September 3: THEOPHOBIA
…saying with a loud voice, “Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgement has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.” Revelation 14:7
There is a recognized psychological disorder called theophobia. It is an abnormal, morbid fear, (even hatred) of God, the concept of divine judgement, and religion in general. It is accompanied by an irrational anxiety response at the mention of God or any religious teaching. Common symptoms include an intense sense of dread and panic at the sight of religious texts, symbols, places of worship, or even the idea of a religious discussion. Such a condition of one’s spirit is a product of Satan’s heavy-handed influence. Because of the intense distress caused by any discussion that centers on the Bible, these people avoid such discussions at all costs, affording them a sense of control over people who love God and love talking about Him.
In the Bible, the fear of God is encouraged. This fear is a healthy sense of His majesty and power. The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments. (Psalm 111:10) This understanding includes a deep reverence and respect. Those who seek Him in His word find that the core of His character is love. By love is love awakened. The initial fear of God grows into love for Him, loyalty to the truths of His word, and faithful obedience borne of deep trust. Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” (John 14:15)
Let’s look closer at the fear of God. The fear of the LORD is to hate evil (Proverbs 8:13). We are instructed not only to hate evil, but to love good (Amos 5:15). It is God who is good. Jesus spoke of God to the rich young ruler, saying, “No one is good but One, that is, God” (Mark 10:18). Good and upright is the LORD (Psalm 25:8a). Thus, fearing God is equated to loving Him. The outcome is surrender and obedience, an apt description of the 144,000. The message they are given to share with the world begins with “Fear God”. This message is well-developed throughout the Scriptures. The power to obey Him accompanies surrender to Him in full acceptance of the leadership and guidance of His Holy Spirit. The fear of God is closely associated with wisdom, knowledge of the Holy One, and understanding (Proverbs 9:10).
Beloved, an important part of our surrender to Him is intercessory prayer for those who may be victims of theophobia. This condition is spiritually debilitating. Pray that they would hear the gentle whisper of the Lord, be overcome by His love, and fall down before Him in humble surrender.
Solomon, at the end of his life, had these words to say to everyone who would listen:
“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all.” Ecclesiastes 12:13
Further study: Genesis 22:1-12; Job 28:28; Psalm 33:8; 147:11; Proverbs 1:7; 9:10; 14:27; 19:23; Isaiah 11:1-3; Malachi 3:16-17; 2 Corinthians 7:1