Overcoming Fear
John Flavel (1628-1694) was an English puritan, preacher, scholar, and minister. Though Flavel suffered persecution for nonconformity, he spent his life in faithful labor and left behind a rich collection of books and writings that continue to bless the Church today.
In Triumphing over Sinful Fear, Flavel writes,
The fear of God will swallow up the fear of man.
“Sanctify the Lord of hosts Himself; and let Him be your fear, and let Him be your dread” (Isa. 8:13). The fear of God will swallow up the fear of man. A reverential awe and dread of God will extinguish the creature’s slavish fear, as the rain puts out the fire. To sanctify the Lord of hosts is to acknowledge the glory of His sovereign power, wisdom, and faithfulness. It includes not only a verbal confession, but internal acts of trust, confidence, and entire dependence upon Him. These are our choicest respects towards God, and give Him the greatest glory. Moreover, they are the most beneficial and comfortable acts we perform for our own peace and safety in times of danger. If we look to God in the day of trouble, fear Him as the Lord of hosts (i.e., the One who governs all creatures and commands all the armies of heaven and earth), and rely upon His care and love as a child depends upon His father’s protection, then we will know rest and peace. Who would be afraid to pass through the midst of troops and regiments, if he knew that the general was his own father? The more this filial fear has power over our hearts, the less we will dread the creature’s power…When the fear of God is dictator in the heart, all other fears will (in great measure) cease.
He will surely protect, defend, and provide for us in the worst times and cases.
“And He shall be for a sanctuary” (Isa. 8:14). If we sanctify the Lord of hosts by acknowledging Him and depending upon Him in times of danger, then He will be our sanctuary. He will surely protect, defend, and provide for us in the worst times and cases. “And the Lord will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and a smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory shall be a defense. And there shall be a tabernacle of shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain” (Isa. 4:5-6). Let the wind roar, the rain beat, the lightning flash, we are in safety and have a good roof over our heads.
The fear of God is the most effectual means for extinguishing sinful fear and keeping us from danger.
…The fear of God is the most effectual means for extinguishing sinful fear and keeping us from danger.