Given the recent debacle on Wall Street, and the topic of fear being raised in the
political debates currently, I think it safe to say fear is prevalent in today's society. We label these fears when they reach an uncomfortable level, calling them phobias. There are thousands of phobias that exist, and its even more ridiculous to think that there are twice as many drugs out on the market to address those fears. So, why are there so many fears and where do they stem from? Or more importantly how do we cure a fear? and what is the result of fear?
We first need to understand the components of fear:
- Subjective (what is in our mind...thoughts)
- Physiological (i.e. physical and chemical processes you feel...anxiety)
Let's look at the first two questions,
why so many and
where do they stem from? Throughout time we have always been advancing. This is not a bad thing, but it has created more distractions. It is our innate ability to adapt to the changes that come into our life, which of course prompts thought or ideas. Whether it's a positive or negative thought we begin to associate feelings with those thoughts, and a fear can then be acknowledged by us. (Example1 - The earliest UFO report to record was in 1947, shortly after that we made it our mission to land on the moon, which was successfully accomplished in 1969. This is a great accomplishment, but eventually some creative ideas morphed into a fear. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a sci-
fi flick as much as the next guy, I am only saying this new found knowledge or idea eventually could spur a fear). This is the point though that humans need to control their thoughts and not let one crazy idea run their life. So how do we control or cure this, and what is the result of fear?
How do we cure them? The easy answer in today's society would be drugs, but since I don't
believe in supporting that route I'll tell you a far more rewarding route. It is through God, Jesus Christ your savior that you will ultimately cure this fear. It he who said: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine."(
Isaiah 43:1). You need to change your mind set and understand that he gave his life for you, which means turning over everything to him...anxiety and stress included. Easier said than done...I know, I am a human and sinner as well.
So,
what is the result of fears controlling your life? Worry, anxiety, stress,
billions of dollars spent on drugs to help you cope, an early untimely death, but most painful is that you are not sharing it with God.
This topic was due in large part to Rev. Dr. Ferguson addressing fears experienced in our lives and how to cope with each of them we experience on a daily basis
2 comments:
Wow, what a beautiful way to say that the burden of our fears has been lifted and I truly believe that. I will use these versus as help when I may experience anxiety as I do often. The sadest part is, is that fear has been around since Adam and Eve at the forbidden fruit. Speaking from a person with anxiety, medications are a way for some to start controlling their fear but through experience, prayer and meditation, we all hopefully will not become dependant long term. With that being said, some have found that they have chemical inbalances and are more reliant on these modern day prescriptions. Whatever the case, it is best if we pray for inner peace. My one question though is, doesn't the old testament say somewhere in it that we should fear the wrath? This is only for further question of your wonderful words. I guess if there is confusion, we should look at the new testament and do what do Jesus would do!
Nice Bert! Stacie, we should fear the rath of God, but it is a fear like that of disobeying a parent. Kids fear doing something their parents told them not to do for 2 reasons. First, fear for the punishment and secondly, guilt for hurting someone they love more than anyone. Such as with God. We first repent because we don't want to go to hell and secondly we hurt (through our sin) our creator. So we amend our lives, no matter hard it is, for our sins. Christ forgives like our parents, but we still must do penance.
Post a Comment