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Cutting Fear Loose
By Michelle Atengdem
Why can fear be so prevalent in our daily lives? According to one definition in Webster's dictionary, fear means “concern or anxiety.” In the human life, at one point or another, we battle with fear. The things we fear may vary at any given time and can become overwhelming. Causes of fear include, but are not limited to: loneliness, rejection and failure. Fear can be very crippling if allowed to fester; it affects every living human being.
This topic is very dear to me because I can relate to it quite well. When I think about my high school reunion, which will be taking place a few years from now, I am overwhelmed with concern and anxiety. The fear of being under-accomplished is valid, but I cannot allow it to dictate my life. I have to appreciate every moment of every day, as opposed to creating unnecessary anxiety for myself.
Matthew 6:34 reads: "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." Simply put: there are enough problems in any given day so why bother adding future problems to current ones. Being fearful and worrisome will not change a single thing.
The crippling nature of fear can have a strong hold on anyone, but the good news is just like other aspects of our lives, be it positive or negative, we hold the power in our own hands. Fear can only go as far as we allow it. I know at times it is easier said than done, but with God all things are possible. It is a day-to-day process. A determination not to allow fear to have the upper hand in one's daily life is necessary.
So in place of fear have faith. Hebrews 11:1 teaches us that: "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." In having faith, you do not have any tangible evidence; all you have is belief. With faith, you do not know what is going to happen next, you just have to trust in God and keep moving. So where there is no faith, fear can and will reside and blossom. I am not suggesting that it is easy to have faith when you do not know what is going to happen next. It is like jumping and hoping that someone catches your fall. Either you exercise faith and jump, or fear will cripple you.
Fear has no power in anyone's life unless precedence is given to it. Daily steps should be taken to minimize it and, in turn, maximize faith. The way to do so is to supplicate your life to God on a daily basis. It is not going to be easy, but at least an effort is being made to minimize the fear. God is right by your side and He will never leave nor forsake you. There is no reason to overwhelm oneself with unnecessary concern or anxiety. Live by faith, not by fear.
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