TARA GIBBS | CONTRIBUTOR

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,” says Proverbs 9:10.

But when we think about the power of fear in our daily lives, that is rarely the fear that drives us.

What makes you feel afraid? So often we don’t even recognize the root of fear which bears the fruit of not loving others as we are called to love. Am I bragging because I fear insignificance?  Am I accumulating things because I fear lack? Am I running others down because I fear not being worthy? Am I a bad apologizer because I fear being wrong? Do I fear those who are different because they may threaten my security?

Fear of the “other” in our country has risen astronomically in the last decade. Johns Hopkins did a survey in 2024[1] that showed more than half of each political party thought the opposing party was “downright evil.” In the 1990s, only about 20 percent of people held “very unfavorable” opinions of the opposing party. Fear is certainly affecting our world.

The question for us as Christians is, what are we going to do when fear calls our name?

We can attack others. We can distance, blame, or play the victim. We can seek escape through Netflix or mint-chip ice cream. Or we can go to Romans 8:15-16.

“For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.”

Fear-the Jailer

Fear whispers, “Follow me. I will keep you safe.” She says, “come behind these walls. They will protect you.” But Romans 8 tells us those walls aren’t there to keep us safe. They are a prison.

When we feel fear, we want to do anything to make that feeling go away. Fear destroys marriages, families, friendships, and churches. It leads us to harm others and even to harm our own bodies. Fear drives eating disorders, body dysmorphia, anxiety, and anxious parenting.

Where do you see fear in the driver’s seat in your own life? A diagnostic phrase often heard around our PCA Women’s Ministries is, “Am I being a life-giver or a life-taker?” Like David when he fears his adultery with Bathsheba will be uncovered, fear leads us to be life-takers.

But leaving the prison of our fear is not as simple as just deciding to stop. Fear is a powerful master.

And that’s why the second part of our verse is crucial.

“… you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.”

Abba!—the Father!

Instead of a spirit of fear, we have a different Spirit at work—the Spirit of adoption by which we call out “Abba, Father!” We have been given us this shocking term of intimacy and safety by which we can address our heavenly Father. Tim Keller used to say that the only person who wakes a King up at 3:00 AM for a glass of water is His beloved child. This is what Romans 8:15 is saying to us. And this is the reality that can change the power of fear in our lives.

What is your reaction when something is hard or scary? My intentions always start out so well. I think of that old prayer, “God, I’ve done pretty well so far today. I haven’t been greedy, grumpy or harsh… But pretty soon I’m going to get out of bed, and from then on, I’m going to need a lot more help.”

When fear tells us to attack or tuck tail and run, only one thing gives us the safety we need to lean in and love—the safe love of our Abba Father.

In the 1950s and 60s psychologists began studying the difference in children who were securely attached to reassuring parents, and those who were not. Securely attached toddlers on a playground would slowly begin to explore beyond their mother’s reach. When they felt uncertain, they would turn back to see their mother’s reassuring smile. This let them know everything was OK, and they were safe to keep going. If something really startled them, they would scurry back to be scooped into mama’s warm embrace. Once reassured, they would recommence the adventure of exploring a big world.

Our Abba Father created this world for us to explore with the boldness and assurance of beloved children of the Creator King.

Yes, the world is broken, but we have God’s promise that He is still sovereignly working all things for the good of His beloved children.

Pay attention to your fear. Vigilantly listen to the tightness in your chest, the anxiety in your gut, and then run…run to your Father’s embrace. He is watching over you. He is ready to hold you tight.

When fear comes, stop, pray, and look to the face of your Father. Boldly approach the throne crying, “Abba! Father!” and hear Him say, “You are my beloved child.” Then go and spread love and life in the fear of the Lord. That’s the only fear you are subject to any longer.

[1] https://hub.jhu.edu/2024/10/27/snf-agora-poll-september-202

Photo by George Dulishkovych on Unsplash