Suppose you are driving down a rural highway through the mountains. You are enjoying the views and not paying much attention to your speed. Then, you see a police car. Your automatic reaction is to look at your speedometer and slow down, no matter at what speed you are currently driving. Why is that? It is because, when we are doing something wrong, we naturally fear getting caught and punished. However, when we are doing the right things, this fear is not within us. Righteousness leads to trust and vice versa. When we are walking in a trusting relationship with God, fear is removed.
Psalm 112:6-8 says, “For the righteous will never be moved; he will be remembered forever. He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord. His heart is steady he will not be afraid, until he looks in triumph on his adversaries.” The phrases “fear not” and “do not be afraid” are spoken by God hundreds of times in God’s Word. He promises to protect us and keep us. He has all authority and power. What then shall we fear? If we are walking in righteousness, trusting God, He removes all fear and replaces it with peace.
Reluctant Retiree 