by Julia Gray

Where is he? Barry should have been home an hour ago. I wonder where he is. Why won’t he answer his cell phone? I’ve called like six times already. Is he okay? Maybe I should call the hospital. What if something bad has happened to him? No. I’ll just sound like an idiot. He knows he’s supposed to call if he’s running late so I don’t worry. I’ll just drive around the neighborhood. Maybe he’s gotten into an accident and he’s unconscious. The news hasn’t reported any accidents. Barry walks into the house. Where have you been? I was afraid something happened to you.

The thoughts above are samples of my worst fear—something happening to my husband. I often think variations of these thoughts at random times, sometimes working my emotions up so high, I bring myself to tears. I’ve thought about what I would do if I became a widow, where I would live, how I would try to support myself, all in an effort to prepare for what could happen. This exercise in disaster preparation leaves me with nothing but a runny nose and mascara streaks. Not attractive on anyone.

Fear is something that we all deal with at one time or another. We fear for our health and getting a disease, like cancer. We fear for our financial security in a depressed economy. We fear not achieving the “American Dream.” We fear for our safety with news of murders and terrorist attacks around the world. We fear rejection of people—friends, employers and family. We fear never finding the right guy. There are so many things we can fear. It is easy to let circumstances and what ifs consume our life, but these things aren’t to be feared. The only thing the Bible says to fear is the Lord. Living a life with fear is what we did before we knew Jesus.

14”…because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. [a] And by him we cry, "Abba,[b] Father." 16The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. “ (1. Rom 8: 14 - 16)

Living a life of fear can be akin to being paralyzed. Imagine not having the use of your arms or legs while sitting in a wheelchair. Now imagine the doctor telling you that if you chose to get up and stand, you would get your mobility back. Would you try to stand, or would you stay in the wheelchair because you feared falling? Wouldn’t the chance that you would fall down be worth the risk of one day being able to walk, run and dance again? Living in fear is like staying in that wheelchair even though you have the ability to use your limbs. Becoming a child of God is living without that wheelchair.

Once you are a part of the family of God, there is nothing to fear. This world is only our temporary home, where we are to cultivate our relationship with God, love others and pursue the truth of His word. Our life and everything we own is God’s, so if we lose them on this earth, we still will live forever with Jesus.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (2. Jn 14: 27)

Those are the words of Jesus. He came to give us life and give it abundantly. Worry and fear steal the joy that you can have in Christ. It takes up time and energy and renders you incapable of being used by God. He has given you gifts and talents and wants you to use them to build the Kingdom. When we spend our time on activities and thoughts that are contrary to the character of God, we really rob ourselves of having a productive life. One way we rob ourselves is trying to secure our own futures on earth. God knows what you need and will provide for you.

19"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. “ (3. Mat. 6: 19 - 20)

Fear robs us from trusting in the Lord. We fear what we cannot control and there isn’t anything we can control but ourselves. Operate in the fruit of the Spirit and ask God to give you self control as you learn to trust Him with your life.

“Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.” (4. Ps 9:10)

Fear robs us from loving others. When we are so consumed with ourselves and what we’re going through, we fail to see what is happening in the lives of other people. We are to have our eyes on others, loving and serving them. Loving God and loving others are the two greatest commandments.

1”Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (5. Eph 5:1 - 2)

As children of God we are a part of the greatest family. With God as our Father no one can come against us. We are safe for eternity in His arms.

4”You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (6. 1 Jn 4:4)

Works Cited:
All Scripture used is from the NIV
1. Romans 8:14-16
2. John 14:27
3. Matthew 6:19-20
4. Psalm 9:10
5. Ephesians 5:1-2
6. 1 John 4:4