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“Fear”
Recently, I spoke with someone who is experiencing great fear following a tragedy in their life. As we talked, I realized that this individual was somewhat unfamiliar with what it means to experience fear. Though they had encountered the root of the issue, which was fear, they had not yet recognized how fear can breed other unhealthy emotions.
For starters, let’s be clear about something. Everyone experiences fear.
Even the bravest, strongest, and most confident people encounter fear. Just because someone appears unafraid does not mean fear is absent. In fact, some of the most capable people may simply be better at covering it up. But rest assured, fear usually comes out somewhere. And often, that somewhere is negative.
When fear is not addressed, it can contribute to all kinds of unhealthy emotions and behaviors. Anger, anxiety, fatigue, isolation, and even physical symptoms are just a few examples. Sometimes when I talk with someone who is experiencing something new and unusual, I begin to notice that an underlying fear is gripping them beneath the surface.
Is fear always the cause of the problems we face? By no means. However, some of our most difficult and unhealthy behaviors can be rooted in fear. Fear can lead to other emotions, which can eventually take root in unhealthy and sometimes dangerous behaviors.
As one of our popular weather personalities likes to say, “Don’t freak out.” It’s okay.
I am not writing a medical textbook, and I am certainly not suggesting that anyone should take this little article as a guarantee. Instead, I am simply taking a few moments to address something every human being faces. I am also hoping to encourage anyone who may be struggling with a behavior that is causing harm to themselves or the people they love.
Identifying fear can be incredibly helpful. In the case of the person with whom I recently spoke, I made sure they understood that admitting their fear was a significant step in the right direction. There is still work ahead, but identifying a possible root cause can accomplish a great deal in the process of healing and becoming stronger.
Are you afraid of something? If not, congratulations! You win the lottery because you are the only person I have ever encountered who is not afraid of something. But if you are afraid, take your fear to the LORD. God wants to help. That does not mean God will wave a magic wand and instantly make every fear disappear. But through faithful prayer, wise counsel, trusted relationships, and sometimes professional help, God may provide something even greater.
Courage. Peace. Strength. Clarity. And the assurance that fear does not have to control what happens next.
Take your fear to the LORD. God may not immediately remove what frightens you, but God can help you become stronger than the fear itself.
See you this Sunday at the Chapel, in person or online!
God Bless, Brock.
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