Hearts Failing for Fear

 

Hearts Failing for Fear

We live in a fearful time for many of our citizens; 

I am reminded of the verses in Luke 21:25-27 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draws nigh.

What is Fear? Wikipedia says it this way: Fear is an emotion induced by perceived danger or threat, which causes physiological changes and ultimately behavioral changes, such as fleeing, hiding, from perceived traumatic events. - - Fear in human beings may occur in response to a certain stimulus occurring in the present, or in anticipation or expectation of a future threat perceived as a risk to oneself. Thus fear is judged as rational or appropriate and irrational or inappropriate. An irrational fear is called a phobia.

Simply put - - Fear is when you allow your mind to think on things that might or might not happen.  Our imaginations will play a video for us of all the bad things that might happen. Although we fear lack of finances, physical health attacks, It is usually death that we fear the most.

The Bible tells us that “Fear Has torment.” John reminds us in 1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; instead, perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. So the one who fears has not reached perfection in love.

The prophet Elijah, faced King Ahab without fear, telling him because of sin, there would not be rain for a time. Later God send Elijah to test the prophets of Baal, to see whose God would answer by fire. You remember that Elijah dug a trench, and soaked his sacrifice with water, and then he prayed, and God sent fire and burned up his sacrifice. Then Elijah commanded the soldier to kill all the false prophets of Baal which infuriated the Queen Jezebel. She swore that by nightfall she would have the head of Elijah. 

So what did the bold prophet do? The Bible tells us he was fearful, and ran for his life and hid in a cave. God appeared and asked - - What are you doing here in this cave, hiding? Elijah poured out his broken heart counting all his depressed thoughts, and God gave him a time to rest for 40 days, then God make a decision.

Go anoint Jehu to be the next King of Israel, anoint Hazael to be king over Syria, then anoint Elisha to take your place and I have a plan for you; a ride in a chariot.

Oh oh, please understand - - pity parties are not good and can shorten your life.

2 Kings chapter 6 tells us a wonderful story of God's protection in the face of terrible fear;

When the king of Aram was at war with Israel, he would confer with his officers and say, “We will mobilize our forces at such and such a place.” But immediately Elisha, the man of God, would warn the king of Israel, “Do not go near that place, for the Arameans are planning to mobilize their troops there.” So the king of Israel would send word to the place indicated by the man of God. Time and again Elisha warned the king, so that he would be on the alert there.

Now the king of Aram became very upset over this. He called his officers together and demanded, “Which of you is the traitor? Who has been informing the king of Israel of my plans?”

“It’s not us, my lord the king,” one of the officers replied. “Elisha, the prophet in Israel, tells the king of Israel even the words you speak in the privacy of your bedroom!”

“Go and find out where he is,” the king commanded, “so I can send troops to seize him.”

And the report came back: “Elisha is at Dothan.” So one night the king of Aram sent a great army with many chariots and horses to surround the city.

Early the next morning when the servant of the man of God got up and went outside, there were troops, horses, and chariots everywhere. “Oh, my Lord, what will we do now?” the young man cried to Elisha in fear as he trembled, his knees and entire body shaking.

I can just imagine all the visual pictures of capture and even death was in the thoughts of this poor servant that day.

“Don’t be afraid!” Elisha told him. “For there are more on our side than on theirs!” Then Elisha prayed, “O Lord, open his eyes and let him see!” The Lord opened the young man’s eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire.

As the Aramean army advanced toward him, Elisha prayed, “O Lord, please make them blind.” So the Lord struck them with blindness as Elisha had asked.

Then Elisha went out and told them, “You have come the wrong way! This isn’t the right city! Follow me, and I will take you to the man you are looking for.”

And he led them to the city of Samaria.

As soon as they had entered Samaria, Elisha prayed, “O Lord, now open their eyes and let them see.” So the Lord opened their eyes, and they discovered that they were in the middle of Samaria. 

When the king of Israel saw them, he shouted to Elisha, “My father, should I kill them? Should I kill them?” (Now it was the army's time to be afraid and tremble.)

“Of course not!” Elisha replied. “Do we kill prisoners of war? Give them food and drink and send them home again to their master.” So the king made a great feast for them and then sent them home to their master. After that, the Aramean raiders stayed away from the land of Israel.

Jesus may have thought about this story, when he said, “If your enemy is thirsty, give him a cup of water with kindness, and in doing so you will heap coals of fire on his head.”

Many times as Jesus taught and shared, he would say, Don't be afraid. Fear Not little ones for it is the father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

Paul reminded us in Romans 8:15 For you have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but you have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Today, there are many who fear disease and death. As believers we realize we live in a temporary home in our flesh, and should Jesus tarry, we will all at some time face death, but death is not to be feared. Fear itself is what can bring on early death by triggering panic attacks, and heart attacks. So it is best to remind ourselves of the many scriptures that assure us of protection and help.

David also in the Psalms 118:5-7 trusted in God's protection and help: “ In my distress I called to the LORD, and He answered and set me free. The LORD is on my side; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? The LORD is on my side; He is my helper. Therefore I will look in triumph on those who plan against me”

As we pray over our fearful, citizens, may we claim, and that spiritual blindness shall be removed so that their eyes will see truth and they will then embrace Jesus who can and will remove their fears.