Don't Let Fear Control You!

"A John Hopkins University doctor says, “We do not know why it is that worriers die sooner than the non-worriers, but that is a fact.” But I, who am simple of mind, think I know; We are inwardly constructed in nerve and tissue, brain cell and soul, for faith and not for fear. God made us that way. To live by worry is to live against reality."  - Dr. E. Stanley Jones

Fear is something that we all have in common. Fear is difficult to list because there are so many different types of fear. It's been our constant companion throughout the existence of men (Genesis 3:8-10).  And everyone, at some point, comes face to face with their fear.

Louis Pasteur is reported to have had such an irrational fear of dirt and infection he refused to shake hands. U.S. President and Mrs. Benjamin Harrison were so intimidated by the new electricity installed in the White House they didn’t dare touch the switches. If there weren't any servants around to turn off the lights when the Harrisons went to bed, they slept with them on.

What scares you? When the Israelites reached the hill country of the Amarites, all they had to do was go forward. The Lord had already given it to them. It was theirs for the taking (Deuteronomy  1:21). But, they stopped in their tracks. Why? They let fear, and anger overtake their faith

Fear works that way. Something can be within your grasp; right there ready for you to take hold of it. Perhaps it's a job, or promotion that you have been wanting for a while. Maybe it's a personal relationship; you're ready to take to the next level. No matter. Fear can freeze you up, too.

In the case of the Israelites, they were so overcome by fear, fired up with anger and a serious lack of faith that they rebelled against the Lord; refusing to take the land which by all rights was theirs (Deuteronomy 1: 26; 32). Yes, fear can really do a number on you, if you let it.

I like what auther C. JoyBell C. says about fear. She says, “Don't be afraid of your fears. They're not there to scare you. They're there to let you know that something is worth it.” The Israelites didn't see that God had set them up with "something worth it." They let fear, anger, and distrust cloud their judgement.

Does this sound familiar to you? It should, because we have all been there at one time or another. Let me clarify that not all fear is bad. Having some fear keeps us all in line. However, we should never fear where the Lord leads us. When it comes to God, we can trust and believe Him.

We can't run away from our fear; we must face it. But we don't have to face it alone. J. R. R. Tolkien once said, “A man that flies from his fear may find that he has only taken a short cut to meet it.” The Lord has blessed us (Deuteronomy 2:7). He is gracious to us, as well (Psalm 67:1). Put your fears, worries, troubles, anxieties, cares, problems, whatever, in His hands. Let God help you overcome it all!

Scripture: Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 1:7; Proverbs 19:23; 2 Timothy 1:7; 1 John 4:18

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me overcome my fears today; free me from the shackles that have held me back for so long; fill me with Your spirit; and may You guide me the rest of my life. Amen

Have a blessed weekend!

Jenelle