Fear is Not a Sin (Edward T. Welch)

In Fear is Not a Sin, psychologist and counselor Edward T. Welch seeks to help those wrestling with fear and anxiety by pointing them to Jesus. He argues that fear is not a sin but a call to action, looking at both in turn. Highlights follow.

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We are prone to fear. "Scripture assumes that we live with fear and anxieties. We are weak people who can control very little." Many times Jesus says things like "don't be afraid" or "do not weep;" Welch argues that in each case, though in the imperative form, Jesus's words "are not a command, but an expression of care and compassion." "Fear and anxiety are not sinful. Left unattended, however, they can be dangerous. If you don't bring them to Jesus, you are left trusting in yoruself, which is sin, and that will chock your soul (Mark 4:19)." So what are we do to with our fear?

• First, we recognize that desires the underpin our fears and anxieties. "Fears identify what we want, what is important to us, and what we desire." "Fear is a desire that is threatened; grief is a desire taken away." 
• What do you desire? Is it an acceptable desire or excessive (and thus an idol that needs to be confessed and repented of)?
• Second, we learn to turn to God, who does not promise a specific outcome but routinely says "I am with you . . . I will not leave you." (Genesis 28:15) He remembers that we are dust (Psalm 103:14) and tells us to fear not because of who God is and what God will do (Luke 12:32). He wants us to tell Him about our fears (see the Psalms, which are filled with such things). Our task, even as those with little faith, "is to rest in Jesus and grow."

As we turn to God with our fears and rest in Him, our faith, courage, and confidence in Jesus will grow. We see this in the Psalms, as many of them "begin with fear, move toward the faithfulness of the Lord, and end with confidence and hope." Turning to God through Scripture and prayer will teach us to say/believe "yes [Jesus], I believe you care." And that will go a long way toward calming our fears.

This change won't happen overnight. After a fearful episode, learn to ask yourself "Did I turn toward the Lord or not?" "Your growth is measured not by the intensity of your fears and anxieties, but in how you turn to Jesus."

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This little booklet is succinct and helpful. Its argument and approach is Biblical and powerful. It is just 70 pages, some of which are blank for journaling and reflection. Recommended.

Rating: A