How to overcome guilt with forgiveness?

 

Forgiveness, pardoning one´s sin, does not come easily for most of us. Our natural instinct is to recoil in self-protection when we have been injured. We do not naturally overflow with mercy, grace, and forgiveness when we've been wronged.[1] In this section I want to elaborate first on the vertical and horizontal aspect of forgiveness and then on several reasons why we should forgive.

           The Flow of forgiveness: Vertical and Horizontal Forgiveness

1. God

If we picture a world without forgiveness, we need to humbly confess that God´s forgiveness and his willingness to pay the price of that forgiveness makes a real difference in our vision of human life. It is God´s love and forgiveness toward us which forms the basis for our forgiveness towards ourselves and others, which I call vertical forgiveness. God is not only the author and perfecter of our life and faith (Hebrews 12:1) but also of our forgiveness. Pride, rather than forgiveness, is our human default setting, and therefore the concept of forgiveness is a divine concept. He enables us to forgive! Everything we have comes ultimately from Him!

2. Self

Without experiencing this vertical forgiveness of our sins (John 3:16), we cannot forgive ourselves, which is necessary to forgive others. Though talking about love, Matthew 22:29 (love your neighbor as yourself) supports this principle: Our love for our neighbor is based on our love for ourselves. Not loving ourselves will disable us to genuinely love our neighbor. In line with this train of thought: if we cannot forgive ourselves, how are we supposed to forgive others?

Experiencing the forgiveness of God brings us back in right relationship with God. Through this right relationship with God, we now have the hope of discovering our true selves and of being able to live at peace with what we find. We also have the hope of discovering others, meeting them in no exploitative intimacy instead of self-serving manipulation.[2]

Forgiving ourselves also implies accepting the way we look and are. It means accepting-even though we may not be perfect—that when God created us he said “behold, it is very good” (Genesis 1:31). Believing anything else about ourselves is declaring God to be a liar.

3. Others

Based on the forgiveness of God (vertical forgiveness), applied in forgiving ourselves, we are able to forgive other people: horizontal forgiveness. However, in order to make the flow of forgiveness more visual, above is a simple diagram.

Do we need to forgive God?

Common sense tells us that we can only forgive if there anything to forgive. If someone is not breaking a law or wronging somebody, he does not need forgiveness but is righteous. Having said this, we have to answer the question: is God sinning against us? Though it may look like God is wronging us and that he offends ‘our rights,’ he is not. God is the potter, and we are the clay.

Paul says “who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, ‘Why have you made me like this?’ Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honored use and another for dishonorable use?” (Romans 9:21-22). Since God is God and we are created by Him, he has the right to do whatever he wants to. However, in his unfailing love for us he says in Jeremiah 29:11, “‘For I know the plans I have for you’, declares the LORD, ‘plans for wholeness and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.’”

So, it is very possible that occurring events are not pleasing to us. Jeanette Lockerbie says that “we will never be able to understand or explain the wonderful alchemy that produces sweetness out of sorrow, beauty from ashes, peace in the midst of pain.”[3]

 

Website Reference:

        1. Guilt and Forgiveness www.grin.com/en/e-book/143262/guilt-and-forgiveness

2. William T. Kirwan, Biblical Concepts for Christian Counseling, (Grand Rapids: Baker Book ... Guilt is the 'phenomena' humanity has been dealing with since the fall of Adam and Eve. .... Your comment is reviewed before being published ...

 

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¹About.com is a part of New York Times company. Article “What Does the Bible Say About Forgiveness? “was authored by Mary Fairchild. Date of publishing this article is unknown. Accessed on 10.12.2009.

²Leroy Aden and David G. Benner, Counseling, and the Human Predicament,206.

[3] Jeanette Lockerbie | Christian Books - Moody Publishers https://www.moodypublishers.com/authors/l/jeanette-lockerbiJEANETTE LOCKERBIE (1916-1998) homemaker, writing consultant, lecturer, and author of nearly forty books, was born in Scotland and spent her adult years in Canada and the United States. Jeanette was author of numerous books including Morning Glories and Salt in my Kitchen. In addition to her responsibilities as a pastor’s and missionary’s wife, she also served as staff editor for Psychology ...

How do we deal with guilt?

