The Basics of Faith Series #2 - FEAR
Psalm 34:1-11 Victory Fellowship
January 15, 2023 Rev. Roderick Grabski
Introduction:
I’m doing a seven part series dealing with Scriptural guidance in the Basics of our Faith. This includes Obedience, Fear, Praise, Forgiveness, Intercession, Making Disciples, and Giving. Last week I shared how important it is that we embrace our Obedience to God. Remember that w/o a basic desire to obey God we can’t properly embrace any aspect of our faith.
Today I want to share how we can embrace a proper attitude toward FEAR.
Two ways to experience FEAR: Moderate Anxiety or Eustress, and Intense Anxiety or Distress.
Have you ever been afraid? Depending on which type of stress you were under determines whether the fear produced good result or bad ones.
HOW WE EXPRESS OUR FEAR REVEALS A LOT ABOUT OUR FAITH. DO WE HAVE A PROPER ATTITUDE REGARDING FEAR?
What are you afraid of? Is it covid? Dying? Finances failing?
In the worst case scenario – if you are a Christian and you die from Covid-19, or anything else for that matter, you are going to live forever with Jesus. NO NEED TO FEAR. There must come a time where the fear in your life has to face the God you KNOW.
PSALM 34 GIVES US TWO WAYS TO EXPRESS FEAR TO GOD:
1. 4 I prayed to the LORD, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.
2. 9 Fear the LORD, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need.
Here's truth, from the book of Isaiah. (our call to Worship) "Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you. Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10).
• Debbie McDaniel, Crosswalk.com Contributing Writer, Tuesday, October 07, 2014: 5 reasons God tells us not to fear:
1. He is with us. “Do not fear for I am with you…” Ever present, all the time. In the deepest struggles and the darkest of times, we sometimes wonder if we are all alone. God reminds us we are not. Ever.
2. He is our God. “Do not anxiously look about you for I am your God…” He is our God who leads and protects us, he is the One we can run to for refuge.
3. He gives us strength. “I will strengthen you…” He equips us for this battle. He empowers us by his Spirit, and give us strength.
4. He helps us. “Surely, I will help you…” He doesn’t leave us on our own to figure things out. He is there to help us. Always. Sometimes we feel ambushed by surprise difficulties or things thrown our way. We can easily feel overwhelmed with it all. He reminds us, he will fight for us.
5. He holds us up with his hand. “Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” He holds us in his hand. He covers us in his hand. He keeps us safe. The right hand is important because it's the hand that is relied upon in battle. It's the hand that is trusted. It's the hand that fights, the hand that holds the weapon, the hand that must be strong. That's where he holds us. In his righteous right hand. Strong. Safe. Secure.
Having a good attitude toward FEAR starts with a right Fear of the Lord. Fear that motivates our trust in God and Worship/Praise toward Him. Also knowing that He is our God and we have nothing to Fear from this World.
PRAYER
SONG: Oh My Soul
Psalm 34:1-11 (NLT) 1 I will praise the LORD at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. 2 I will boast only in the LORD; let all who are helpless take heart. 3 Come, let us tell of the LORD’s greatness; let us exalt his name together. 4 I prayed to the LORD, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. 5 Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. 6 In my desperation I prayed, and the LORD listened; he saved me from all my troubles. 7 For the angel of the LORD is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him. 8 Taste and see that the LORD is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! 9 Fear the LORD, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need. 10 Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the LORD will lack no good thing. 11 Come, my children, and listen to me, and I will teach you to fear the LORD.
