The Price of Fear: Part II. The Definition of Fear.

Though God is not mentioned in the book of Esther, His presence and interaction within the lives of His people is assumed by the writer. Just as Nehemiah did, Esther has a choice whether or not she will be motivated by God’s plan for His people or by her fear of a king. Mordecai convinced Esther to go to the king because he believed Esther found herself in the position as queen through the guidance of God’s plan, just for the present time. Esther’s decision to approach the king in spite of her fear enabled God to work in her life to save the lives of many of her people.

Many of us struggle with fear. Fear of man or situations causes us to have an unhealthy definition of fear which brings with it apprehension, anxiety and stress which in turn brings many ailments like headaches and stomach problems. This in turn shapes our entire outlook of fear. We have a hidden understanding deep inside us that states “fear brings bad results.” We then transfer this understanding to God. In other words, since we have negative understanding of fear based on our experience in this life, we transfer that definition of fear to the fear we have of God. So, here’s the million dollar question. Is our fear of God the same, or should it be the same, as other fears we have in this life?

In order to try and answer this question we tend to change the word fear, in regard to God, to respect. Though fear of God is a healthy respect of Him, that doesn’t completely fix the problem. Jesus stated that we should fear God because He has the power to destroy the body and the soul and men do not have that ability. (Mat. 10:28) That’s a little stronger that just healthy respect, that’s fear that is more intense and motivating then man can bring upon us. This may be the mindset of the Psalmist as he writes Psalm 118. “The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (118:6) How, then, is fear of God different from the fear of man or other fears we have in this life? Well, it may not be in definition at all. Job stated “the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom.” (28:28) Solomon stated that fear of God is the “whole duty of man” (lit. all of man).

Here’s my point: fear of man and fear of things in this life only bring anxiety, stress, strain on our relationships and marriages and ultimately physical and emotional pain. Fear of God, on the other hand, provides something different. Esther realized this when she sought God’s purpose ultimately having more fear of Him than the king. In the end, fear of God provides the joy, peace, pleasures of this life, and the next life, which only He can provide. What must be understood is the definition of fear is not different when applied to God. The difference is the outcome. Fear of man and life only bring dysfunction; fear in the Lord God brings function.