 

Guilt is the ‘phenomena’ humanity has been dealing with since the fall of Adam and Eve. Nevertheless, there are four common approaches I may consider. First, as in the 60´s, it was the common practice to convince someone that he should not feel guilty for divorcing his wife, because divorce is legal. Second, as in the 70´s, people were encouraged to see themselves as more than their guilt. Their potential for good would overcome their guilt. Third, as many people believe, one has to feel guilty only when one is being caught. If no one knows, no one worries.¹

These approaches lead only to denial and ignorance. None of them deals with the core of guilt, which is sin. Therefore, I want to consider the fourth option: forgiveness. It may be the most time-consuming treatment of guilt, but the only one that is really orthodox with scripture and the only one that brings true holistic restoration and healing.

Leroy Aden understands forgiveness as a divine tool for dealing with brokenness: “Guilt speaks with a loud voice, but forgiveness has the last word.”²According to the dictionary, forgiveness is granting pardon for a mistake or wrongdoing, to free someone from penalty (like a sentence) or obligation (like a debt or payment).³Forgiveness is the response to sin and an act of grace which cannot be earned or deserved (Romans 3:23). Forgiveness denies the self that demands its “rights.” It is, as David Augsburger said, “like turning a key in the lock. You never go back to look at it again. It´s closed. Forever.”⁴

Therefore, we can say that forgiveness is the highest form of giving in a relationship, as we can see when Jesus was incarnated and died for our sins so that whoever repents shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).

Leroy Aden highlights that forgiveness is not only the center of relationships, but also of Christian faith on which all other biblical claims rest.⁵Forgiveness suggests that there is another and better way than to ignore and deny guilt, which allows us to be honest about the reality of our own guilt and that of others. It encourages us to take honest responsibility for our own side of relationship.⁶Though forgiveness is a gift, it requires that the guilty person repents and turns away from his sin and desires and pursues to cure the cause of the problem.⁷

Having said this, forgiveness, pardoning one´s sin, does not come easily for most of us. Our natural instinct is to recoil in self-protection when we have been injured. We do not naturally overflow with mercy, grace, and forgiveness when we've been wronged.⁸In the next section I want to elaborate first on the vertical and horizontal aspect of forgiveness and then on several reasons why we should forgive.

References:

¹Gary R. Collins, Counseling and Guilt,(Texas: Word Books Publisher, 1987), 40.

²Leroy Aden and David G. Benner, Counseling, and the Human Predicament -A study of Sin, Guilt, and forgiveness-

(Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1989), 184.

³The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language.

⁴David Augsburger, Caring Enough to Not Forgive,(Scottdale: Herald Press, 1981), 39.

⁵Leroy Aden and David G. Benner, Counseling, and the Human Predicament,177.

⁶Ibid., 183.

⁷Duncean Buchanan, The Counselling of Jesus,(Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 1985), 101.

⁸About.com is a part of New York Times company. Article “What Does the Bible Say About Forgiveness?” was authored by Mary Fairchild. Date of publishing this article is unknown. Accessed on 10.12.2009.

Guilt: Psychological and Theological guilt

 Today's blog is about guilt and the difference between "Psychological and Theological guilt."

Guilt: Definition

The dictionary defines guilt as, “Remorse and regret, caused by having committed an offence, crime, violation, or wrong, esp. against moral, religious or penal law; justly subject to a certain accusation or penalty.”¹

Guilt is caused by breaking a law which the Bible calls sin; falling short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Since one is declared ‘guilty’ or ‘not guilty,’ it is therefore not a feeling but a status we have because of sin or breaking a law. However, being guilty is usually accompanied by emotions of regret, inadequacy, unworthiness, remorse, embarrassment, shame, and blame-consequences that are painful. Unresolved guilt does have the power to destroy one´s life emotionally, physically, and spiritually, and I will explore this part at a later point.

Psychological and Theological guilt

Satan accusing us: Psychological guilt is the internalization of the emotional experience of, for example, being rejected or shamed by one´s parents, or some one closer.  It involves self-rejection (“I´m not worthy”) or self-shame (“I always blow it”). Psychological guilt often leads to self-punishment (such as cutting)² and self-denial as an attempt to find relief, which turns out to be not a relief at all. Sadly, destructive thoughts such as “I deserve punishment,” or “I don´t deserve to live” are the motivation for a shockingly high percentage of people who see their only way out of their shame and guilt. 

