Fearfully Fearless 

I looked one foot to the right, and peered over a sheer cliff edge at the canyon floor one thousand feet below.  Then I looked one foot to the left, and peered over another precipitous edge offering it’s own jaw-dropping one thousand foot drop.  My legs started to tremble as fear wiggled into the sinews and fibrous tissue of my muscles.  It seemed, the daunting narrow trail climbed forever with little relief from the intimidating exposure.  The safety chains zigzagged steeply towards perilous nothingness leaving one to imagine the worse and anguish in rash self-assessment questions like “What was I thinking?”, “Should I turn back?”, “Could what lies ahead actually be scarier than what lies behind?”  Yet, the massive island of rock jutting out into the river canyon far below cared little about my petty fears.  Like a lone gladiator silently challenging any newcomers who dared make the ascent, the summit stood unflinchingly proud.  It dominated the lofty arena and offered no words of encouragement, just quiet unrelenting judgement.  Only the cool canyon breeze presented any perceivable sound, but it was of no help either.  As it frolicked in and around shrubs, trees, and rocks, it tugged on my body and whispered in my ear; “Fear seizes you.  Nothing awaits you up there.  You are beaten.  Why even try?”  Of course, my inner voice was responsible for the unmotivated and negative barrage of words.  Obviously, I was having a grand mental and internal struggle.  Fear was wrapping it’s coils tightly around me and suffocating me with each exhale of breath.

As always, there is much more to be found than nothingness at the end of the trail.  Many times it is along the trail that I learn more about myself, and it is at the end of the trail that I have had many personal breakthroughs.  There is much that can be learned and produced on and at the end of the trail.  This particular trail is no different.  The last one-half mile of narrow path epitomizes epic hikes and unparalleled beauty.  It is a trail basking in popularity due to it’s ability to spike adrenaline and fear.  The feint-of-heart linger behind, as well as those with a fear of heights.  They want to experience the sublimeness found at the end of the trail.  They want to experience the obvious satisfaction that comes from overcoming the breathtaking summit.  They hear the gladiator’s challenging call.  It’s a guttural cry that stimulates every nerve and sends chills rippling along the skin.  They know the trail’s end beckons them like a light at the end of a long dark tunnel.  The surreal 360 degree views tug at their hearts and desires, but, unfortunately, fear cements their feet and paralyzes their bodies.  Sadly, the journey for many is cut short.  Like a draw bridge to a castle surrounded by a mote, this narrow path is the only way to reach the natural fortress.  It is a fortress aptly described early on in it’s discovery as being accessible only by angels.  I can attest, angel wings would benefit a person greatly.  Without wings though, only the ones who have beaten mental anxiety and conquered fear move forward and upwards along the chains.  Only those that stubbornly strangle fear will stand eye to eye with the gladiator that rules the platform and arena called Angels Landing.

I swallowed hard as I mustered the courage to proceed up the trail.  I should not have looked over the edge.  I gripped the safety chain a little tighter as I scraped my boots against the rock.  The traction was good, but my bravery was slipping.  “Do not be afraid,” I whispered to myself.  Without regard, the swirling wind stole my words from my lips.  I said it again but this time louder and with determination.  “Do not be afraid!”

I took a step and started thinking about angels.  Then I took another step and started thinking about Scripture.  Then another step had me thinking about Chris Tomlin’s song “Whom Shall I Fear”.  Then I started humming and singing my own rendition with each rhythmic step.  By the time I finished my own new song, the trail had come to an end.  I was at the top, standing in the arena with one foot on the chest of the imaginary gladiator himself.  I had conquered Angels Landing.

These are a few pictures during the climb and on the top of Angels Landing.  I took many.  The view is awe inspiring and breathtaking no matter what direction you turn your head.  It truly is a special place.  But even as I stood there soaking in the stunning beauty, I was more overwhelmed by the greatness, grandness, and awesomeness of God.  My fear of the trail was long gone.  It had vanished like a wisp of smoke into the Zion Canyon breeze.  My only fear, at that moment, was found in God Himself, and that, my friends, is a VERY VERY good thing.

Scripture is full of “Do not be afraid” or “Do not fear” commands.  Many times angels said those words when presenting a message to unexpecting individuals.  Other times Jesus uttered those words.  In Mark, He said, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” Mark‬ ‭5:36‬ ‭NIV‬‬.  And multiple Scriptures command us, “Do not fear”.  

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭41:10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

If you are needing to choke out some fear in your life, I highly recommend and encourage you to memorize a few “Do not fear” and/or “Do not be afraid” Scriptures that you can recall when you need them.  One of my favorites that has helped me multiple times is, “Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.””  Joshua‬ ‭1:9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

(In fact, as a slight digression, I was driving down an Interstate the other day and the traffic was backing up due to an accident.  I was worried about catching a flight, and then I looked up and was suddenly reminded that God is in control no matter where I am.  Written in bold black letters on the back of a semi trailer in front of me, I saw and read Joshua 1:9.  God works in amazing ways.)

