Have you noticed our culture’s infatuation with entertaining itself with fear? There are countless books, movies, thrill rides, bungee jumps, and for some people their regular driving habits. This post is not going to condemn those with an appetite for fear as violating Philippians 4:6’s command to be anxious for nothing. Rather, instead of seeking to reduce fear this post will seek to increase fear.
There is a general axiom in Christian circles that the more spiritually mature one becomes, the more sinful one will realize they are. Or stated differently, the more you get to know God the more you realize how far your character is from his. When Isaiah saw God he responded, Woe is me! I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty (Isa 6:6).
I would advocate that those who seek a thrill, seek the biggest thrill of all – getting to know God for who he really is. This would beat tightrope walking the Grand Canyon without a net. It is living life in light of this fear that is the very beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 1:7). When you view all of life in light of the majesty of God, foolishness does not just seem dumb; it also seems tame (boring).
Consider one other passage in light of this reflection: Hebrews 4:16, “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” What an amazing contrast between the words “throne of grace” and “approach with confidence.”
At a throne of grace from which we hope (with certainty) to receive mercy, we have no right to be there. If we are wrong about our invitation as children of the King, we would be killed immediately for our audacity to enter such a regal (holy) place. It is this realization (fear) that makes the grace we receive all the sweeter and prevents it from becoming a matter of pride, entitlement, or boredom.
It is this eternal peaceful thrill that will stimulate, satisfy, and calm our hearts for all eternity. Therefore, let us seek the greatest of thrills. Let us rightly entertain ourselves with the most intense of fears, but not for the sake of self-indulgence or trivial story-telling but to honor the Lord Almighty and to more accurately share his glory with a world longing to be thrilled!
Brad serves as the Pastor of Counseling at The Summit Church inDurham, NC. He also serves as Assistant Professor of Biblical Counseling at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, a council member of the Biblical Counseling Coalition, has authored several books including God’s Attributes: Rest for Life’s Struggles, and served as general editor for the Becoming a Church that Cares Well for the Abused (churchcares.com) project.
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