The F Word

Fear.

We have all been there. It is a place of uncertainty, terror, anxiety, fret, depression, missed opportunity, intimidation and any other adverse manifestation of being in a place where each step feels like the floor is ready to crumble at any given point. Our past may also be a vessel for advocating for fear. If it happened in the past, it may happen again, right? Often, our experience or familiarity of a certain situation tends to be a notion that fuels direction and motives in a way that gives us more traction to identify with fear. With this mindset, it can be easy to forget what Christ has done for us.

The Bible gives numerous scriptures for hope and comfort during times of anxiousness:

“Then Jesus said to His disciples: ‘Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?’” (Luke 12:22-26)

“I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears,” (Psalm 34:4).

"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love, (1 John 4:18)."

Fear is the opposite of faith, and if we don’t have faith in Christ then life will always be unsettling to navigate. Even when Jesus and His disciples were in the eye of a storm travelling by boat, amidst their fears of drowning Jesus asked them, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Faith is a gift from the Father and it is our responsibility to exercise this gift and not to become complacent, but to actively seek the true character of God’s heart that is rooted in love and pushes fear aside. This pursuit will shape our perspective on certain situations so we may enter a place of rest and peace.

Next time fear attempts to take you down, remember Who is lifting you up.

And so, we leave you with this word,

“Peace I leave you; my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid,” (John 14: 27).