it, fear pushes us to act with greater energy, speed, and strength. As we continue to grow in our understanding of the Fear of God, we can use this powerful emotion to move forward with courage, trusting in our ability to overcome obstacles and live with purpose.
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