Why Fear

I was fearful of thunderstorms as a child – the loud bursts of thunder and streaks of lightning as they lit the sky. I recall descending the stairs from my bedroom on numerous occasions during the early morning hours and kneeling in our living room in the darkness, asking God for protection. After a while, I would work up the courage to climb the stairs and get back in my bed.

As I grew older, I eventually overcame my fear of storms. However, other life circumstances occasionally brought fears and concerns: What was my purpose in life? What would I do after high school? What if I missed the will of God? Would my children be safe when out of my sight? And then, would my grandchildren be healthy when born?

Fear is a distressing emotion, whether the situation of which we are afraid is real or imagined. Fear can be debilitating if we allow it. Fear can affect our lives in many ways, including our health.

As believers in the Word of God – the Bible – and the power of His Spirit, we can overcome fear! Fear can be cast aside and no longer hold us captive. We have His promise:

“‘Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand'” (Isaiah 41:10, NKJV).

God is bigger than our fear!

Life will throw us setbacks, confusion, and fear. These things are inevitable. However, if we place our trust in the One who is mightier than all of these, we can be overcomers. When it seems all is bleak and we cannot see a clearing in the storm of our circumstance, we can agree with the psalmist:

“From the end of the earth I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I” (Psalm 61:2, NKJV).

Why fear? We are overcomers through power in the name of Jesus.

Reprinted from PURE Newsletter, Ladies Ministries UPCI