In one's despair in attempting to find relief, even committing, or wanting to commit suicide seem to be the inward thought process in some individuals. However, nowhere in the New Testament is psychological guilt regarded as a desirable or constructive feeling. In fact, Paul says that worldly sorrow leads to death, but godly sorrow (i.e., theological guilt) can lead to life (2 Cor. 7:10).³

The root of psychological guilt is often the ‘diablo,’ which is the Greek word for Satan.⁴ In Zechariah 3:1 and Revelation 12:10 we learn that he is also called "the accuser of the brethren." 

The Holy Spirit convicting us: Theological guilt is the Holy Spirit convicting us of breaking God’s law as it is recorded in the Bible. This leads to the feeling of having failed in one’s relationship with God. Dealing with it in the proper way leads to reconciliation and restoration of a full relationship with God and others.⁵ On the other hand, rejecting the Holy Spirit´s guidance leads to the hardening of our hearts (Hebrews 3:15) and grieving of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30).

¹The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Houghton Mifflin Company, 2004. Article “guilty” was accessed on 10 Dec. 2009. <Dictionary.com<span="">http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/guilty>.</Dictionary.com<>

²William T. Kirwan, Biblical Concepts for Christian Counseling,(Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1984), 197.

³Ibid..

⁴The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language

⁵William T. Kirwan, Biblical Concepts for Christian Counseling,198.

True Wisdom: Mystery Revealed

 

In praise of wisdom: Job’s discourse on wisdom

The wisdom poem of Job 28 consists of three parts: (1) precious metals and stones are found in deepest mines (vv. 1-11); (2) wisdom is not found in mines, nor can it be purchased with precious metals or stones (vv. 12-19); and (3) wisdom is found only in God and in the fear of him (vv. 20-28).

Matthew Henry states,

I. Concerning worldly wealth, how industriously that is sought for and pursued by the children of men, what pains they take, what contrivances they have, and what hazards they run to get it (v. 1-11). II. Concerning wisdom (v. 12). In general, the price of it is very great; it is of inestimable value (v. 15-19). The place of it is very secret (v. 14, v. 20, v. 22). In particular, there is a wisdom which is hidden in God (v. 23-27) and there is a wisdom which is revealed to the children of men (v. 28). Our enquiries into the former must be checked, into the latter quickened, for that is it which is our concern.^[1] 

Precious metals and stones are found in deepest mines

The verses (Job. 28:1-4), describes man’s heart after the search of hidden treasures of the earth. 

                Surely there is a vein for the silver, and a place for gold where they fine it. Iron is taken out of the earth, and brass is molten out of the stone. He setteth an end to darkness, and searcheth out all perfection: the stones of darkness, and the shadow of death. The flood breaketh out from the inhabitant; even the waters forgotten of the foot: they are dried up, they are gone away from men; (Job. 28:1-4).

God knows what is in the deepest caverns because the depths of riches both of wisdom and knowledge of God are unsearchable, and His judgments and ways are untraceable. The verses below speaks about the hidden nature of earth’s treasure.

As for the earth, out of it cometh bread: and under it is turned up as it were fire. The stones of it are the place of sapphires: and it hath dust of gold. There is a path which no fowl knoweth, and which the vulture's eye hath not seen: The lion's whelps have not trodden it, nor the fierce lion passed by it. He putteth forth his hand upon the rock; he overturneth the mountains by the roots. He cutteth   out rivers among the rocks; and his eye seeth every precious thing. He bindeth the floods from overflowing; and the thing that is hid bringeth he forth to light; (Job. 28:5-11). 

Wisdom is not found in mines, nor can it be purchased with precious metals or stones

The verses below explains the value and the real source of wisdom, and points to the rarity of true wisdom in the land of the living. 

But where shall wisdom be found? and where is the place of understanding? Man knoweth not the price thereof; neither is it found in the land of the living. The depth saith, It is not in me: and the sea saith, It is not with me. It cannot be gotten for gold, neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof. It cannot be valued with the gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx, or the sapphire. The gold and the crystal cannot equal it: and the exchange of it shall not be for jewels of fine gold. No mention shall be made of coral, or of pearls: for the price of wisdom is above rubies. The topaz of Ethiopia shall not equal it, neither shall it be valued with pure gold; (Job. 28:12-19).  

