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Fear, a complex and universal emotion, can take various forms and be triggered by different stimuli. In this topic, we will draw inspiration from the biblical account of Jehoshaphat to understand how to overcome fear to build our faith.

Seven Common Types of Fear:

  1. Fear of Failure: Anxiety about not meeting expectations or failing in a task.
  2. Fear of the Unknown: Apprehension about unpredictable future events or outcomes.
  3. Fear of Change: Apprehension about what the future holds.
  4. Fear of Pain: Anxiety about experiencing pain or injury.
  5. Fear of Loss: Anxiety about the potential loss of close relationships or material possessions.
  6. Social Fear: Fear of rejection, judgment, and public speaking.
  7. Existential Fear: Fear of death and meaninglessness, considered the ultimate fear.

Jehoshaphat’s Experience:

2 Chronicles 20:1 (NLT) After this, the armies of the Moabites, Ammonites, and some of the Meunites declared war on Jehoshaphat.

2 Chronicles 17:6 (NLT) He was deeply committed to the ways of the LORD. He removed the pagan shrines and Asherah poles from Judah.

2 Chronicles 17:7-9 (NLT) In the third year of his reign Jehoshaphat sent his officials to teach in all the towns of Judah. …. They took copies of the Book of the Law of the LORD and traveled around through all the towns of Judah, teaching the people.

Defining Fear (Anxiety): Before delving into Jehoshaphat’s story, it’s crucial to define fear. Fear is an emotion caused by the brain’s reaction to situations, not the situations themselves. Fear can be a protective mechanism, such as when encountering real dangers like facing a bear in Alaska. However, it can also serve evil by hindering trust in God, ultimately affecting our faith.

Jehoshaphat’s Three-Part Plan for Overcoming Fear:

  1. Admit Fear: Jehoshaphat openly admitted his fear, putting it on the table for examination.
  2. Turn to God: In times of fear, Jehoshaphat turned to God, acknowledging his dependence on a higher power.
  3. Start a Fast: Jehoshaphat initiated a fast, a deliberate act of seeking divine guidance through self-discipline and devotion.

Jehoshaphat’s reliance on God led to divine intervention. The Lord assured him that the battle was not his but God’s. As Jehoshaphat and his people praised and thanked the Lord, the enemy armies turned against each other, resulting in victory and the naming of the Valley of Blessing.

In times of fear, the lessons from Jehoshaphat’s journey serve as a timeless guide to overcoming adversity and finding victory through faith.

Talking Points:
  • Resilience is harnessing difficult emotions to build your faith. Today we talk about how to harness fear and anxiety, and we’ll look at the incredible story of King Jehoshaphat. 2 Chronicles 20:1-4
  • Fear is a complex emotion that can manifest in various forms: fear of failure, the unknown, change, pain, loss, rejection, death, and more. Everyone experiences fear at some point in life.
  • Fear is an emotion caused by the brain’s reaction to situations, not the situations themselves. Fear can be a good thing, but it can also become paralyzing and harmful.
  • Jehoshaphat modeled a 3-step plan for overcoming fear: admit you’re afraid, turn to God, and start a fast. In the end, the place of fear turned into a “Valley of Blessing”. 2 Chronicles 20:20-26
Discussion:
  1. Read the talking points above as a group, including scripture references. What are your initial thoughts about these points or about the podcast lesson (see audio above)? 
  2. Fear comes in many shapes and sizes, from the fear of failure to the fear of death. Which type of fear do you experience most often?
  3. We all have our unique ways of dealing with fear. If fear were a guest at your dinner table, how would you serve it? In other words, how do you typically handle fear when it shows up in your life?
  4. Have you ever had a moment when fear felt overwhelming, and you had to admit to yourself that you were afraid? How did that self-awareness change your perspective or approach to the situation?
  5. King Jehoshaphat turned to God first, not last. Where do you typically turn first when you’re afraid or anxious? How long does it take you to turn to God, and what does that look like?
  6. Jehoshaphat’s “Valley of Blessing” is such a powerful image. Can you recall a time when facing a fear or difficult situation led to unexpected positive outcomes in your life? How did that experience shape your perspective on challenges?

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