False Evidence Appearing Real (FEAR)

Fear is born of Satan, and if we would only take time to think a moment we would see that everything Satan says is founded upon a falsehood.

– A. B. Simpson

Seeing that a pilot steers the ship in which we sail, who will never allow us to perish even in the midst of shipwrecks, there is no reason why our minds should be overwhelmed with fear and overcome with weariness.

– John Calvin

Worry is a cycle of inefficient thoughts whirling around a center of fear.

– Corrie Ten Boom

How very little can be done under the spirit of fear.

– Florence Nightingale

Fear is a self imposed prison that will keep you from becoming what God intends for you to be. You must move against it with the weapons of faith and love.

– Rick Warren

The only known antidote to fear is faith.

– Woodrow Kroll

Faith, which is trust, and fear are opposite poles. If a man has the one, he can scarcely have the other in vigorous operation. He that has his trust set upon God does not need to dread anything except the weakening or the paralyzing of that trust.

– Alexander MacLaren

Fear imprisons, faith liberates; fear paralyzes, faith empowers; fear disheartens, faith encourages; fear sickens, faith heals; fear makes useless, faith makes serviceable.

– Harry Emerson Fosdick

Our lives are full of supposes. Suppose this should happen, or suppose that should happen; what could we do; how could we bear it? But, if we are living in the high tower of the dwelling place of God, all these supposes will drop out of our lives. We shall be quiet from the fear of evil, for no threatenings of evil can penetrate into the high tower of God.

– Hannah Whitall Smith

Where fear is present, wisdom cannot be.

– Assorted Authors

Hope is like the cork to the net, which keeps the soul from sinking in despair; and fear, like the lead to the net, which keeps it from floating in presumption.

It’s wonderful to climb the liquid mountains of the sky. Behind me and before me is God and I have no fears.

– Helen Keller

I’m fairly certain I haven’t written much about fear but recently was made aware of a situation in which fear was involved. 

I wouldn’t say I’m the bravest most courageous person in the world, however, I do place total and complete trust in my Heavenly Father (which eliminates a lot of fear.)  It can be a little difficult for me to wrap my brain around having such a level of mental fear since I don’t typically operate out of a fear-based mindset.

Now I’m becoming aware that some individuals are quite the opposite. Some people allow their fear to control their life and their every thought. In extreme cases, the fear may even cause them to hurt ones close to them. 

I recently was on the receiving end of someone else’s fear. I won’t get into the specifics, but a person’s fear-based actions were directed at me and honestly hurt me. After dealing with the disbelief for a couple of days (and a situation I never saw coming) I decided to continue to pray about the situation and those involved and let it go. I am truly sad for those who are affected and will continue to be affected by this fear unless this person discovers the antidote to overcoming their fear which is faith.

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and thatHe is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Without faith it is impossible to please God. 

~Hebrews 11:6

Either we trust God or we don’t. Either we believe God is taking care of us or we don’t. 

I PERSONALLY KNOW FROM EXPERIENCE THAT BAD THINGS HAPPEN IN LIFE THAT WE DO NOT UNDERSTAND.

But does that mean we should give up on trusting God? Does that mean we should try to obsessively control each and every detail of every aspect of our life to the point of being miserable? Do we think we know best, that we know better than God? Has the worry and the fear and the anxiety become an idol in our lives? 

Even if we truly believe we can control (due to our fear) every minute detail, the truth is that we really and truly are not humanly able to do that. We cannot add a minute to our lives by worrying.

It is living in bondage to try and micromanage our own lives and the lives of those around us due to fear. 

It is not God’s will for us to live that way.

If you have experienced or are experiencing such overwhelming fear, please talk to your Heavenly Father who dearly loves you and does not want you to live under the weight of fear. Consider talking through things with trusted Christian friends or family members or even Christian counselors who can help you process your fears and feelings. There is absolutely no shame in that. For some it may take courage to take that first step, but in the end it will be worth it!

 I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.~John 16:33

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” ~ Isaiah 41:10

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” ~ 2 Timothy 1:7

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” ~ 1 John 4:18

“But now, this is what the Lord says…Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” ~ Isaiah 43:1

YOU ARE HIS AND HE LOVES YOU!

Believe in that truth.

Rest in that knowledge.

Trust Him.

Your friend,

Tiffany