Wisdom is found only in God and in the fear of him

The verses below explains the summary and the source of wisdom. The Eternal God who masters the natural world has the riches of wisdom at His disposal in accordance with His tremendous grace. He has demonstrated His own wisdom and power through the creation and the design of the natural world.

Whence then cometh wisdom? and where is the place of understanding? Seeing it is hid from the eyes of all living and kept close from the fowls of the air. Destruction and death say, We have heard the fame thereof with our ears. God understandeth the way thereof, and he knoweth the place thereof. For he looketh to the ends of the earth, and seeth under the whole heaven; To make the weight for the winds; and he weigheth the waters by measure. When he made a decree for the rain, and a way for the lightning of the thunder: Then did he see it, and declare it; he prepared it, yea, and searched it out.  And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding; (Job. 28:20-28). 

“He seems to say that, though men should explore the deep places of the earth with all the diligence of miners seeking gold and silver, though they should exert all their mental force, as miners use all their muscular vigor, and though they should employ all the machinery within their reach, as men do who pierce through the rocks in search of precious treasure, yet it is not within the range of human labor and skill to attain unto wisdom. That can only be found by another and a higher method; it must come to us by revelation from God, for we cannot find it by our own efforts” (Spurgeon)[2].

Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding: Job concluded this great speech by coming back to the touchstone of revelation. Since true wisdom comes from God, it is found by being in right relation to Him (the fear of the Lord), and it is shown by a life that does depart from evil.^[3]

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[1] Charles Spurgeon - Wikipedia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Spurgeon

Charles Haddon Spurgeon (19 June 1834 – 31 January 1892) was an English Particular Baptist preacher. Spurgeon remains highly influential among Christians of various [which?] denominations, among whom he is known as the "Prince of Preachers". He was a strong figure in the Reformed Baptist tradition, defending the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith, and opposing the liberal and …

[2] Charles Spurgeon - Wikipedia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Spurgeon

Charles Haddon Spurgeon (19 June 1834 – 31 January 1892) was an English Particular Baptist preacher. Spurgeon remains highly influential among Christians of various [which?] denominations, among whom he is known as the "Prince of Preachers". He was a strong figure in the Reformed Baptist tradition, defending the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith, and opposing the liberal and …

[3] Enduring Word Bible Commentary Job Chapter 28

https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/job-28

2015-12-22 · Enduring Word Bible Commentary Job Chapter 28 Job 28 – Job’s Discourse on Wisdom A. Man and the search for material treasure. 1. (1-4) Man seeks after treasure in the earth.

 

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Our Paschal Lamb: Plea for Restoration of the People and the Land

The Paschal mystery is one of the central concepts of Christian faith relating to the history of salvation. The main subject of this “Paschal mystery” is the passion, death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ – the work that God the Father sent His Son to accomplish on earth. Paschal Mystery is a general term to describe the redemptive work of Christ, and we are called to remember this according to His Word. We especially remember the events of the Last Supper and the (crucifixion of Christ) the Passion, reaching their climax on Easter Sunday. Our Paschal Lamb is our Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Son of God who came to dwell among us through the Virgin birth.

 In a time of great distress like this, “global distress” in singing this Psalm we may be assisted in our prayers to God both for the church in general and for our land and for our people and for the whole world. To the chief Musician, A Psalm for the sons of Korah: Psalm 85.

The pleas are, “Lord, thou hast been favourable unto thy land: thou hast brought back the captivity of Jacob. Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of thy people, thou hast covered all their sin. Selah. Thou hast taken away all thy wrath: thou hast turned thyself from the fierceness of thine anger” Psa. 85:1-3.

The petition against sin and wrath is seen in “Turn us, O God of our salvation, and cause thine anger toward us to cease” Psa. 85:4. Mercy and grace despite the sins are seen in. Shew us thy mercy, O Lord, and grant us thy salvation” Psa. 85:7.

The present distress and the plea for restoration is worded in, “Wilt thou be angry with us for ever? wilt thou draw out thine anger to all generations?  Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?” Psa. 85:5-6.

Now we shall see an olive branch, just like in the times of Noah’s flood, the dove returning with an olive branch of peace and good tidings; the psalmist expects her return, “I will hear what God the Lord will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly” Psa. 85: 8.

