Let us first define spiritual fears and the many types of spiritual fears.
Spiritual fears occur in a variety of kinds and sizes. And they reflect a wide range of major concerns about why you exist, what will happen when you die, and how to interact with others while you are still here. None of them are simple solutions. Some you’ll never be able to figure out. Yet, like the missing end of a chorus line in a familiar hymn, we seek solutions to these spiritual unknowns.
What Is Fear?
Fear is one of the seven universal emotions shared by everyone on the planet. Fear, while generally seen as a “bad” emotion, really plays a crucial function in keeping us safe by mobilizing us to deal with possible danger.
What Exactly Is Spiritual Fear?
According to 2 Timothy 1:7, “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and sound mind.”
These are the words of the apostle Paul to Timothy. Timothy had a shy demeanor, and Paul realized he needed encouragement to be brave for the Gospel. Originally, “fear” was meant to denote cowardice or timidity. Paul was exhorting Timothy not to allow fear to prevent him from proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Fear can force us to shrink in the face of adversity, persecution, and difficulties. The Holy Spirit desires that we advance confidently into God’s will!
As Christians, we can discern how the spirit of fear influences us and how we might break free. Let’s look at the many types of spiritual fears.
Types Of Spiritual Fears
There are many different types of spiritual fears, but the following are the ones you should avoid if you want to succeed:
- The fear of criticism
- The fear of death
- The fear of failure
- The fear of ill-health
- The fear of God
The Fear of Criticism
Many people fail because they are concerned with seeming politically correct. Many individuals make errors because they are terrified of what others may think about them. People will, of course, always have something to say. So simply execute God’s will and leave the rest to God. Allow God to be your champion and defender, rather than political correctness.
[KJV Luke 6:26] “Woe to you if all men talk favorably of you!” like their forebears did to false prophets”
The Fear of Death
The fear of death is one of the most prominent types of spiritual fears addressed in the Bible and that most people live with on a daily basis. At some level, everyone is frightened of dying. Death remains a mystery to the people of the world, despite the fact that centuries of civilization have demonstrated that it is an unavoidable event. Since Adam and Eve sinned against God in the Garden of Eden, opening the door to the spirit of death, someone has died in some way. We don’t have to be scared of death in the New Testament since Jesus overcame death, hell, and the grave on the cross.
“Because I thought, definitely the fear of God is absent in this area, and they would kill me because of my wife,” Abraham remarked (Genesis 20:11).
The Fear of Failure
One of the most prevalent fears that terrorize the collective mind of the people in the world is the fear of failure. Who wants to fail in the first place? No one! This is because God created us to be winners! We were born to govern the planet and rule over all circumstances. However, reality has taught us that even the best-planned events or businesses may fail. Many people have been forced to live in the shadow of failure because of this understanding. Most individuals are so frightened of failing that they never attempt!
Only do not revolt against the Lord, nor be afraid of the people of the country, because they are our bread; their protection has left them, and the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them (Numbers 14:9).
The Fear Of Ill-Health
I have no doubt that our health is a major issue for all of us, but there is no need to worry since the Lord has made a promise to us. God has cured us via the stripes of His Son, and He has vowed not to bring any of Egpyt’s sicknesses onto us.
[KJV Exodus 15:26] “And said, If thou wilt diligently hearkens to the voice of the Lord thy God, and do that which is right in his sight, and give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will not bring any of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that healeth thee.”
The Fear of God
Thankfully, the Bible also teaches us about reverence for the Lord. This is the one fear that Scripture encourages. People refer to the fear of the Lord as the one fear that frees us from all other fears! The only fear that the Holy Spirit will ever introduce you to is the fear of the Lord. This implies you must overcome all other fears than the fear of the Lord. Every other fear will make you a bondage subject or victim. Every other fear will paralyze your soul and mind, however, the fear of the Lord will energize you.
“Do not lay your hand on the lad or do anything to him; for now I know you fear God because you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me,” He continued (Genesis 22:12).
The Ending Note
Different types of spiritual fears might exist at the same time and manifest in different settings. As a result, we must examine each fear separately. Fearlessness is attainable. And the more we face our anxieties, the less afraid we become. When we are fearless, there is no such thing as terrible or good, simply opportunities to learn and grow. We learn from this therapeutic journey of self-awareness, self-acceptance, and self-love that the opposite of fear is love.