Exchanging Peace for Hidden Fear

 When was the last time you felt afraid?

For some people fear is an occasional feeling that is only present in specific situations.  I have met people who say they rarely, if ever feel afraid.  And I’ve met others for whom fear is a constant companion in life. 

Fear of being harmed is one of the more obvious fears. Perhaps your first thought as you read this is how often, if ever, you personally experience fear regarding your personal safety.  Most fears are much more subtle than this.

It is the subtle fears that remain hidden that I have been considering. There were times in my past when I was often fearful. Presently I would seldom identify myself as being afraid.  And yet, recently I have become aware, in myself and others, of fears that are masked by other emotions and so go unnoticed and thus unresolved.

Places of anxiety or stress often indicate a hidden fear of failing, not knowing what to do, or of not having enough.  We can fear not having “enough” of lots of things; money, time, strength, wisdom, love, creativity, etc. There is also the fear of not “being enough”; smart enough, talented enough, fast enough, the list goes on.  And what is “enough” anyway.  How will we know that we are enough or that we have enough?  Insecurity, being critical of others, a constant need for approval from others; these are often indicators of being afraid of falling short, of not having or being “enough”.  The result is striving, trying harder to pursue that elusive ideal of “enough”.

Fear is not always rational. As a result, fear seldom responds to reason.  That’s why it is difficult to talk yourself out of being afraid.  The majority of the time, we don’t realize that we are afraid.  Our fear is hidden and masked by other emotions. We say we are tired, discouraged, too busy, stressed or weary.  It may just be that fear is hidden beneath those feelings, but because we don’t realize that the fear doesn’t get addressed. 

Stress, insecurity, being tired – these are seen as circumstantial and so our course of action is to try to either change our circumstances OR just press on, perhaps with more grit or determination to “handle it better”. Because, often, we feel a bit powerless to change our circumstances.

I am finding that the greatest freedom comes from uncovering the fear that is lurking beneath the surface of my more easily identified emotions: weariness, discouragement, stress, criticism (of others or self)…  Striving to change these emotions, without identifying the root is often futile.  But there can be hope and liberty in the simple discovery and admission of underlying fear. 

Consider this scripture:  “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 

Once a hidden fear is discovered there is great freedom to be gained by the simple declaration of truth that the fear is not “ours”.  Fear is a response. We need not feel accused by our tendency to be fearful, it is part of the human nature. Fear is natural and at times it is wise and necessary for survival. But we were not created or intended to live in a state of fear!  There is freedom from fear continually available in Jesus.

The exchange of this scripture is powerfully encouraging.  I find that often we respond to our fears with effort, with striving. We try to convince ourselves not to be afraid or strive to address the circumstances such that fear is alleviated.  But this wisdom of this verse suggests another course entirely.

Instead of focusing on the fear, which is not our possession, nor is it intended for us from God, we focus on what is our provision from Him.  God has given us a spirit of power, of love and of a sound mind.

Power – in the original language here it is “dunamis” which means force or ability. Power speaks of authority and a mighty strength. It is what is possible, and the realm of possibility that the author (Timothy) is speaking of is supernatural! 

Love – in the text, “agape” is the word for love used here. It is the unconditional choice to love in action, affection and sacrifice.  A love that intentionally pursues the highest good for another.

Sound Mind – to have sound health or to be well and whole. A sound mind is free of corruption. It speaks of peace and wellbeing within one’s perspective.

These; power, love and a sound mind, are what we exchange for our fears.  These are our inheritance from a good and loving Father.  These belong to us, they are ours!  Fear is the trespasser that we show to the door, in order to make room for the presence of power, love and sound mind.

One assurance to anchor our perspective is that in God, there is more than enough!  The supply of power, peace, wisdom, love, strength, joy, …..  available to us is as limitless as God Himself.  When we uncover the fear of our own inadequacy hiding beneath the feeling of discouragement, we can find rest in our belief that He is adequate!

His power, authority and possibility are greater than all that overwhelms us.  He promises to be our strength and to demonstrate His power through us. The love of God is vast and beyond description.  Every weary and torn-down place in our hearts finds rest in the perfect, uncompromising love of a Father who has promised us the fullness of life.

I link this verse in 2 Timothy with the picture of Jesus calming the storm when in the boat with His disciples.  We see this situation described in Matthew 8, Mark 4, and Luke 8. The disciples were fearing they would die and Jesus was peacefully asleep.  When they wake Him in terror, He speaks to their fearfulness and then He commands the storm to be still.  It obeys and they are filled with wonder.

His power and His love, capable of bringing complete peace and well-being in place of the storm, are on full display. The disciples experienced this gift, and so can we.

This is the gift that is ours; the one we exchange for our hidden fears.

“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