fear of the Lord Archives - Tony Funderburk

Posted on February 9, 2025 by TonyFebruary 13, 2025

Faith over fear. Make that your motto. Your creed. Or the sticky note you put on your computer. Whatever works.

Here’s one reason, I found in an article, about why it’s a good idea:

Because faith over fear Promotes Positive Action Over Paralysis

Hmm…sounds a little psychoanalytical. But here’s the rest of what they said:

“Faith encourages proactive behavior and resilience. When people have faith, whether in themselves, others, or in a higher power, they are more likely to take action despite uncertainties. And this can lead to personal growth, innovation, and community building. But fear often leads to inaction or defensive behaviors. And those can stagnate personal and collective progress. Faith inspires one to move forward. But fear might keep one stuck or retreating.”

OK. That’s a big nay-nay from over here in FunderWorld.

The article also said this about faith over fear:

“It Enhances Mental and Emotional Well-being.”

Well, I see nothing wrong with doing that. So, how did they illustrate this?

“Faith provides a sense of peace, hope, and security. And it can act as a psychological buffer against stress and anxiety. Plus, it comforts in times of uncertainty or hardship. Studies have shown that faith or spiritual beliefs can correlate with better mental health outcomes. And that includes lower levels of depression and anxiety. But fear can contribute to chronic stress, anxiety disorders, and a host of other mental health issues. Because it comes from negative anticipation and worry.”

Yeah, that gets a big, fat goose egg on the Tone-O-Meter.

So, let’s see how they did with their final reason to choose faith instead of fear:

“Faith Fosters Connection and Community: Faith often leads to communal bonds through shared beliefs, rituals, or goals. This can create supportive networks where individuals feel part of something larger than themselves. And that fosters a sense of belonging and mutual support. So, these connections can be invaluable in times of personal or societal crisis. But even though fear can unite people in emergencies it more often isolates individuals. Because fear responses can be individualistic and survival-focused. And that can potentially lead to division rather than unity.”

And that completes the NO THANK YOU trifecta.

Because not once did any of that information mention God the Father, God the Son, or God the Holy Spirit. Nope. It was all selfish mankind focus. And it attempted to make it sound inclusive and thoughtful and intelligent. But that kind of thinking makes you foolish.

Because here’s the real reason faith over fear is superior. God says it is. In fact, it appears that there are 365 times, in the Bible where God says not to fear. Once for every day of the year. And since He knows, better than you and me, how things work, I have faith in that.

Well, your dead-end dreams left you lacking laughter
And you lived your life in a smile-free shade.
And you found no faith in an ever after,
From the floor to rafter
Your foundation laid. © 2015 & 2024

Take a second and join the growing body of believers who’ve already signed up for the Tony’s Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotional. When you do, I’ll send you links to 2 songs and 2 books that adults AND kids enjoy right away. Then, I’ll send you flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

Stay tuned,

Posted on January 23, 2025 by TonyJanuary 23, 2025

Fear is deception. So, how's your reception

Fear IS deception. That’s what some people believe. And for different reasons. But, for the most part, this reasons are wrong.

Because fear is not deception.

And if you believe you’re fearless, then you haven’t seen all the information.

Fear IS an option. And the right kind of fear should generate the right option.

I’m gonna share a story with you, that I shared 10 years ago. A story about someone who had fear as an option, but chose not to give in to it.

Imagine you’re a nice-looking young woman and you’ve just gotten off work at your late-night job. You go outside to your car and find a blizzard waiting for you. You’re already tired from 9 hours on your feet, serving belligerent patrons. And now you have a 40 mile drive in a blinding blizzard to look forward to. But that’s not all.

Then, you find out the canyon road you typically drive is blocked off by a car accident. So, you’re left with two other options. One takes you over a route higher in the mountains where you know it’s gonna be slick and treacherous. The other route is mostly downhill, through another canyon. But you’ve never driven home that way. Which route would you take?

Well, this woman chose the downhill, winding, canyon road. She was terrified of the circumstances. But she knew she had to get home to her family. So, she started her drive down the dark, snowy, slick road. Her hands practically squeezed imprints into the steering wheel.

She tossed up a desperate prayer,

“God, please don’t let me slide off into the ditch or the creek. Please help me to make it home.”

The visibility was barely 10 feet in front of the headlights. And they began to dim from layers of freezing snow. Every so often the tires would slide a little bit. And each time the young woman’s whole body jerked as she gasped and panicked a little. But she kept gently easing the car forward, careful to look for the white and yellow lines in the road. And they didn’t appear often enough for her liking.

This drive, which would normally take about thirty minutes, ended up taking two hours. And by the time the exhausted young woman reached the end of the canyon and turned onto the highway, she could hardly breathe. But she’d made it through the worst. At least that’s what she thought.

To her dismay, the well-lit highway was covered in about 4 or 5 inches of snow. And it too was dangerously slick. And now she had to deal with multiple other “crazies” who didn’t seem to slow down for the conditions at all. She still had 15 miles to go.

As she slogged along at only about 20 miles an hour, other cars whizzed by and flopped magnesium chloride-filled slush all over her windshield. But now she was determined and undaunted.

She vowed to make it home no matter what.

She did. But her accomplishment wasn’t achieved as a result of the absence of fear. It came about as a result of her not giving into the fear. You can say fear is deception all you want. But she knew, without a doubt, fear IS an option.

And because it is, we can have heroes. But even more important than that, it should highlight your need for a living, loving Savior who wants you to have everlasting Life. This life isn’t going to last forever. But this life isn’t all you’ll have if you trust Jesus. I hope you will.

You may have a blizzard going on in your life right now. And you may be tempted to give up and give in to fear of the unknown. I urge you to resist that temptation and instead hold onto the promise that God gave you a “spirit of power and of love and of a sound mind.” Then, the only fear you’ll encounter is the fear of the Lord.

And that’s the beginning of wisdom.

That won’t magically make the “blizzard” go away. But it WILL give you the courage and strength to keep driving toward home.

The keys are in your hand. It’s up to you. Ready to drive toward home?

Take a second and join the growing body of believers who’ve already signed up for the Tony’s Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotional. When you do, I’ll send you some music and a book for kids right away. Then, I’ll send you daily flashes of light from the faith, hope, and the power of God’s love.

Stay tuned…

Tony Funderburk

Your Life Has Rhyme And Reason Because God Made You

Tag Archives: fear of the Lord