By DRAKE HUNTER | Devotional, Rocky Mountain Voice
As the veil between worlds thins and shadows creep into our lives, we are reminded that the Bible is a treasure trove of thrilling tales that ignite fear and faith.
From the fearsome beasts of the land to the monstrous leviathans of the sea (Psalms 74:14), Scripture invites us into a realm of unimaginable horrors and divine truths. Terror lurks on every page, with demons, dragons and disease prowling in cemeteries and the darkness. Yet amidst this chaos, we are beckoned to “Just Believe” in the One true God, who offers refuge and strength against life’s most chilling trials.
Many struggle to comprehend the nature of terror as depicted in the Bible. Some envision God as an evil puppeteer, crafting nightmares like a mad scientist or a tyrant demanding blind obedience. But, the fear of the Lord is not the terror of oppression, it is a profound reverence, an awe of His unmatched power and love. Proverbs 1:7 reminds us, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” This fear is rooted in respect, not dread, for we serve a just, merciful and loving God.
We must redefine our understanding in a world where fear often manifests in Halloween frights and horror flicks. The fear of the Lord transcends fleeting fears. It offers a sturdy anchor in the storm, guiding us to recognize the goodness woven into creation. As Psalm 34:9 declares, “Fear the Lord, you His holy people, for those who fear Him lack nothing.” This healthy sense of reverence equips us to confront the true monsters of life.
We must seek wisdom and build a solid moral foundation —- the fear of the Lord to defeat the demons, dragons and diseases that haunt us. This perspective empowers us to grow spiritually, arming us with the tools to conquer chaos. Ephesians 6:11 urges us to “put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” Through this armor, we prepare to face the terrors of existence with courage.
Shadows threaten to shroud our communities, impacting politics, relationships and health. We can break the cycle of fear by embracing the fear of the Lord. Let us turn to Him, the ultimate source of goodness, and cultivate a deep reverence that shields us from despair. In doing so, we defeat the terrors that loom and shine as beacons of hope in a world beset by darkness.
As we navigate this haunting season, remember that faith is our strongest weapon against evil. The Apostle John reminds us in 1 John 4:18, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.” We become conquerors of the shadows when we believe in God’s love and authority. Let us choose faith over fear, light over darkness, and victory over defeat.
Together, let’s stand firm in our beliefs and let the world know that we are unafraid. We trust in the One who has power over demons, dragons, and diseases.
Drake Hunter is the senior pastor at Elevating Life Church in Fort Morgan.
Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in commentary pieces are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the management of the Rocky Mountain Voice, but even so we support the constitutional right of the author to express those opinions.