“Fear not.”
“Do not be afraid.”
These are themes repeated in the Bible frequently.
What are reasons we become Fearful?
- Someone comes up to you unexpectedly and does something to startle you.
- When we have no experience with an assignment, task, or job we have been given.
- The expected results of something we care about are different than our desires.
- When we do not know what the outcome might be. We tend to keep with the familiar even when the result continues to give us pain and difficulties we prefer to avoid.
Thus, any situation where we lack experience, are facing the unknown, unfamiliar, or when someone interacts with us in unusual ways are all opportunities for us to experience Fear.
God created us with bodies to produce adrenaline in response to Fear (from a real danger). He did not create mankind to live in a constant state of Fear (anxiety).
It is difficult to pressure someone to do things without a certain amount of intimidation or instilling some measure of Fear into their life.
When we trust God to provide a way out, to protect us from harm, to work all things for good for those who serve the LORD, it is difficult for someone to instill a state of Fear in us.
The more we live for eternity, looking forward to praising GOD forever, instead of the things of this world, the more difficult it is for us to experience Fear.
As we learn to embrace trials and difficulties on earth as opportunities to shine as a bright light for Jesus it is easier to live with joy instead of Fear.
Perhaps you have heard of stories about someone being threatened to be shot in the head, (killed) and their response is simply “Go ahead, I’ll get to see Jesus sooner.” When stated calmly, a reply like this emphasizes they are not living for anything of significance in this world.
Nurturing Christian fellowship with other believers in Christ helps remind us to live for eternity, not for today. Meeting with other believers on a regular basis will help us keep God in the present more than our current circumstances. And to look for opportunities to be salt and light to others.
Living for an audience of ONE, the One True and Living God, helps me live full of joy and peace beyond understanding.
Fear NOT!
