The Cost of Fear: the good, bad, and transformational

Fear Isn’t Always the Villain in Your Writing Journey

In today’s episode, we’re doing something crazy. We’re looking at fear from a different perspective and, dare I say, in a positive light.

No, I’m not kidding.

Many are familiar with fear on a number of levels—whether physical, psychological, or even spiritual. We understand the basic concepts around the fight or flight response.

However, I’d love to unpack the cost of fear—both the good and the bad. Because the Lord dropped something so profound into my spirit this week, I can’t wait to share it with you.

When fear signals wisdom, not weakness

Before we get too far, let’s define fear. Since I’m a nerd and words fascinate me.

According to the Oxford Dictionary, fear is defined as:

• an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat.
• a feeling of anxiety concerning the outcome of something or for the safety and well-being of someone.
• the likelihood of something unwelcome happening.

What intrigues me most about this definition is the fact that fear starts in the mind and is then followed up by a physical response. Depending on where our beliefs lie, fear would then determine the type of physical response we take.

I’m such a nerd, but I love this stuff.

Now, if we could unpack this even further. Feeling fear isn’t the bad part. Having fear come upon us isn’t a sin.

For example, the Bible instructs us in Psalm 4:4, saying, “Be angry and sin not.” Anger is an emotion, just like fear. Feeling strong emotions is not to our shame, but allowing those emotions to rule over us negatively could lead us into sin.

So when fear comes upon us, we’re given two paths to choose from—a godly one or a worldly one.

And as you can imagine, the worldly path of fear is not pleasant, just as 1 John 4:18 tells us: fear involves torment.

Perfect love casts out fear.

There is a spirit of fear that the enemy uses as a weapon to manipulate and overthrow our God-given authority, thus leading us into bondage. It targets our thoughts, toys with our emotions, and seeks to cripple our faith and trust in God until we break.

Sounds harsh, but the enemy never plays fair.

But there is always hope.

→ Reflect on 1 John 4:17-19

God never leaves us without a way to escape the problems we find ourselves in.

However, indulging in this type of fear comes with a cost.

What Fear Reveals About Trust, Calling, and Control

We’re gonna have a bit of a Bible study to bring this thought home. So if you can, grab your Bible and turn to 1 Samuel 13.

–> Take a moment to sit in 1 Samuel 13:5-14.

As we read the surrounding chapters, we glean some insight regarding Saul’s character. He greatly focuses on people’s opinion of him and is concerned more with his standing in the eyes of man rather than doing that which would please the Lord.

In this section of scripture, Saul took matters into his own hands as a way to secure blessings and favor. He wanted a guarantee of victory and stepped into a role that was not his. From a leadership perspective, it can be hard to march onward in faith when everything is falling apart around you and those who should be fighting beside you are deserting, leaving you on the front lines to fight alone.

When “playing it safe” replaces obedience

However, Saul does not respond to these painful circumstances with trust and faith in God.

Instead, he disrespected the Levitical code God had established in an effort to reach the end goal he desired for himself.

He was not seeking to worship God when he made that sacrifice. He was completing a religious ritual for the purpose of self-gain. Saul just wanted victory and to save face. He wanted what God could give him or do for him. But Saul didn’t want God Himself.

That sacrifice was not done as an act of worship. And I imagine it was a stench to God rather than a sweet savor.

Either way, we notice that God was not pleased, and Saul’s fear of man, people-pleasings, worry, doubt, etc., cost him big. His fear-driven actions cost him the chance to have his kingdom established—and in Chapter 15, we see God reject Saul as king altogether.

Fear involves torment, and it loves to have company.

So it bears pondering, what is our fear—or our emotions as a whole—costing us?

Saul, as king, held authority and position to influence his people for good. Yet, I imagine what Saul instilled within his people was fear.

But the Lord doesn’t want us to remain in this state of captivity. Jesus is our Savior and our Deliverer.

And God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind (ref. 2 Timothy 1:7).

God is deeply invested in your freedom. And He wants to give you His love so that you are not led into bondage and captivity by your own emotions.

My friend, if this is resonating with you, then the time has come to press into God’s love and evict fear.

Fear has no inheritance in you. Do not allow it to freeload on you like some deadbeat relative. Kick fear to the curb and don’t look back.

Because God’s love is ready and waiting just for you.

The Transformational Side of Fear

Now, if you remember from the intro of today’s chat, I mentioned that we have two types of fear to discuss. The second type is going to be what helps shift our perspective off of the worldly fear that cripples, manipulates, and destroys, and onto the type of fear that can change our lives.

