“For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves. They submitted themselves to their own husbands, like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her lord. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear” (1 Peter 3:5-6 NIV).
This reference to “…do what is right and do not give way to fear ” offers a chance to consider one of life’s greatest immaterial fears: the fear of what might happen. We often encapsulate that fear in a phrase that represents one of the most helpful or destructive questions we can ask: “What if…”
On one hand, the phrase “what if” can lead us to devise innovative solutions for challenging problems. On the other hand, “what if” questions might lead us to dwell upon a myriad of negative possibilities that may come to pass. That often leads to undue stress, apprehension, and/or worry; things that God would have us avoid.
You see, the person who fixates on every negative outcome that might occur is someone who takes the focus of attention off the God who has promised to care for our needs. Two Old Testament books -the book of Psalms and the book of Proverbs- each address this subject…
“Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the Lord will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared” (Proverbs 3:25-26 NIV).
“The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe” (Proverbs 29:25).
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4 NIV).
“The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1 NIV).
To this, Jesus added the following reminder in the Gospel of Luke…
“I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him” (Luke 12:4-5 NIV).
Thus, as one commentator reminds us, “True submission, full of faith in God, has no room for fear or terror – it does good and leaves the result to God, not man.” (1)
(1) Guzik, David, 1 Peter 3 – Submission And Suffering © Copyright – Enduring Word https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/1-peter-3/