Facing your fears

As you know, fear is False Evidence Appearing Real.

As Christians, we don't like to admit that we deal with fear, even walk in fear, but many times we do.

Everyone knows what it is like to be afraid.

When God asked Adam (Genesis 3:18) where he was, Adam answered, "I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid."

And ever since, people have dealt with fear.

Here's what I know about fear:

Some fears are healthy.

Some fears are not necessary.

Uncontrolled fear is tormenting (1 John 4:18).

Uncontrolled fear is tormenting because it tends to paralyze and blind.  It can cause a person to not think clearly or action rationally.  It can blind us to alternatives in problem solving and options for decision making which otherwise would be obvious to us.

Are you waiting for some tests results to come back?

Are you faced with an impossible situation?

Are you dealing with a situation that just won't go away?

Let me give you some practical suggestions:

Share you fears with God and others.  You are not alone.  God is with you at all times - especially in the midst of your fears.  And - there are others around  you who care about you and love you - reach out to them for support.

Apply rational controls.  Ask  yourself, "What are the changes that what I fear will actually happen?  What are the statistical odds I am up against?"  Keep it in perspective.

However, even with that - some people will continue to worry.  That is why we must keep the "odds" in perspective.  Many will have more faith in their "odds" than in God.  Whose report are you going to ultimately believe?  The report of the tests results or God?  (With God - all things are possible).

Mediate on encouraging Bible verses.  John 14:27.  Isaiah 41:10.  1 John 4:4.  Romans 8:28.  Romans 8:31.

Give you panic to God.  Spend time in His presence.  Overcoming fear is more than saying, "I will not be afraid," it is filling up that void (of a lack of panic) with God's peace and God's presence.

Just a thought for a Wednesday.