Can Fear Be Positive?

Day three hundred twelve

Life has a way of throwing things at us that seem so big that we couldn't possibly get over them, through them, or around them.  I have some people in my life that are struggling with some of these challenges and they need some extra prayers.  So this morning I talked with Father about what is going on and asked Him to bless these families with some extra love, comfort, and peace.  I also asked Him to bless my family with ways that we can help others as they go through these challenges.  And please let them know that we love them!

2 Chronicles 17:10

"And the fear of the Lord fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that were round about Judah, so that they made no war against Jehoshaphat."

Fear is real. As a child I remember the feeling of dread that would come at bedtime.  My poor parents had to open the closet and turn on the lights each night because I was sure that a monster would be hiding inside.  And if that wasn't bad enough, I would make sure that I slept in the middle of my tiny twin bed so that no body parts could possibly sneak out of the covers and hang over the edge.  I was filled with fear that the thing that lived under my bed would grab me and pull my under!  

It's crazy what fear will make us do, but it's not always negative.  In this chapter of 2 Chronicles, we read about a fear that prevented neighboring countries from going to war against Judah.  Can fear be positive?

In the scriptures the word fear can have two meanings: (1) to fear God is to feel reverence and awe for him and to obey his commandments; (2) to fear man, mortal dangers, pain, and evil is to be afraid of such things and to dread them. (Guide to the Scriptures)

I think there was a little of both going on in this chapter. The people of Judah, under King Jehoshaphat's reign, had a respectful fear or reverence for the Lord during this time.  The king's "heart was lifted up in the ways of the Lord" (v 6), the Book of the Law was being taught (v 9), and the people of Judah prospered (vv 12-18).

The scriptures have a few things to say about the fear of God:

Serve the Lord with fear [reverence and awe] (Ps 2:11)
Fear [reverence and awe] of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Ps 111:10)
Fear [reverence and awe] the Lord and depart from evil (Prov 3:7)
The fear [reverence and awe] of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom (Prov 15:33)
It shall be well with them that fear [reverence and awe] God (Eccl 8:12)

It's sounding pretty good so far!

Now this must have been a powerful testament to what God can do because the surrounding people, including the Philistines, who were a constant thorn in the side of Israel, were subdued during this time.  From what we know of the Philistines, I don't think that they were really into reverence of the Lord, I think they were more concerned about how strong Judah had become and what alliances could be made with the other surrounding people. Their fear fits more into the second definition, they feared the people, not God.  

Isn't it interesting that when Israel "feared" God their enemies feared them?

King Jehoshaphat seemed to understand this principle.  He knew that a respectful fear of the Lord would humble the people and then they would obey the commandments.  Doing what was right would bring prosperity for Judah and respect from neighboring countries.

Jehoshaphat enjoyed times of peace and prosperity, not through physical wars, but as the people surrendered their lives to God.  It was then that "the fear of the LORD fell on all the kingdoms of the lands that were around about Jerusalem."  

Have you seen this in your own life?  When you fear or reverence God do the people around you take notice?  Why?

It is not because you have plastered signs all over the place expressing how you feel about God, but because your example has impacted their lives. You have touched their hearts by what you say and what you do. When you let your life reflect your love for the Lord that's what makes the biggest difference in the lives of those around you.

Earlier I asked the question: Can fear be positive?  I think Jehoshaphat and his people make a good case for the answer to be yes.  Having a fear of the Lord can be a healthy, positive experience with far-reaching effects.  The Lord blesses those willing to reverence Him with prosperity and protection from their enemies. 

Remember those enemies of sleep, the monsters in my room?  Do you know what helped me conquer them?  It wasn't having the lights on or checking the closet, it was the advice my mom gave me to say a prayer whenever I felt scared.  The sweet prayers of a scared little child asking her Father in Heaven to please make those scary monsters go away!  With the faith of a child I completely believed that He would make them go away!  I was like the Kingdom of Judah, when I turned to the Lord He blessed me with protection.  Out of my fear came a stronger relationship with God.  Can fear be positive? YES!