I read a humorous snippet on the subject of fear. Seems a member of a parachute regiment was seated beside a young office who appeared pale and shaken. Since I don't claim to know the order or rank of enlisted members of the military I'll just say that the other guy asked the officer if he was afraid.
"No," the officer responded, "but I am apprehensive."
I'm so glad "the other guy" was inquisitive because he asked the same question I would have asked: What's the difference between the two?
Officer: "It means that I'm scared but with a university education."
Another take on the subject is a comment by Jerry Seinfeld noting that, according to most studies, public speaking is ranked as the Number One fear among people. The second? Death. So, says Mr. Seinfeld, if you're part of a funeral, being in the casket is better than giving the eulogy.
My purpose in this week's offering is not to make light of fear and certainly not of death but to acknowledge how we all face something with a degree of trepidation. For me, having to master new technology, be it a computer program or a recently purchased kitchen appliance, makes me break out in a sweat. I wish I could say I was apprehensive but in reality, I panic. Once someone walks me through the process, that same well-worn manual suddenly makes sense. I always tell myself I'll never give way to that fear again.
One of the greatest discoveries we can make is the understanding that the fear of the Lord is all about the glory and awe of His love for us. Because of Jesus Christ dread and condemnation is replaced by confidence and acceptance.
"The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe."
