Christian Family Services Ministry

1-3-2020 – A Word to the Wise – What is the difference between fear and anxiety? Why is anxiety considered a problem for Christians? If one is fearful are they sinning?
There is a distinct difference between anxiety and fear. Fear is the result of a sense of danger bought on by a threat of harm. So what is fear? Let me give an example from my days as a police officer on patrol: July 1988
It is very hot. My partner and I were preparing to leave the station at four in the afternoon. We let the dispatcher know we are available for a call. She responded, ” 341, you have a Signal 6 at 1852 Valentine. (Signal 6 is a disturbance call.)”Received.”
We make small talk as we head in the direction just another typical disturbance call.
The conversation is interrupted by the dispatcher again stating, “341, we are getting numerous calls from that location.” “Received dispatch we are enroute.” Silence filled the vehicle as we both begin to feature the location in our minds.
Ten seconds later, the emergency signal is emitted, and the dispatcher states: “341 your call is now a shooting. You are authorized code three.” Tenseness in the dispatcher’s voice reflects our own feelings of the moment as red lights and siren pierced the hot afternoon.
A few moments later, again the emergency signal is emitted and again a very tense dispatcher speaks, “342, 345, 313, 311, cover 341 on a shooting at 1852 Valentine. Shots are being fired and the suspects are using automatic weapons. There are numerous victims approach the location with caution.”
In the distance we could hear the gunfire even over our siren as we approached the location. “341 we are a block from the location. Inform the other elements shots are still being fired.” That to me defines fear.
Fear of the known or in some circumstances what is unknown yet still an actual threat. Real fear is usually attended by certain physical symptoms; dry mouth, hair raising on the back of the neck that defines fear.
Fear is experienced in the face of a threat. It is a physical experience given to mankind to protect from harm. Often one may experience it when there is no apparent threat yet the body may sense something dangerous. So what does the Lord expect of us in the face of danger? I think it is summed up in the opening of Psalm 91: He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, he who abides in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust. “For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence;
he will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday. A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand; but it will not come near you. You will only look with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked. Because you have made the LORD your refuge, the Most High your habitation, no evil shall befall you, no scourge come near your tent.
Essentially, the passage is encouraging us to live in the presence of the Father and we are able to trust his care and purpose.
In Joshua 1, the people of Israel are on the brink of combat with an unknown enemy and no obvious way to defeat them. The Lord told Joshua “be strong and of good courage.” Courage is only necessary in the face of a fearful situation. This passage is not anxiety oriented it is real physical danger, and it calls for trust in the Father.
In contrasts to fear we have the problem of anxiety. Anxiety is apprehension or disturbed feeling rooted in the desire for something else. It has no basis for existence in the Christian life. Courage is not called for because there is nothing to fear.
Unfortunately, many Christians find their life filled with anxiety. This should not be. I suspect that anxiety for the most part is caused by focus on self.
However it is best to remember that it is difficult to focus on two things at the same time. If our center of attention is on the Lord, and the welfare of others then anxiety will tend to evaporate. If, however, self is the center of our world then we find ourselves occupied by a continual need to protect self, or acquire something for self.
Now some may use Paul and his statement about his anxiety as a justification. However, if you look closely at what he says he makes it clear that the anxiety is not for self, but for the churches. (2 Cor. 11:28).
Anxiety, in reality is a killer, it destroys the emotions, and the physical body. Fear in contrast, protects the body.