By Practical Christianity Foundation, (PCF)
Clinically speaking, fear might be observed as a response or reaction to "any perceived threat" which distracts us from reality, causing us to focus on the "threat" itself and resulting in "anxiety" says Dr. Timothy Daley, a highly acclaimed Christian Psychologist with over thirty years of counselling expertise in helping victims of fear and other issues. While such clinical investigation is certainly beyond the scope of this blog, we can still have a useful conversation about fear. So, what is fear, and, how do we deal with it? Do we just surrender to it, or respond to it, or react to it, or manage it, or actually overcome it?
It is not uncommon to hear people say, "I'm scared, or, I'm afraid". These are expressions of true feelings whether each fear results from a real or perceived threat. More often than not, most common remarks about people in fear tend to suggest that such individuals suffer from weakness, cowardice, or the lack of courage to face danger head on. Such comments fail to address the root- cause of fear, but simply blame the victim. Fear is an actual state of mind triggered by real or perceived event threatening one's presumed control over one's surroundings. therefore, fear can be viewed as some form of a defensive reaction to overwhelming circumstances which appear to have a destabilizing effect on one's assumed control over one's life.
Fear is the cry for help when the perceived sense of control is threatened by circumstances, people, or other forces. How so? God appointed man to be the steward over His creation. Christian or not, when the authority of stewardship is misunderstood or unrecognized, and man attempts to assume a seat at the helm of the wheels of life, man comes face-to-face with circumstances which are beyond his natural capabilities. Man is appointed to live as God's steward, exercising his God-given prerogatives by trusting God. So, when man attempts to deal with real or perceived threats in his own wisdom or strength, he ends up being controlled by the threat itself and shackled by fear's iron fetters.
Therefore, the root cause of fear is man's lack of trust in dealing with the issues of life and his unwarranted attempt to take control. That is why the Scriptures exhort us saying: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart; And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes and depart from evil."
Therefore, the means to overcome fear is to trust God for everything and lean on His grace and wisdom to live as His child safe and secure in His care. We will not be controlled by real or perceived threats when we live by the guidance and directions god gives us through His Word and heed the convictions of His Spirit in our hearts. In this sense, fear could be the red flag illuminating the stop sign when we head in the wrong direction. So, instead of denying or trying to avoid fear, we will do well to avoid the reason which triggers fear. Leave the controls to God and live by trusting God in obedience.
Here at Practical Christianity Foundation we believe that God has mercifully extended His Grace toward us and has given us His living and Holy Word to guide us in our journey in this world. We count it privilege to come alongside you and minister to you through prayer and the sharing of God's living and holy Word. Please contact us if you have any questions concerning your faith and journey as a Christian.
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