The paralyzing effect of fear!

Fear: a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined; the feeling or condition of being afraid. Synonyms: foreboding, apprehension, consternation, dismay, dread, terror, fright, panic, horror, trepidation, qualm.

What is the most repeated phrase or command from God in the bible? Is it about loving God? No it’s about fear or more accurately not fearing! Why is this? I believe God does not want us to give in to feelings of doubt, apprehension, and insecurity! All good ways to lose faith! Fear is a strong emotion and a very dangerous one. Once you start giving in to fear, it can turn into a downward spiral leading to dark places of the mind. The funny thing is that sometimes fear can be a good thing. You get a feeling that you should not walk out to your car in the dark parking lot. In my case it could be a feeling I should not approach this car from the driver’s side. That is a healthy fear that comes and goes within moments. I’m talking about a different kind of fear. A fear of life, fear of emotions, a fear of relationships, a fear of letting go, or a fear of facing your problems and weakness! These are the things that keep you locked in place. The things that ruin relationships! The things that keep you from being what you were intended to be.

I am as guilty as anyone of giving in to this kind of fear. It has caused me more pain and guilt that I can express. Like I said once you give in it’s like a boulder rolling down a mountain and you standing at the bottom right in its path. You get paralyzed, unable to move. It is almost like you just want the boulder to crush you and just get it over with. You question every decision, every thought, and it all turns into nothing but doubt. Doubt will lead to bad choices and going backwards in life. I know this intimately! The worst choices you will make in your life will most certainly be made out of fear.

I will not pretend to have the answer to this. What I can say is you have to do everything in your power to not give in to fear. Most of the fear is made up in your mind anyway. If you walk around afraid you cannot love. I believe that is the reason God is telling us not to fear! I think we should listen to him! Sometimes you have to embrace your suffering instead of fearing it. He will strengthen you if you let him. If you need someone to take some of that suffering from you feel free to put some of it on me.