The psalmist gave assurance of to others, and by the spirit of faith he took the assurance of to himself, “Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him; that glory may dwell in our land. Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven. Yea, the Lord shall give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase.  Righteousness shall go before him; and shall set us in the way of his steps” Psa. 85:8-13.

Analyzing a bit further, Psa. 85:1-7, speaks about the church in great affliction and distress. Mathew henry writes: “So ready is God to hear and answer the prayers of his people that by his Spirit in the word, and in the heart, he indites their petitions and puts words into their mouths. The people of God, in a very low and weak condition, are here taught how to address themselves to God” It is important the church need to acknowledge the great things God had done for them Psa. 85:1-3. This means the present afflictions and sufferings should not drown the remembrance of former mercies of God. Matthew Henry affirms as below:

"Thou hast been favourable to thy land, as thine, with distinguishing favours.’’ Note, the favour of God is the springhead of all good, and the fountain of happiness, to nations, as well as to persons. It was by the favour of God that Israel got and kept possession of Canaan Psa. 44:3; and, if he had not continued very favourable to them, they would have been ruined many a time.  That he had rescued them out of the hands of their enemies and restored them to their liberty: "Thou hast brought back the captivity of Jacob, and settled those in their own land again that had been driven out and were strangers in a strange land, prisoners in the land of their oppressors.’’

Throughout Biblical history we see that the vessels of God’s mercy are the heirs of His salvation. God Having covered all their sin, thou hast taken away all thy wrath;’’ For when sin is set aside God’s anger ceases and God is pacified if we are purified. See what the pardon of sin is: Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of thy people.

All good comes from God’s goodness; and when mercy, truth, and righteousness, have a sovereign influence on men’s hearts and lives, all good may be expected. If we thus seek the righteousness of God’s kingdom, other things shall be added, Mat. 6:33. When the glory of the gospel dwells in our land, then it shall yield its increase, for soul-prosperity will either bring outward prosperity along with it or sweeten the want of it, Psa. 67:6.  

Dr. Hammond expounds it as “If truth spring out of the earth, that is (as out of the hearts of men, the proper soil for it to grow in, righteousness (that is, God’s mercy) shall look down from heaven, as the sun does upon the world when it sheds its influences on the productions of the earth and cherishes them.” This will be the answer for our peace. God answers prayer from a pure heart, and He is a covenant keeping God.  

Based on the above contemplation, prayer, plea, petition and cry for humanity and healing of the land, we pray that God have mercy on us and forgive our sins and heal the situation. God is immortal and He alone is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, when all our human efforts continue to fail. Glory and honour belong to Only Wise God.    

Uncharted Territories: fear, pain, anguish and glimmer of hope

What is an uncharted territory? Uncharted territory is a situation or circumstance that is foreign, unclear, or uncharted and which may be dangerous or difficult as a result. It could also mean a situation, where there seem to be no light at the end of the tunnel. Pain, anguish, and fear escalates to the point of hopelessness and we become restless. Hopelessness can deplete joy and energy out of a person and trusting God seem to be harder and the realities of the current situation continues to destroy hope. It could also make one wonder that life seems to be extremely hard, and there is no way of fixing it up, and so many may want to give up.

Throughout the Biblical history both in the Old and New Testaments, the giants of God faced uncharted territories. To name few of them from the Old Testament: Moses struggling with Egyptian Pharaoh and with the Nation of Israel, Joseph rejected by the brothers, the sun and moon stood still when Joshua was leading the people of God, Daniel in the lion’s den, Daniel’s friends in the fiery furnace, the Old Testament prophets facing major death sentences and criticism from National leaders.

In the New testament: the water was turned to wine, the dead was raised, Lazarus was raised up after he died for three days, calming the storm at the sea of Galilee when the disciples were tormented, Jesus appearing to the disciples when the doors were shut,  cleansing the leper, healing the sick, and raising up Jairus’ daughter are few examples.

The climax of the uncharted territory was faced by Jesus Christ, the Son of God, born of a virgin, suffered under Pontius Pilate, crucified, buried and rose again on the third day. Matthew 26: 36-45 talks about the Garden of Gethsemane experience of Jesus. Then he said to them, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me." Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will” Matt. 26:38-39. “He went away a second time and prayed, "My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done” Matt. 26: 42.

