Serving Christ Through Montgomery Area Churches

N H ,D M T ,O 12, 2017

FEAR NOT, THUS SAITH THE LORD

As a therapist, one of the recurring issues that is presented
to me as a major concern in a persons life is that of
fear. The Bible gives us instructions and guidance
regarding how we are to experience, face, and cope with
fears. I believe it is appropriate for us to first define three
different kinds of fear.
Fear of God must be viewed in the context in which it is
stated and presented in the Bible. This type of fear is best
interpreted as awe of God, reverence for God, and respect
of God and His power. Our Christian faith should have
God as its primary focus and not our problems and fears.
First John 4:18 states, Perfect love drives out fear.
Furthermore, II Timothy 1:7 states that God has not given
us a spirit of fear.
Kline Johnson
Director of Johnson Center Rational fear (reality based) alerts us to danger and is one
of the signs of an emotionally healthy individual. Fear of
poisonous snakes or fear of strong wind in a hurricane are examples of healthy
fear. In this type of fear, the total holistic systems of the body react, which include
fast breathing, muscle tension, and increased heart rate. This type of fear also
activates the adrenalin in the body to give a burst of energy to assist us in coping
with the crisis. We then make quick decisions by thinking or just reacting to the
threat at hand.
Irrational fear is emotionally based and usually expresses a reoccurrence of a
childhood trauma, real or imagined, or some fear that a person becomes fixated
on. This type of fear typically interferes with ones healthy emotional
function. Extreme irrational fear can paralyze a person so that they do not leave
their safe place. Phobia is the term given to this extreme fear. Phobias often
end up ruling or interfering with life. When this occurs, one should see a Christian
counselor. The role of the counselor is to assist in gradually confronting these fears
and in learning how to cope and manage them. These irrational fears often
decrease our faith in God and increase our self-doubt and non-healthy actions and
interactions. Often, the greater our fear the more distant God seems to be. One of
our greatest assurances of Gods presence in our lives is recorded in Psalm 23, I
will fear no evil for Thou art with me.
All of us have fears to some degree because we are imperfect individuals. However,
we can claim Gods promises as stated in Psalm 34:4, I sought the Lord, and he
answered me; He delivered me from all my
fears. Gods same assurance is given to us
from the writer of the book of Hebrews, So
we say with confidence, the Lord is my
helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do
to me? (13:6).
I trust that this short article has been of
assistance to you in understanding fear and
how it affects your life.
Kline W. Johnson, Ed. D.
Director
Johnson Center for Family and Pastoral Care
To make an appointment with a counselor at the Johnson Center for Family and
Pastoral Care (located in the Montgomery Baptist Association building), please call
271-6241.

Bible Drill in a Box

Thursday
October 19
6:00 pm
Montgomery

Annual Celebration Volunteers are needed! For more information, or

Baptist Association
20 Interstate Park Dr.
Call 271-6227 or email
to register to be on a team, contact Brian Gay at ekirk@mgmbaptists.org
220-4402 or briang@montgomeryfbc.org, or go to register.
to www.judgmenthouse.org.

Speaker: Monday, November 6 Ministers Conference

SAMS Angel Market
Dr. Kenneth 5:15 pm Annual Session October 16 | 11:30 am
Weathersby 6:00 pm Ministry Fair and Christmas Toy Sale
Vice President for
Convention
for families in need Chisholm Baptist Church
Advancement, Finger-food Fellowship 2938 Lower Wetumpka Rd.
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lrose@mgmbaptists.org Register for these events by contacting Elizabeth
at 271-6227 or ekirk@mgmbaptists.org.

The Montgomery Baptist Association MBA Community Ministries, Inc. 20 Interstate Park Dr. Montgomery, Alabama 36109 334-271-6227 www.mgmbaptists.org
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