During this time of year we might enjoy a little spookiness. The pumpkins, goblins, and ghosts adorning our front porches are all in good fun. But there’s a difference between a good scare at Halloween, and the situations that we find ourselves in the habit of worrying over.
If you stopped to think about it, what are you really afraid of? Would it be job loss? Are you scared about health issues? Maybe you’re fearful of difficulties in a relationship?
God must have known how often we’d be distracted by the things that cause us anxiety, as He speaks to the subject of fear repeatedly throughout the Bible. He reminds us not to be afraid because…
Fear paralyzes us.
Say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, and do not fear, for your God is coming to destroy your enemies. He is coming to save you.” Isaiah 35:4
Fear keeps us from moving forward.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
Fear tells us that nothing will ever be okay.
Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad. Proverbs 12:25
Fear steals our peace, and robs us of our hope and joy.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27
So what do we do if we’ve made a habit of being fearful? First, recognize that troubles will come, but fear doesn’t have to be the chaperone. Let me explain…
Jesus tells us that we are going to struggle down here. This isn’t heaven yet.
In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. John 16:33
Why am I pointing this out? If we accept that troubles will come – that there’s a low tide, or cycle to our lives – we can be ready with our response. Otherwise, if we are surprised each time “the worst” happens, we let fear take a ride in the passenger’s seat. Even worse, we may let fear drive us.
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7
There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. 1 John 4:18
So we’ve recognized that fear is a bad habit in response to bad things happening…now what?
The best thing to do whenever we feel fear taking over is to pray. Remember…
Don’t panic. Just pray.
I prayed to the LORD, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. Psalm 56:3
God’s purposes and plans for us do not involve lives lived in fear – quite the contrary. Fear may have become a habit in our lives, but there are such better habits to be made!