The F word.
Do you know what is the most repeated command in the entire Bible? Over and over again, this command appears more than any other.
Can you guess what it is?
Do not be afraid.
It’s not “Accept grace.” It’s not “Share the gospel with strangers.” It’s not, “Do not sin.”
It’s do not be afraid.
Do not fear.
Why?
Because fear is brilliant.
A few months ago, we started a site called nomorevoices.com.
You can only do two things on the site, you can share a voice of fear you have or click “me too” on someone else’s. (Fear always wants you to think you’re alone in your fear and that no one feels that same way.)
In the first 24 hours we had 1,000 voices from people. It’s been an amazing experience and sometimes, during speeches I will ask the audience that question.
Last week I asked a room full of teenagers what their voices told them. In less than 5 minutes, there were a thousand pieces of paper sitting on the stage in response.
And the brilliance of fear is that it’s schizophrenic. It argues both sides of the coin so that you have nowhere to stand. One teen girl wrote on her card, “You’re too skinny, no boy will ever like you.” Another teen girl wrote, “You’re too fat.”
It’s not just teens who struggle with both sides of fear.
One day you will wake up and fear will tell you “you’re too young to chase that dream.” You need more time and experience and wisdom.
One day you will wake up and fear will tell you “you’re too old. It’s too late. You missed your chance.”
They can’t both be right.
The reason the Bible mentions fear so often is that it leads to everything else. It leads to hiding and lying and sin. It leads to shallow lives and empty promises. It’s a hinge moment that can shape your entire existence if you let it.
I don’t know what your voice of fear says, but I do know this, fear is a liar.
For twenty years I asked it if I had what it takes to write a book. The answer was always “no.”
Four books later, it turns out fear wasn’t telling the truth.
And I promise it’s lying to you too.