I am sure there are several articles and books regarding the “Do not fear” topic.  I haven’t taken the time to research it, but it is a very common problem so I’m positive many resources can be found.  However, I doubt many of them will instruct us to be fearful to become fearless.  Say what?  Yes, I am proposing that we should become fearfully fearless.  Let me explain.

As I was standing upon Angels Landing,  I found myself very fearful of God.  What does that mean?  The fear of God encapsulates many thoughts and feelings.  It is knowing that God created everything.  It is knowing that God is all powerful.  It is knowing that God controls everything.  There is nothing that He does not know.  There is no detail that He is not aware of.  He is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent.  The fear of God is knowing that without Jesus, I am found unworthy.  It is knowing that there is no work that I can perform that will earn me enough credit to be found worthy.  It is only through Christ that I can be saved.  It is through God’s grace and mercy that I am set free.  It is knowing that I can do nothing without Him.  It is complete reverent respect to Him and for Him.  He alone is God, and He, alone, will we serve and worship.  He is worthy of our praise and our admiration.  He is awesome and frightening all at the same time.  We will obey His commands because we honor Him.  That is the amalgamation of the fear of God.  Why is it so important?  Let’s take a stroll through God’s Holy Word to find out.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”  Proverbs‬ ‭9:10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.”  Proverbs‬ ‭3:7-8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge. The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death.”  Proverbs‬ ‭14:26-27‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine.”  Psalm‬ ‭33:18-19‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing. The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.”  Psalm‬ ‭34:9-10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

As these passages of Scripture describe, the fear of God is foundational for wisdom, security, and health.  Obviously, there are many benefits to walking a life with a true fear of the Lord.  Another significant one, called protection, is outlined in the Book of Psalm.

“The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.”  Psalm‬ ‭34:7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

There is no better or apropos place to reflect on that passage of Scripture than atop Angels Landing.  In fact, that is exactly where this article was birthed.  Like I said, the end of the trail can produce many things.

If we fear the Lord, His angel armies encircle us.  If we fear the Lord, then we do not need to be afraid.  In the Book of Second Kings, the angel of the Lord killed 185,000 Assyrians in one night.  Without question, the angel of the Lord is extremely powerful, and if we fear God, that power encircles and delivers us.  Whom shall I fear?  Nobody or nothing as long as I fear the Lord.  But it is extremely important to understand the caveat.  We must fear the Lord before we can receive that level of protection.  Therefore we must become fearful to become fearless.

Throughout the Bible, there are many examples.  Daniel, being a God fearing man, refused to obey a silly decree issued by the king that forbid worship to any other except the king, himself.  In complete defiance, Daniel continued to openly worship and pray to God.  Those actions earned Daniel a trip to the lions’ den where God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths.  The angel of the Lord encamped around Daniel because Daniel feared God and honored Him above all else.

Upon the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon, King Nebuchadnezzar set up a golden image and declared that with the sound of music, everyone must fall down and worship the golden idol.  Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused and stated to King Nebuchadnezzar, “We do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter.  If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and He will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if He does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”  Even with burning death frighteningly charging towards them, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego feared God more.  They stood firm in faith knowing that God could save them if He so chose.  They defiantly disobeyed the king and followed God’s commands.  They were not testing God.  (It is important to understand that point.  It’s not okay to put God to the test.  In other words, just because God can prevent poisonous serpents from harming us, that doesn’t mean we can play with them.  God gave us a brain and common sense, He wants us to use them).   

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were truly fearful of God.  They refused to bow down to any other God.  They were following God’s command, not testing Him.  As a result of their impudence to the king, they were thrown into the blazing fire.  With the furnace seven times hotter, even the soldiers nearest the flames were killed.  Yet, miraculously, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were unharmed.  In complete baffled amazement, King Nebuchadnezzar exclaimed, “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, Who has sent His angel and rescued His servants!  They trusted in Him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.”

It is through the fear of the Lord, that we find our strength.  It is when we say the Lord is my shield, my stronghold, and my light that we can then say, whom shall I fear?

If God is for us, who can be against us?  Nobody.  No weapon formed against us shall prevail.  If I truly fear the Lord then I know His rod and staff will strengthen me, and I will fear no evil because God’s angel armies have landed all around me.  

Whether atop Angels Landing or on the other side of the world, no matter where we find ourselves, the God of angel armies is with us as long as we wholeheartedly fear Him.  With that fear instilled in us, we can confidently and boldly go forth fearfully fearless.