Fear and anxiety seem to be the hallmarks of contemporary life and consumes us. Our sense of anxiety is an interpretation of the primal fight-or-flight survival mechanism as filtered and distorted by thousands of years of civilized living. Fear leads to a stance of self-preservation at the expense of others expressed in a lifestyle and a politics of selfishness. Fear pits people against people as competitors. It is the root of racism and homophobia.
However, if we are able to stop living in fear, we begin to live authentically. Only those who can get beyond fear by trusting in God can truly learn to forgive and love. This is a trust that we are not alone as we go through misfortune. Trust is the only recourse to fear.
The expressions “fear not” or “have no fear” or “do not be afraid” are found countless times in the Bible. In the larger sense, the biblical message is that although things may appear bleak and that evil seems to be winning, there is God's commitment.
Isaiah 41: 10 "Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand."
Comments