Confronting Fear - Conquest of the Promised Land
Examining Numbers Chapters 13 and 14, we see the fear of Israel to enter Canaan as disobedience to God, as sin. Yet we are called to renew our minds through Scripture to face fear with courage and faith.
The other day, I was walking our dog Tamar at the park when I saw a baseball on the ground, sitting there just off the sidewalk. I’m not sure why a baseball should give me such cause to stop. After all, there are two baseball diamonds at the park. But I stopped, looked at it, and was suddenly filled with a strong impulse to pick it up and throw it. I could sense the satisfaction and joy in doing it as I stared. I felt so moved by the experience that I shared it on my Instagram story. “For some reason I had a really strong urge to pick it up and throw it.” My friend replied, “Do it.” Another responded in a similar way.
I walked on with Tamar.
As I read the replies of my friends, I felt like weeping. Why didn’t I throw the ball? What was the big deal? Why would it have mattered? What am I so afraid of?
Numbers 13 and 14 come to mind, and I think about the Israelites being afraid to go into Canaan after the scouts returned from their spying with news of giants and walled, fortified cities.1 They refused to enter because of their fear, despite God’s command and assurance that He would go with them. He presented an opportunity for their joy and blessing, but they feared man more than they feared God.
I’m writing about and dwelling on fear because it is so sneaky and so often stemmed from fear of man instead of fear of God. We also tend to think it’s not “as bad” as other sins, if we see it as a sin at all. Yet Scripture tells us that fear outside of reverent fear of God is indeed sin. Revelation 21:8 lists the cowards and unbelievers along with sorcerers, the sexually immoral and the murderers.1
Jesus faced fear for us on the cross so that we may be free to live a new life in God’s promises and salvation, where we look forward to the eternal promised land of complete regeneration and unmarred fellowship with God.
Scripture to Contemplate
Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. (NKJV)
Numbers 14:9 Only do not rebel against the Lord, nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the Lord is with us. Do not fear them.
Numbers 14:24 But My servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit in him and has followed Me fully, I will bring into the land where he went, and his descendants shall inherit it.
2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Applying the Scripture
I confess, a lot of the time I’m afraid of what people will think. Even if there’s no one around, like at the park when I saw the baseball, I’m afraid of looking foolish. Sometimes I’m afraid people will judge me if I speak boldly about God’s truth. Sometimes I don’t reach out to a friend or loved one because I’m afraid of bothering them. So much of my life I’ve been afraid of being vulnerable and open with others.
I’m even afraid to accept gifts God offers for fear of losing them. And I’m afraid to pray for things for fear God will let me down.
When I stop and dwell on it, I realize how much I let fear pervade my thoughts, actions, emotions and decisions. I’m showing the depth of this sin in me so you may find courage to look within yourself. Maybe we need to shift our thinking about fear and make sure we ask God to change our fearful hearts. Maybe we need to see it as sin, confess and repent.
Then we can thank God for His forgiveness, for His ultimate and eternal provision in His Son and the renewing of our minds in His word and by His Spirit.
Focus Verse
2 Timothy 1:7 “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
Not to Hold Back
I confess
I am afraid
as I go
about my day
as I see a stranger
in need
when the chance arises
to speak boldly
I confess
I am afraid
when I look
the other way
when I fret
and doubt
and wait
when I hold back
when I lose faith
I see this dark shadow
slither through my heart and mind
I need renewal
The sharp sword
Your light
to cut between my bone and marrow
to cut the serpent’s head from mine
And enter in Your strength
and salvation
Abide in me
and, as the vine,
bear fruit in my boldness
that declares You Most High
that shares Your love, Your kindness, Your grace
Father,
I ask You to give me this strength
to give me the courage
to call out Your name
Please give me the faith
to follow You fully
not to hold back
in the places You call me
to enter into Your promises
with my whole heart
and freed from this sin.
References:
Radmacher, Earl D., et al. The Nelson Study Bible: New King James Version. T. Nelson Publishers, 1997.
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