FEAR DOES NOT MEAN COWARDICE
My Father in Heaven, I feel sinful, sometimes I get angry because I'm accused of being a coward. Honestly, I sometimes feel afraid to fight back, but deep in my heart, I want peace and friendship, not conflict and hostility. Forgive me, forgive me, O Lord. In the name of the Lord Jesus, I pray, Amen.
"The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom." (Proverbs 15:33)
It must be admitted that not all fear is negative; there is also fear that is positive in nature. In 2 Chronicles 17:3-10, we can read about a healthy and positive fear that prevented war between Judah and the surrounding kingdoms. What caused this fear? It is said that "the fear of the Lord fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that were around Judah, so that they did not make war against Jehoshaphat" (verse 10). Apparently, King Jehoshaphat wanted his people to have respect and fear of the Lord as well. So he made it a primary decree that they would be taught about God's Law. He knew that if his people respected the Almighty God, they would humble themselves and obey the king. Doing what is right would bring prosperity to Judah and honor from other kingdoms.
The experience of Joseph, Jacob's son, was similar. When he faced Potiphar's wife who tempted him, Joseph was not a coward or effeminate for running away. Rather, Joseph feared God more than he feared man. So he chose imprisonment over opposing God. Joseph's doctrine of God was very correct, because he believed that the Lord God was everywhere, including in Egypt. Those who have the fear of the Lord will act with wisdom; they walk faithfully before the Lord while obeying His commands. The right kind of fear will keep us from making mistakes or sinning.
My Father in Heaven, once again forgive me, sometimes I don't feel afraid of anyone, even You. Through today's reading, I am reminded that You are powerful, not limited by space and time, You are everywhere. May I always be given a sense of fear. Regardless of people accusing me of being a coward, may I always walk in the Lord's way. In the name of the Lord Jesus, I pray, Amen. (SS)