Understanding the spirit of FEAR: Where does it come from and what is it for? A biblical Understanding from Nehemiah

Fear is a Spirit- Don't ever forget that! It's not normal and it's not for you!

In the Book of Nehemiah, we encounter a powerful lesson about fear and its implications for our faith. Nehemiah 6:11-14 unveils a situation where a prophet, Shemaiah, employed by Nehemiah's adversaries, attempts to instill fear and doubt among God's people. Let's look into the context and the truth that fear, in many instances, stands opposed to God's will.

Context of Nehemiah 6:11-14

During the time of Nehemiah, Governor of Judah, the people of Israel were diligently working to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, a task commissioned by God and approved by the King. However, they faced relentless opposition from their enemies who sought to stop this divine mission. In an effort to undermine Nehemiah's leadership and the people's resolve, these adversaries turned to a false prophet.

This prophet's strategy was to fabricate a prophecy of impending danger, urging Nehemiah to seek refuge within the temple under the guise of safety. The goal was clear: to instill fear and disrupt the work of God's people.

Nehemiah 6:10, KJV: "Let us meet together in the house of God, within the temple, and let us shut the doors of the temple: for they will come to slay thee; yea, in the night will they come to slay thee."

Shemaiah suggests that Nehemiah should seek refuge in sacred areas reserved for priests. By presenting his advice as a prophet, Shemaiah implies that this justifies violating ceremonial norms. He appears to prioritize the governor's safety over adherence to ritual details.

If Nehemiah had followed the advice of the false prophet Shemaiah and sought refuge in the sacred precincts reserved for priests, it would have provoked God. In the context of ancient Israelite law and customs, entering such sacred spaces without the proper authority and purity was strictly forbidden. This act would have been considered a form of profanation or desecration, showing disrespect for God's holiness and the established order.

Consequences for such actions could range from personal punishment or judgment upon Nehemiah to broader repercussions for the community. In the historical framework of the Old Testament, God often responded decisively to breaches of His commands, especially regarding matters of ritual purity and reverence for His sanctuary.

It is clear that disregarding God's laws and seeking sanctuary inappropriately would have provoked divine displeasure and potentially brought negative outcomes upon Nehemiah and those under his leadership. And that was the whole point of the false prophet.

Fear as a Tool of Opposition

The tactic employed against Nehemiah illustrates a great truth: fear is often used as a weapon against faith.

The false prophet sought to induce fear because he knew that fear paralyzes faith and derail God's purposes. In essence, to succumb to fear would have been to entertain a deception that was not of God.

Nehemiah's defiant response (paraphrased): Should a man of my standing flee? I, who am entrusted with such a task? I, upon whom so much depends? I, who have walked with God and witnessed His hand in this work? Shall I dishonor the work God has called me to do? God forbid! Who in my position would seek refuge in the temple to save his life? Shall I act as if I doubt the cause or fear the consequences? Shall I act as if I don't trust God's protection, even outside these walls? (Nehemiah 6:11)

Had Nehemiah allowed fear to guide his actions, it would have not only undermined his personal integrity and leadership but also jeopardized the entire mission of rebuilding Jerusalem and honoring God's commands. His courage and steadfast faith in God's protection were crucial in ensuring the success of the endeavor and inspiring trust and unity among the people.

Fear and Sin

Scripture consistently teaches that fear, particularly fear that leads to doubt and disobedience, is not aligned with God's plan for His people. In 2 Timothy 1:7, we read, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." Fear, therefore, contradicts the spirit of power, love, and sound judgment that God desires us to operate in.

Moreover, Proverbs 29:25 warns, "The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD shall be safe."

When we fear what others may think or do, we can be ensnared in a cycle of anxiety and compromise, instead of steadfastly trusting in God's protection and guidance.

Trust and Faith: Antidotes to Fear

The antidote to fear is trust in God. Psalm 56:3 encourages us with the words, "When I am afraid, I will trust in You." Trusting in God means acknowledging His sovereignty, His faithfulness, and His promises even in the face of adversity. Psalm 27:1 declares, "The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"

In the New Testament, Jesus Himself reassures us in John 14:27, "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." This peace transcends human understanding and guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).

The story in Nehemiah 6:11-14 serves as a great reminder that fear, when it leads us away from trusting in God's provision and protection, is a tool of deception. It attempts to hinder God's work in our lives and causes us to doubt His promises. Instead, let us choose faith over fear, knowing that God has equipped us with the spirit of power, love, and a sound mind.

God didn't whisper a spirit of fear in your ear. He roared a spirit of power into your soul! He didn't leave you with crippling anxieties, but with a resilient mind and a heart overflowing with unyielding love. These are your weapons, divinely forged to shatter the chains of fear.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, not fear!

When fear tries to slither in, recognize it for what it is: a deceitful spirit. Faced with fear, we are not powerless. God equips us with a powerful trio: the unwavering spirit of love. This love is a relentless force that conquers doubt and propels us forward, even in the face of uncertainty. Alongside it stands the unwavering spirit of self-control, a sound mind that grants clarity to pierce through fear's illusions.

With this clarity, we can make bold choices, unshackled by anxieties. 

Finally, the unwavering spirit of power provides the inner strength to overcome challenges and rise above any limitations fear may try to impose. These three spirits, working in unison, form an unstoppable force against fear.

The greatest mischief our enemies can inflict upon us is to frighten us from our duty and to lead us into sin. We must never abandon a good work, nor should we engage in a bad one. All advice must be measured against the word of God, rejecting anything contrary to His teachings.

Every individual should strive for consistency in their faith.

All that God has done for us, in us, and through us, should inspire us to watchfulness, self-denial, and diligence. Beyond the sinfulness of sin itself, we should dread the scandal it brings. We are called to live in a manner that honors God, demonstrating the transformative power of His grace. Let us be vigilant, rejecting fear and sin, and embracing the high calling we have received, knowing that our conduct has profound implications for the witness of our faith.

Copyright © Amanda Allen, Kingdom Revelations, 2024. All rights reserved. This article may be shared with acknowledgment of the author and the original source. Artwork included.