What the Fear of the Lord is Not!

The Bible has much to say about the fear of the Lord, yet it is often misunderstood. Many equate it with dread, terror, or the kind of fear that makes us want to hide from God. However, the fear of the Lord is far from that—it is a deep sense of reverence, awe, and honour toward the Creator of the universe. It is not a fear that drives us away from God, but one that draws us closer to Him, aligning our hearts with His will and purposes.

Prophet Isaiah 33:6 paints a beautiful picture of the fear of the Lord:

This verse tells us that the fear of the Lord is not a burden to carry or an emotion to avoid—it is God’s treasure. Imagine that: the fear of the Lord is something so precious to God that He shares it with His people as a gift.

The Bible often emphasises the importance of the "fear of the Lord," describing it as the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). However, it’s crucial to understand that the fear of the Lord differs significantly from other types of fear. 

Natural fear is an instinctive reaction designed by God for self-preservation. It serves as a warning system that alerts us to potential danger. For instance, the fear of falling prevents us from standing too close to the edge of a cliff. This kind of fear is not sinful; rather, it’s part of our God-given survival mechanism.

In 2003, Aron Ralston, a mountaineer, found himself trapped under a boulder while hiking in a canyon. Alone and with no help in sight, his natural fear of death activated his survival instincts. For six days, Aron used creativity and determination to survive, eventually amputating his own arm to free himself. His fear of death was not paralysing but motivating—it led him to take bold, life-saving action.

Similarly, natural fear is meant to prompt us to act wisely, not to cause panic or despair. However, unlike the fear of the Lord, natural fear is rooted in physical danger and self-preservation rather than reverence for God.

Demonic fear is entirely different. It is unnatural, tormenting, and originates from satan. Unlike natural fear, which is protective, demonic fear is destructive. The Bible explicitly states that "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7). This fear seeks to enslave, paralyze, and separate believers from their God-given purposes.

1. It Proceeds from satan: Demonic fear is not from God but is instigated by the enemy to keep believers in bondage.

2. It Hinders Obedience to God: It stops people from stepping out in faith, trusting God, or fulfilling His calling for their lives.

3. It Torments: Unlike natural fear, demonic fear does not protect; it brings mental and emotional torment. As 1 John 4:18 says, "Fear has torment."

Claustrophobia, the irrational fear of tight spaces, is an example of demonic fear. It goes beyond natural caution and becomes a debilitating condition that controls a person’s decisions and behaviours. A person with claustrophobia might avoid elevators, airplanes, or even small rooms, which can severely limit their quality of life.

A well-documented example of deliverance from claustrophobia comes from the testimony of evangelist Smith Wigglesworth. A woman once approached him, paralysed by fear and unable to function in enclosed spaces. Wigglesworth recognised this as a demonic stronghold and prayed for her deliverance. He commanded the spirit of fear to leave in the name of Jesus, and she was instantly set free. From that moment, the woman no longer experienced fear in tight spaces and was able to live a normal life.

This testimony demonstrates the power of God to deliver His people from tormenting fears. Demonic fear is no match for the authority of Christ.

The fear of failure prevents people from stepping out in faith to pursue their God-given calling. This fear is rooted in the belief that one's worth is tied to performance. It can lead to procrastination, perfectionism, or the refusal to try at all.

In Matthew 25:14-30, Lord Jesus tells the Parable of the Talents, where one servant buried his talent out of fear of failure. This fear kept him from using the resources God entrusted to him. The master rebuked him for his inaction, showing that fear of failure is not a valid excuse for neglecting God’s calling.

This fear arises from a desire to be accepted and valued by others. The fear of rejection can lead to unhealthy relationships, people-pleasing, and even compromising biblical values to gain approval.

Lord Jesus reminded all who believed in him that they would face rejection from the world. Rejection is a price we must pay for walking with Him.

The fear of death often grips people with anxiety, robbing them of peace and the ability to live fully. This fear intensifies when individuals are unsure about their eternal destiny or overly focused on earthly life. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, I experienced an outpouring of fear like never before. People would call me, write to me, and even reach out through social media, gripped by an overwhelming fear of death. Some were petrified of contracting the virus, while others were tormented by the thought of losing loved ones. Day after day, my phone would ring with desperate voices asking, “Pastor, what if I die? What will happen to me? Will I see my family again?”

It was a heavy season, one that tested not just the faith of others but also my own. I remember vividly how their fear felt almost tangible, as though it hung in the air during our conversations. It wasn’t just concern for their physical health; it was a spiritual battle. The fear of death had taken a stronghold, paralysing people from experiencing the peace that Lord Jesus offers.

For believers, death is not the end but a transition into eternal life. Apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 1:21, "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain." Jesus’ resurrection ensures that death has been defeated (1 Corinthians 15:55-57).

The fear of the future manifests as worry and dread about what lies ahead. It undermines trust in God’s provision and guidance, causing unnecessary stress and robbing believers of present joy.

Lord Jesus addressed this fear directly in Matthew 6:34: "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." God promises to guide and provide for His children.

The fear of the Lord is vastly different from demonic fear. While demonic fear brings torment, the fear of the Lord brings peace and wisdom. It is a deep reverence for God that leads us to hate sin, honour His Word, and trust Him completely. The fear of the Lord draws us closer to God, while demonic fear drives us away from Him. Proverbs 14:26 says, "In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, and His children will have a place of refuge."

The fear of man is one of the most subtle yet destructive forms of fear that can take root in a believer's heart. Proverbs 29:25 warns us about this danger: "The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe."

The fear of man is a trap—a snare that entangles us, limits us, and robs us of the freedom to live according to God’s will. On the other hand, trusting in the Lord leads to safety, security, and peace.

The fear of man is a preoccupation with what people think, say or do. It is the desire for human approval or the avoidance of human disapproval at the expense of obeying God. This fear can manifest in various ways, often subtly, making it easy to overlook or dismiss.

At its core, the fear of man is idolatry—it places the opinions of others above the will and Word of God. This fear creates a cycle of bondage, keeping us from fully trusting God and stepping into the life He has called us to live.

One of the most common ways the fear of man manifests is through people-pleasing. This is the tendency to say "yes" when you want to say "no," compromise your convictions, or go to great lengths to avoid disappointing others.

There will be times when you want to speak to someone about the Lord, but the fear of man will prevent you from opening your mouth.

Apostle Paul addressed this in Galatians 1:10:

When we prioritise pleasing people over pleasing God, we lose our focus on Him and make decisions based on human opinions rather than divine direction.

The fear of man often fuels insecurity and the unhealthy habit of comparing ourselves to others. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy, envy, or a constant need to prove ourselves.

Proverbs 14:26 offers a solution:

Confidence comes from knowing who we are in Christ, not from measuring ourselves against others.

If you or someone you know is struggling with fear, take heart: God is your deliverer. Seek Him, stand on His Word, and trust in His unfailing power to set you free.