Fear and Trembling

When a person is very afraid, a natural response is to shake. Hence the reference to fear and trembling.

One may experience fear, and tremble either inwardly, outwardly, or both. One example found in the Bible is that of the woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years. She touched Jesus’ coat, knowing that she would be made well. When Jesus felt the power going out of Him, He asked whom it was that touched Him. She came and fell down before Him, in fear and trembling (Mark 5:33). Because of her faith, she was made well. Another example is the faithfulness of David. He was overcome with “faithfulness and trembling” at the sight of a wicked city, and prayed to God that he would be saved from it (Psalm 55:5).

As Paul shared the gospel with the Corinthians, he was with them in “weakness, in fear, and in much trembling (1 Corinthians 2:3).” He was concerned not only for the spiritual well-being of them, but also for himself. That is the attitude we should all have! We must realize the importance of being right with God and have fear and trembling when we are not. The Psalmist wrote, “Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling (Psalm 2:11).” Christians are commanded to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12).”

We serve a powerful, just, and loving God. He has told us clearly in His Word what He accepts and what He rejects by sending many individuals to proclaim His Word, who were received with fear and trembling (e.g. Titus in 2 Corinthians 7:13-15). Servants are to be obedient to their masters with fear and trembling, as to Christ (Ephesians 6:5).

Our souls are very precious in the sight of God! It is perfectly natural to experience fear and trembling as we strive to serve God. However, we must not have fear forever. After all, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us (1 Peter 4:18-19).”