Good fear and bad fear

After reading certain passages in the Bible last night, and then this morning, I began to think about fear. When most people hear the word 'fear,' it doesn't bring good or pleasant thoughts to mind. Perhaps the word 'fear' brings back memories of scary, intense moments in your life when you didn't know what was about to happen or what you were going to do about the situation you were in. I can certainly remember moments of great fear that I have had in my life. Fear is commonly known as a negative thing. Fear is probably best described by the dictionary:

1. a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined; the feeling or condition of being afraid.

2. a specific instance of or propensity for such a feeling: an abnormal fear of heights.

We know that this type of fear just described does not come from God. He does not want us to be afraid!

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
II Timothy 1:7

God does not want us to be afraid! This negative type of fear I'm talking about can take away the ability to think clearly and use good sense. Fear can mess with your mind and cause you to see images that aren't even there. It is a spirit - the spirit of fear. This type of fear is not of God, and can be overcome by the power of the Holy Ghost! Revelation 21:7 says "He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son." It's our choice to overcome. God gives us the promise of the Holy Ghost, which we can have if we but obey His word. The Holy Ghost helps us to overcome come these things; We just have to let it. The next verse, Revelation 21:8 says "But the fearful, and the unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."

We can't make it to heaven with the spirit of fear.

GOOD FEAR

However, there is a good type of fear in the Bible, and we cannot make it to heaven without this type of fear: That is, the Fear of God.

Dictionary definition:

3. reverential awe, especially toward God: the Fear of God.

I Chronicals 16:30 - Fear before him, all the earth: the world also shall be stable, that it be not moved.

Deuteronomy 4:10 - ...Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children.

Deuteronomy 5:29 - O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!

The reason so many people willingly sin is because they do not fear God. God is our creator and, therefore, He is our judge. Just because you may not be punished right away for sin does not mean that you won't be punished: "Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil." Ecclesiastes 8:11 When we truly fear God, we will stay clean, and repent when we fall. If we don't sin, it will be well with us!

Psalm 19:9 - The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.

In conclusion:

"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man."

That's why we need to love the Word of God. It contains His commandments for us to follow. When we obey in faith, we are blessed! God is not just expecting us to obey, but He promises it will be well with us. He is leading us to eternal life! He will bless us! Don't fear the devil, Fear God!