We Have Nothing to Fear Except Fear Itself
Photo 243 of Photo Inspirations — “We Have Nothing to Fear Except Fear Itself”
That was a line from Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s Inaugural Address in 1933. But are FDR’s words true, especially when we hear about school shootings, police officers being gunned down, terrorism, natural disasters, economic uncertainty, our children’s safety? And, the list goes on and on. No question, there really is a lot we could potentially worry about.
Several days ago, while in the restroom at my clubhouse (I know — TMI — too much information), I picked up this little book, “Bathroom Trivia” from the table and thumbed through it and my eyes fell on the page that said, “The Fear of IT”. I realized being afraid is such a part of people’s lives that there’s a name for those fears. For example: Fear of Walking is called “batophobia”; Fear of Work is called “ergophobia”; Fear of Marriage is called “gametophobia”; Fear of Dirt is called “mysophobia; Fear of Food is called “sitophobia; Fear of Money is called “chrometophobia”; Fear of Thunder is called “keraunophobia”…..and many more fears were listed. The little book talked about all kinds of fears, but it didn’t offer any solutions.
But, God does. He ALWAYS presents reasons for us to TRUST in His sovereignty and power to keep us in peace when everything else in the world screams out for us to FEAR. My husband always identified FEAR as an acrostic — “False Evidence Appearing Real”. Reality tells us that so much of what we spend our time worrying about never even happens. Living under the weight of the “what if’s” is a hard place to dwell.
I struggled with fear and worry for years — so much so that I developed acute colitis. My wonderful Christian doctor coached me to healing by giving me the prescription of taking God’s Word into my heart and meditating on it, when anxiety would come up. And, I did. I learned to call on the Prince of Peace (Jesus) to give me peace. Through time, I began to find that the things that once would have sent me down an anxious spiral, no longer had the same effect. It didn’t happen quickly, but over time, it did bring me peace. I read words of life and truth. I soaked them in, over and over and prayed them out loud, until they became so familiar, they replaced the other things in my mind that I’d battled against. There’s nothing magical about words and verses, but there is power through them, because they’re God’s words.
Change happened. Anxious thoughts began to diminish. Worry let go of its constant grip. God’s words became “life” words, soothing to my soul, calming my spirit, giving power to my days. It wasn’t always easy, and it often it came down to a choice. Choosing not to allow fear and anxiety to control my life. Choosing to guard my heart. Choosing to focus my mind on what is truth in the midst of uncertainty.
And though there are times that still try to make me feel afraid, I believe that God is with me. I know I am not in control, but I can trust the One who is. I may not know the future, but I know the God who does.
If you’re relating to what I’m speaking about today, and FEAR has you in its grip, I urge you to take the same prescription that Dr. Gregory gave me. Over and over again, as many times a day as you can — take God’s word in, speak it, pray it, meditate on it and be healed. Here’s some of those scriptures:
Proverbs 18:10: “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”
Psalm 34:4: “I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.”
Isaiah 41:10 “Fear not, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
John 14:27 “Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid.”
Psalm 118:6-7 “The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? The Lord is with me; he is my helper.”
Isaiah 26:3 “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”
PEACE be with you!