“Courage is not the absence of fear but the willingness to do the thing we fear. Go straight into the furnace or the lion’s den. Were those men out of touch with their feelings or with reality? No. Nor was the psalmist who said, “When I am afraid, I will trust.” There is a big difference between feeling and willing.”
Elisabeth Elliott
Fear is real and natural. In this season of chaos, plague and famine our fears may seem more real that which is true. Our fears may leave us uncertain, insecure, doubting our future; having sleep problems and anxiety problems; worrying about how tomorrow will treat us or even if there will be a tomorrow. The feelings we may be experiencing and the answer to the issue is simple. How do we avoid fear? How do we live with it when there seems to be no other option? And, finally, what can we learn from it?
Feeling Overwhelmed?
God is our refuge and strength,
Psalm 461-2 NLT
always ready to help in times of trouble.
2 So we will not fear when earthquakes come
and the mountains crumble into the sea.
“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”
John 14:27 NLT
For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize and understand our weaknesses and temptations, but One who has been tempted [knowing exactly how it feels to be human] in every respect as we are, yet without [committing any] sin.
Hebrews 4:15 AMP
Can Fear Be A Good Thing?
Fear can be good if it teaches us about courage. Joshua’s couldn’t have understood courage if he hadn’t experienced fear. Fear gave him courageous character and taught him to rely on and trust in God.
“Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.”
Deuteronomy 31:7-8
Today, as we navigate the woes of our world: the wars and rumors of war; kingdom against kingdom and ethnic group against ethnic group [Matthew 24:7] (that’s nation against nation for those who have not delved into the Greek – ehenos) let us look to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, remembering always–
God will give you peace. (Leviticus 26:6)
God’s angels are watching over you. (Psalm 91:11)
Contentment Cottage 