To Fear or not to Fear

“Only Thing We Have to Fear Is Fear Itself”: FDR’s First Inaugural Address

Interesting thought from one of our presidents. In a way this is true. 

I heard recently that we are only born with 2 fears: the fear of falling (picture startled baby when suddenly moved) and the fear of loud noises (same baby with sudden yelling or sirens). All other fears are learned. Read that again. 

All other fears are learned. 

Whoa! You mean the fear of spiders, fear of heights, fear of small spaces, fear of the dark, fear of man, fear of failure, fear of being alone are all learned?  Yes. Our circumstances, experiences and environment have all taught us things. Including fear. 

Recently at our women's retreat we discussed what fear is...or isn't. Have you ever read the story about the student who told his professor that there's no such things as cold? Cold is only the absence of heat. You can make things hotter but there's a limit on how cold things can get.  Dark is the absence of light.  Evil is the absence of good. I think fear is the absence of faith/trust.

Why do we fear? Because we have the illusion that we're in control. And then when something happens (or we think will happen) we realize we aren't in control and fear sets in. 

What if we took God at his Word?  It says:

Do not fear for I am with you 

Perfect love casts out fear

Whom shall I fear? 

We can have assurance that God is in control. God is leading. He has a plan. His plan and His perspective is greater than mine. 

Instead of praying Lord, take away my fear, how about we pray Lord, increase my faith.