Indeed, the finale was the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the ultimate hope we all have because of the second Adam Jesus Christ who gave His life for us. This is our ultimate hope despite our pain and anguish, and Jesus Christ is alive today. He is seated at the right hand of God the Father interceding for His beloved adopted heirs, and for the perishing world. Because God has given us the Holy Spirit, we can live for Him, and fight the battles against the enemy without despair.

The question remains on how we trust God in our current uncertainties? In our uncharted territories we can Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and leaning not on your own understanding; in all our ways we can acknowledge Him, and He is able to make our paths straight. Dearly beloved and readers of my blog would you please join with me in prayer?  

Giver of life, thou didst raise Lazarus from death, raise up our souls from the death and darkness of sin. Thou didst gave to the Apostles, power over unclean spirits, give us power over our own heart which is beyond deceitful according to Your Word. Thou didst appear to the disciples when the doors were shut, please appear to us at the secret apartment of our heart. Thou didst cleanse the leper, heal the sick and gave sight to the blind, heal our hearts, heal the disorders of our soul, and continue to strengthen us by Your convicting, confronting, comforting power of the Holy Spirit. May our hearts be knitted together in love of the Father and of Christ, attaining to the riches of the knowledge of the mystery of God, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.  

Thou hast known each one of us intimately according to Your Word written in Psalm 139. We express our known and unknown thoughts of fear, pain, anguish, worry, anxiety and panic in our uncharted territories to You. Jesus our healer, the Brazen Serpent, which was lifted up in the desert, we acknowledge that Only Thou can heal us and calm us. We acknowledge that, Thou art high above all thrones, and principalities, make intercession for the whole world so that none should perish, the judge of the dead and the living, and we anticipate Your coming quickly in Your Father’s glory. We acknowledge that we are mortal and Thou art immortal and we ascribe glory and honor to Your Name. For the sake of Your Son Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit we pray; Amen.

Different kinds of fear….

We see fear around the globe and there are different kinds of fear. People react to fear differently and that is called “fear reactions.” Fear is an “endemic” which we see around the world and it does affect all humanity. The word “endemic” means (of a disease or condition) regularly found among  people. Fear seem to be the “governing emotion” for humanity and has to be checked regularly. What are the different kinds of fear that affects people?

For example: fear of death, fear of man, fear of failure, fear of rejection, fear of sickness, fear of God, and fear of lack which includes famine, fear of pestilence,  fear of drought,  fear of losing something precious, fear and loss of business, fear of the financial wealth, fear of losing the job, and the list has no end.

Let us try to understand how our body responds to fear. A rapidly beating heart is a fear reaction. This means there is generally fear, worry and anxiety within a person continuously. The person may be depressed and feels as if a load is crushing him/her down. The person has no peace in his body, and that is the body feels as if it is in constant distress.

Fear is part of the effect of the fallen world. Let us see where the fear originated. It started back in the Garden of Eden, and the Scripture affirms as follows: “For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.  And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves aprons. And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden. And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself;” Gen. 3:5-10.

Let us see how to address some kinds of the above-mentioned fears.

Fear of death (Psalm 23), “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me;” Psa. 23:4.

Fear of man, “The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe” Prov. 29: 25. “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee;” Heb. 13:5.

Fear of failure, “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us” Rom. 8:37. “Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God” 1 John 4:15.

Fear of rejection, “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out"  John 6:37(KJV). “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” Romans 8:1.

Fear of sickness, “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him” Acts 10:38. “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth” 3 John:2.  

Fear of lack, “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” Rom. 8:32.

Fear of God, is another fear which is not mentioned above. The fear of God is the one fear that removes all others. Jesus said, “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” John 10:10.

J.E. Adams. The Christian Counselor’s Manual, The Practice of Nouthetic Counseling, writes: Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love, 1 John 4:17-18.

Mathew Henry Study Bible, writes: “The psychosomatic effects of sin are more readily seen in, “I am feeble and sore broken: I have roared by reason of the disquietness of my heart. LORD, all my desire is before thee; and my groaning is not hid from thee” Psa. 38:8-9. David said that he felt as though he was benumbed and thoroughly bruised.

“Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy. To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine” Psalm 33:18-19. “But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows” Luke 12:7. We can also listen to this old gospel song called “His eye is on the Sparrow.”