And that is the fear of the Lord.

Hang with me for a few more minutes. You’re not gonna want to miss this.

Fear, as an emotion, is designed to make us tremble. We are meant to tremble and quake with awe and wonder. But that awe and wonder belong to God alone.

Yet the enemy—from the very beginning—has wanted to put himself in the place of God, and he seeks to take your eyes off of God and onto himself.

The enemy wants you to tremble and quake. Yet he wants you to be in awe of his power so that he can steal that awe away from God.

But the enemy doesn’t have anything original to offer. All he gives are counterfeits of what God has already established.

And you, beautiful daughter of God, deserve the real deal. Not a fake imitation.

Fear as a catalyst for surrender

Okay, you might be wondering why I claim this type of fear as having the possibilities to change your life, and here’s why …

The fear of the Lord is essentially the spirit of reverence, as we see listed out in Isaiah 11:2.

And the spirit of reverence is the type of fear we want to invite into our lives because it will usher forth an awakening to the deeper realities of God. Increasing our knowledge and understanding of His nature, His majesty, and His love.

Then from that place, we can grow in wisdom, knowledge, discipline, etc. So much transformational growth happens at the feet of Jesus. And reverence will help us open our eyes to see the wonder and treasure of who He truly is in our lives.

Partnering with God’s word

How do I know this?

➡️ “Because the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Proverbs 9:10.

➡️ “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 1:7

➡️ “Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” Proverbs 2:5-6

➡️ “In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, and His children will have a place of refuge. The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to turn one away from the snares of death.” Proverbs 14:26-27

When Jesus sat with the woman at the well, He told her—and I imagine He did so gently—that she didn’t know what she worshipped.

“God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:24

And I’m gonna ask for a hard reflection question today. But it is a hard question that serves a great purpose.

When was the last time you trembled in awe while being in God’s presence?

Most Christians have a head knowledge of God, focusing more on checking off their religious duty. They don’t hunger for God. They don’t thirst after His righteousness.

Prayer-led strategy instead of panic-led action

There is no shame or condemnation here. But it is something to ponder and consider. Because for many people, God is an entity and not a reality.

The Lord really helped drive this relevance home for me this week as I was making a cup of tea in the kitchen. He dropped in with this question:

What covenant are people camped under: the fear of the Lord or the fear of this world?

I stood there in awe as the profound concept whirled through my brain. Because there really are two paths with this. There are two roads that we can choose from, and as we make our choice, we also determine which type of fear we allow to have rule and dominion over our lives to influence our actions.

Are we ambling down the path that inspires us to partner with the spirit of fear, thus fueling our doubt, insecurities, intimidations, zero self-worth, etc?

Or are we striding confidently in partnership with the spirit of reverence that leads us to cultivate a life of wholeness, wonder, and transformation in Christ Jesus?

This is something no one can answer for you. Only you can make this determination for yourself.

But I guarantee, the type of fear we choose to follow will determine the outcome of writing lives, businesses, and so much more.

Encouragement for the Christian Writer Wrestling With Fear

My friend, we have gone so deep today. There’s so much in this heart chat worth pondering on and sitting with.

I encourage you not to rush this type of conversation, but to go through again and glean all the Holy Spirit wants to share with you.

My heart—my passion— is to see you grow, thrive, and step into all that God has prepared just for you. I don’t want you to feel as though you need to silence your voice or hide in the caves and thickets because doubt and intimidation are dogging your steps.

You, beautiful daughter of God, were hand-selected by Him for a mighty purpose. I encourage you to turn your eyes off the troubles plaguing your heart and mind and firmly fix your focus on the fiery gaze of your Lord and Savior, Jesus.

The enemy will use every weapon in his arsenal to keep you bound, silenced, crippled, and ineffective. But do not fear him.

Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in this world. 1 John 4:4

God is for you. He is with you. And He has the power to bring forth a mighty victory in your life.

Want to continue the conversation?

Alrighty, my friend, I’m gonna have to stop there.

I pray you were blessed and encouraged. If you’d have questions or something stirring in your heart that you’d like to have a one-on-one chat about, please feel free to pop into my inbox. You can email me at info@desireewilliamsbooks.com or use the contact form. I’ll have links in the description.

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You are a gift and a joy. I treasure this time together and pray the Holy Spirit ministers to your heart in wondrous ways today.

If you feel led, definitely share this post with a fellow writer who could use the virtual hug.

And I look forward to chatting with you again soon. Until then, happy writing, and enjoy the journey.