Why do we Fear?
In thinking about fear, it seems like the future can be fearful. I can’t recall being afraid of the past and not really of the present, but the future can be terrifying. It is the unknown or the “what-ifs”.
I have one of those personalities that I need to feel like I am in control of my future, and it gives me that comfortable (warm-fuzzy) feeling that everything is under control. However, when the times come when I am not in control and don’t know what the future will bring here comes the “what-ifs” and fear is with it. I have found over the years when I have been gripped by fear, it was of the unknown and I was relying on my own resources and not God.
Fear had gripped many heroes in the bible. Moses was afraid initially to accept God’s call to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. David was afraid for his life when Saul was trying to kill him. The Israelites were afraid when they saw the size of Goliath. The Disciples reacted with fear when Jesus was arrested. So, we are in pretty good company. It turns out that they did not need to fear, because God was with them.
Fear is not from God. God indwells Christians with His Holy Spirit. The reality is that God will never leave us or forsake us no matter what the fear is. This is because God loves us. If I keep my focus on God as my source for the future and not my own resources, then fear subsides.
Hebrews 13: 6
6 So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?
