Lying F-Words

I once studied about what we can trust: facts or feelings and if there was a gray area. At the time, it was my understanding that our feelings couldn’t be trusted for any reason whatsoever, that we choose how we feel, and therefore it was essentially a four-letter F-word (feel). I’ve grown since then (catch the sarcasm) and now understand that God created us with feelings, deep, wide, and at times, impossible to explain. That impossibility still has it classified as an F-word at times, but not nearly as taboo as it was. To feel is human.

I want to introduce you to another four-letter F-word that God has a lot to say on and that has been something I’ve been delving deep to understand: fear. There have been so many times that I’ve faced something… new… and been frozen in fear. We’re big fans of movies; quotes are sprinkled heavily throughout typical conversations every day, whether they’re understood and recognized or not. In the movie “The Croods” the father is so zealous with protecting his family that instead of cultivating a safe environment, he instilled fear of anything new or unknown. “Never not be afraid” is the first quote that portrays the father’s approach. The next is a little longer. The father, Grug, is telling a story to make his point: “She was alive because she listened to her father… and lived her life in routine and darkness and terror. So she was happy… <but> she was filled with curiosity… she saw something new and died.”

I’m sure that everyone reading this has come face to face with that specific fear: something new. This could be starting a new school, a new job, trying a new church, retirement; basically, anything that is new to you. Even something that is supposed to come packed with joy (marriage, baby, new home, etc.) can present some fears and trepidations. Going on vacation, a road trip, a cruise, or something as simple as a walk around the block can be a trigger for fear to come alive in some people.

In America alone, the statistics show that an alarming number of adults (ages 18-54) suffer from anxiety. Only 18% are reported (they seek help), but it’s estimated that those suffering from anxiety in America is actually closer to 30%. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 1 in 13 suffer from anxiety (globally). Fear and anxiety are real. If they weren’t real, the Bible wouldn’t talk about it so frequently. I personally know people who suffer from anxiety, fear, depression, and other mental health problems. I’m not writing this to negate the very real experiences 1 in 13 people have. I am, however, writing this to share hope for those who suffer.

I came across a song a few months ago that resonated with me on a level I wasn’t expecting. It was more of a “light bulb” (Gru in “Despicable Me”) moment. If you haven’t heard the song by Zach Williams, “Fear is a Liar”, I highly recommend a few plays. The gist of the song is exactly what the title is: fear is a liar. Once we recognize what fear is, we can figure out how to beat it.

I’ve seen quite a few claims online that the words “Do not fear” or “Fear not” are in the Bible 365 times (one for each day!), which plays very well with our calendar. I’m not going to go through and verify whether or not there are actually 365 verses where God tells us not to fear. I think there’s a big difference in telling someone to “take it easy” (“Nacho Libre”) and showing that they were created to do so. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV) Sorry to repeat myself, but really… God gave us a spirit of power, of love, and of a sound mind. So many suffer from fear and anxiety. The fear and anxiety, if allowed to take root, feeds into the mind, distorts reality, and essentially puts our focus on… us.

My husband and I are self-employed. This is a big deal for someone (yes, me) who spent over 20 years in a traditional employment position. There were times that I received my paycheck every week, other times twice a month, and even a time when I received my pay once a month (that was an adjustment!). There were even times that I would get my regular paycheck and would also have a steady stream of tips (waitressing and bartending). Regardless of the scheduled payment, I always knew my pay was coming. I trusted my employer to pay me according to an employment contract. These days, I’m constantly having to remind myself that I can trust God. Why would I ever get the idea that I could trust my employers more than I could trust God? Because fear is a liar. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10 (NIV) Jesus tells us in this verse what the thief’s goal is. We know him as Satan. He’s the liar. He wants us to doubt God. He wants us to lose sleep as we stress about finances, the choices our children are making (or will make), and all of the bad things that may or may not happen.

I grew up hearing the phrase, “Don’t go borrowing trouble now…” (read it with a Southern accent; that’ll capture the essence). There are still times that I can’t seem to help but let my head go where my heart would end up in pieces. What if this bad thing happens, or that bad thing, or that other bad thing… As I started digging into this topic, writing my outline, and even as I write it now, I can easily call myself unqualified. Who am I to teach about this four-letter F-word when I struggle over and over again with it? Fear of failing (big one), fear in finances (big one), fear of screwing up my kids (big one), and fear of not being good enough (geez, they’re all big ones) are just a few that I continually seem to circle back to.

I’ve read Christian self-help books, skimmed through online resources that quote scripture, and sought counsel from people smarter than me (you know who you are), but the reality is that getting into God’s Word and learning who I am is the only way to face fear and see it for what it is: fear is a liar. I’m a child of God and God’s kids aren’t losers or failures. I get to approach God, boldly, with my arms out for an embrace. As I’ve delved into fear being a four-letter F-word, I’ve seen even more and more the evidence of God’s goodness.

What fears are you facing? I can guarantee that there’s a promise in God’s Word for your fear or that which causes you anxiety. A fairly common quote – I have no idea who came up with this, but we all know it wasn’t me: “Tell your mountain about your God.” Our God is bigger than any mountain. He even told us that with faith the size of a mustard seed, we would be able to tell mountains to move and they would; nothing would be impossible for us (Matthew 17:20). I regularly have to seek out, in the Bible, God’s promises of provision, protection, and love. Every song on my playlist is regarding God’s goodness, being redeemed, or no longer being a slave to fear (I am a child of God!).

As I write this, I have a picture going through my head of Moses (from Exodus 33 and 34). Moses, already having interceded on behalf of himself and His people, he still felt a separation so he begged God to show him His glory. God told him that He would make all His goodness (glory, awesomeness, etc.) pass by him, but that Moses wouldn’t be able to see God’s face and live. So, to protect Moses, God placed him in the cleft of a rock and then covered his face until He had passed by. Moses was able to see the back of God, or God’s afterglow. The cleft of the rock is a representation of Jesus. This was when Moses spent 40 days in the presence of God, without food and water, and when he rejoined His people, his face was still reflecting God’s glory. When I do a two-day cleanse (no food), I’m not glowing in any way, shape, or form.

Having Jesus as my personal friend, Lord, and Savior, I’m literally in the cleft of the rock; held in His hands. What do I need to fear? I get to be in the presence of God; resting in His finished work. There should be no room for any four-letter F-words (something we can work on together). “You will keep in prefect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal.” Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)