Several years ago there was a well-known television circus show that developed a Bengal tiger act. Like the rest of the show, it was done “live” before a large audience. One evening, the tiger trainer went into the cage with several tigers to do a routine performance. The door was locked behind him. The spotlights highlighted the cage, the television cameras moved in close, and the audience watched in suspense as the trainer skillfully put the tigers through their paces. In the middle of the performance, the worst possible fate befell the act: the lights went out! For twenty or thirty long dark seconds the trainer was locked in with the tigers. In the darkness they could see him, but he could not see them. A whip and a small kitchen chair seemed meager protection under the circumstances, but he survived, and when the lights came on, he calmly finished the performance. In an interview afterward, he was asked how he felt knowing that the tigers could see him but that he could not see them. He first admitted the chilling fear of the situation, but pointed out that the tigers did not know that he could not see them. He said, “I just kept cracking my whip and talking to them until the lights came on. And they never knew I could not see them as well as they could see me.”
- Thomas Lane Butts, Illustrations Unlimited, page 205
This experience gives us a vivid parable of human life. At some point in our lives, all of us face the terrifying task of fighting tigers in the dark. Some face it constantly. Many people cope daily with internal problems that are capable of destroying them. They cannot visualize their problems or understand them, but their problems seem to have them zeroed in.
What are some of the causes of fear? After all, we must diagnose before we can prescribe. Let me share two causes of fear from a list of many:
1. An unpredictable future causes fear
Psalm 46:2-3 reminds us that the very forces of nature can cause fear.
Therefore we will not fear,
Even though the earth be removed,
And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
Though its waters roar and be troubled,
Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah
Think of the convergence of weather patterns we have been facing. Psalm 46:2-3 is very understandable. I’m glad Psalm 46 starts with “God” – not man.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Let me illustrate: I not only find life much easier broadcasting from my home, but I no longer wonder about what can we do if a blizzard comes – how can we stay on the air. That previously caused fear. The fact I have a generator, and the studio is in my home plus Dan Hiller has the studio in his home means Psalm 46:3. Weather is not the problem it used to be. If we didn’t have this set up, there are days this winter Songtime could have been off the air! What used to be a fear is not a fear now, because it was God who made it very clear as to what we were to do regarding our relocation. Psalm 46:1-3 is a reminder we can live without fear and worry. (Ask for the classic on CD by Dr. Donald Grey Barnhouse – “Living Without Worry” when you write to us).
Are you living in fear? Luke 12:6 says – “Go to the pet store and buy a bird”. Then begin your day by reading Luke 12:6. Songtime has been offering the leather bound book, “God’s Wisdom for Your Every Need”. It is awesome! The book lists almost every problem you’ll face in 2010 and then shares God’s wisdom on the subject. Let me share how I use this book daily. I consider a problem I am personally facing or a problem shared by a radio listener. Then I go to the contents of “God’s Wisdom for your Every Need” and turn to the pages relating to the problem. Then I turn to the “Transformation Study Bible” edited by Warren Wiersbe for a study of the verses and finally I pray on the basis of what God has said. Call Songtime and get these two resources, follow the plan I have suggested and enjoy a great 2010!!
2. Death causes fear
My heart is severely pained within me,
And the terrors of death have fallen upon me.
Fearfulness and trembling have come upon me,
And horror has overwhelmed me. Psalm 55:4-5
I don’t think anyone finds the act of dying a pleasant thought in fact it is quite possible to fear it. However, for the believer in Jesus Christ, God does 2 things at the point of death:
a)He gives dying grace
b)He sends an angel to be a personal escort
Study Psalm 23:4 and Hebrews 1:14:
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4
Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation? Hebrews 1:14
Now don’t expect God to give you dying graces now because you don’t need it. You don’t need a trial run!
A Prescription for Fear
Learn from Timothy:
Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 1 Timothy 1:6,7
This great passage tells you to discover the spiritual gift God gave at the moment of conversion (I Cor. 12:7), develop that gift, and enjoy the special support of God as you use the gift or gifts given by God. Let me summarize it all with a question – what does God want you to do? Are you doing it? Someone rightly said, “To live with fear and not be afraid is the final test of maturity”
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18