Fear is something we do not like to talk or think about – particularly in business. Why? Because we have been taught that to do so is a sign of weakness. This is a narrow and deceptive perspective. Why? Because hiding fear does not make it go away; it only drives it into our subconscious mind, where we are even less likely to deal with it properly.
Refusing to consider the fear in our lives has another, perhaps more profound, impact on our success in life and business. In our attempts to suppress the fear that cripples us, we inevitably suppress the fear that promises to empower us for success. That’s right: There is a fear that is good for us.
The Book of Proverbs promises that the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge (1:7) and wisdom (111:10), and the source of strong confidence (14:26). The fear of the LORD leads to a life of satisfaction and protection from evil (19:23). The right fear can be the best thing for our professional and personal lives.
There is a good and a bad fear. Jesus put it this way:
4 “And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. 5 But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him! Luke 12:4-5
There are things and beings we should fear, and those that we should not. Fear can empower us; and fear can paralyze us. In either case, fear must be considered if we are to benefit from it (the right fear), or deal with it appropriately (the wrong fear).
So, how should you deal with the fears that don’t belong? For the Christian, it is really quite simple. Fears are like little dogs with big barks. Behind every fear there is a lie. Deal with the lie, and the fear will fly.
Marketplace Ministry Tip: Ungodly fear can be a great tutor in the practice of prayer. Confess your fear to God. Ask Him to expose the lie. Ask forgiveness for your belief in the lie. Ask God to replace the lie with His truth about the issue. Believe and reckon His truth to be truth for you. Take action in light of the truth you have been given. Contact me for more encouragement in this topic at rob@inlightconsulting.com.
Your servant and His forever,
