Let’s Talk About Fear

Have you ever been plagued by the “What if’s?” I’ve read that the greatest fear that afflicts people is the threat of what might happen.

I might have cancer. I might lose my job if our company downsizes. My daughter might be in trouble; it’s been an hour since she last checked in. What if…?

Fear is a harasser of our imagination.

Fear often involves a battle between the mind and the heart; between our intellect and our emotion. In my head I know that things are going to work out just fine; but in my heart I just can’t stop fretting. What if…?

If you have ever struggled with fear, you are not alone. Researchers convey that fear is no respecter of people. Fear assaults both the weak AND the powerful. It haunts both old AND young. It afflicts both the poor AND the wealthy. Even those who seem to be at the top of the food chain, including many of our celebrity favorites, confess to have an array of phobias.

Fear attacks us all.

In the Bible, scholars suggest that the word fear is found more than 400x; the word afraid occurs more than 200x; and God Himself tells us NOT to fear more than 300x.

Additionally, over 200 individuals are said to have been afraid; many of whom we would consider heroes of the Christian faith. David, Paul, Timothy, Mary, and even Jesus’ “right hand man” Peter encountered moments of fear. These testimonies reinforce the truth that fear is a reality.

But here is where it gets good. 

Did you also know that the Bible promises that with our Creator’s help, you and I can face our fears? Yep. Take it the bank. God promises, that if we will trust Him, He will help us face our fears; both the real ones AND imagined. 

“Don’t be afraid,” God says, “for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with My victorious right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

Do you fear a serious illness? God’s got you. How about the fear of a financial calamity or of not having enough for retirement? Yep, you can lean on Him for that one too. 

Do you fear disappointing people or being relationally rejected? Not sure about the future or which path to take? No worries. God our Creator promises to walk with us and guide us if we will invite Him in. 

God promises to accompany us…strengthen us…help us…and sustain us. God says, “I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

Now THAT’s good news!

So what are you afraid of? Got a fear you want to kick to the curb? I encourage you to pray this simple prayer:

Creator God, I invite you into my fear struggle. Please accompany me, strengthen me, help me, and sustain me.

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