Bound By Fear…

Bound By Fear…10-3-25

I heard a speaker tell a story of a man with whom he was counseling. At the end of their conversation, the man stated that he needed to get home or his wife would kill him. The speaker asked the man if there was something he could think of that was exciting with his wife that he was looking forward to when he got home. The man sat in contemplative silence unable to think of the joy within his upcoming reunion with his wife. His marriage was bound by fear. Let me stop at this point and say this, my marriage is very good. Love and joy are very present.

Many people have a fear bond with God. Olivia Lane talks about growing up with a perception of God as the Father who you had to be afraid of. I can understand this as I think about what I do when my husband says something that makes me move to the side fearing he will be incinerated at any moment by lightening from above. My grandson doesn’t want to play baseball. I know why, he is afraid of the ball. Fear comes in many shapes and forms. But there is a healthy fear. A reverent fear. The fear that really isn’t a fear, but the love so deep that one doesn’t want to disappoint and displease.

Deuteronomy 10:12 says, “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul,“. I believe fearing the Lord is understanding our obedience to Him. Our respect for His authority. Our love that grows and desires to please.

Philippians 2:12-13, “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”