WHY  FEAR ?
 
Luke 21:26 – 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.
 
          Scripture tells us that fear will be a major factor in the last days, (which we appear to be in now); therefore it is important for us to know how to survive in such perilous times so as to not become victims of such heart stopping fear.
 
Definition:  a disturbing, even painful emotion caused by alarm, dread, terror or fright that elicits a negative physical response; a sense of apprehension or anxiety that results in loss of courage or resolve; a sense of danger; being shaken emotionally to cause a sense of weakness or inability in a circumstance.
 
          Fear has three basic categories:  First is being in a state of apprehension – a fear of what could or possibly occur but is not inevitable.  Second form of fear is being frightened or terrified by what is seen actually approaching or experienced as occurring.  A third category of fear is reverential – being in awe or overwhelmed by someone or something of greater stature, ability, size or influence than yourself – as in fear of God.
 
          What does fear accomplish?  I can cause one to react defensively; to flee or back away from the perceived threat; to avoid moving forward to engage the threat.  People fear what they do not understand; fear what they cannot control, or fear what can have control over them.  Generally such fear results from a perception of a threat or a potential condition or situation that has not yet manifested but is perceived as a real possibility.
 
          In our future we are warned in scripture that great fear will come as listed in
Luke 21:26 above; in fact, fearful reports are on the increase in our present day.  Consider the current threat of the Swine Flu that has recently been constantly in the news.  The steady, almost daily, reports of the news media has people fearful of a plague-like epidemic causing people to desperately seeking the Swine Flu vaccine that is not able to those wanting to obtain it.  All it will take is a series of increased daily reports of deaths broadcast by the news media to generate panic in many people.  Such events being on the increase will bring heart failing fear on much of the population.
 
First of all, scripture tells us what we ARE to fear:
 
Proverbs 1:7 – The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 10:27 – The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.
 
Proverbs 14:26-27 – In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.  The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
 
Proverbs 19:23 – The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.
 
Matthew 10:28b – but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
 
         Scripture tells us what we are NOT to fear:
 
Mathew 10:25-26 – It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household? Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.
 
Matthew 10:28 – And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul:
         
          We are not to fear possible physical circumstances, even if they could cause death.  Christian lives are eternal and secure in the Lord.  If there is anything to fear it is not having a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ and being a born-again child of God.
 
Revelation 2:10 – Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
 
          Scripture also tells us WHY we are NOT to fear:
 
Isaiah 41:10-14 – Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.  Behold, all they (godless ones) that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish.  Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, even them that contended with thee: they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought.  For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.  Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.
 
Isaiah 54:14 – In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee
 
Proverbs 29:25 – The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.
 
Matthew 10:31 – Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.
 
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.
 
John 14:1 – Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me
 
          In light of what is about to occur on earth as Jesus foretold, it is important to know how NOT to fear; but how is this accomplished?  You can face a potentially fearful situation by being fully prepared.  This is done by having knowledge of the outcome of the situation.  How can this be?  By personally knowing God, His Word, His promises and His loving care for you.  This allows you to place your trust, confidence and faith in God.
 
1 John 4:18 – There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
 
Psalm 91:1-10 – He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.   Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.   He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;  Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.  A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.  Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.  Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;  There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.
 
          Being fearful shows an absence of TRUST in God’s and His love for you.  Therefore, don’t let fear rule your heart, causing it to be stressed even unto death.  Instead let the peace of God rule your heart.

Colossians 3:15 – And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
 
Isaiah 26:3-4 – Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.  Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength: