(Isa 41:10) Fear not, for I am with you...
There are many things we can be fearful of:
-Snakes, dogs, or spiders
-Getting some dreadful disease
-The future
-Losing our job
-The dentist
-Elevators or heights
-Aging
-Speaking in front of people
-Being alone
Fear is a real emotion but it is usually not based in reality. We think of all the things that could go wrong and then our emotions go wacky which in turn gives us more anxious thoughts which in turn further erodes our confidence. The apostle Paul calls it a “spirit of fear” (2 Tim 1:7). The beloved John describes fear as “torment” (1 John 4:18). I don’t think anyone really enjoys the experience of fear. It does give you some kind of adrenaline rush but it truly is tormenting and debilitating.
Is there any hope for the fearful? Yes, yes, yes! Fear not, for God is with you! And that is no pious platitude. It’s the Word of God. And the Word of God is a lot more real than any fear you might have. Faith is stronger than fear as light is stronger than the darkness. How much light will dispel a dark room? Only a flicker. How much faith will conquer that fear? Just a mustard seed (Luke 17:6).
May God fill us with mountain-moving faith and deeper-than-the-ocean peace. And may our acknowledgment of His perfect love for us cast out all fear (1 John 4:18).
Louie