There is No Fun in Fear

“Even if I walk through a very dark valley, I will not be afraid, because you are with me. Your rod and your shepherd’s staff comfort me.” – Psalm 23:4

When I was younger, I was rarely scared of anything. I remember only being fearful of my parents - not in a negative way but being fearful of what they would do if I did something they told me not to do. If I did, then I would get punished. They punished me by taking my prized possessions away from me like the television, toys or video games. At that age, knowing I could lose those things was not fun and it would hurt me since I loved them. But it helped me to be fearful of my parents in a good way.

However, it is not fun for people of any age to be so fearful that they cannot do something and live life. It is not fun since fear has the ability to control someone’s actions. I know of a friend that does not want to learn to drive out of fear of getting into an accident. Like her, even as I grow older, I get scared. It seems like fear is a part of life and of a person's emotions. Fear is an emotion that everyone will feel since we are sinful and live in a broken world with people who are similar to us.

On the other hand, the Bible teaches that people should not be fearful. The reason is that God is bigger than our fears or any situation we will experience. He will be there to comfort us when we go through tough times. We need to remember that fear is not from God but from Satan. We can find comfort in knowing God did not give us a spirit that makes us afraid but a spirit of power and love and self-control (2 Timothy 1:7). His perfect power and love can help us to feel less fearful because He promises to be with us wherever we go (Joshua 1:9).

Prayer of the day:

Dear heavenly Father,

Please help us not to be fearful. Give us courage and comfort when we face things that can stop us from living life that You gave us. We can trust You to help us since You promise in the Scriptures that You will be there. We cannot be fearless without You since we are sinful people. Thank you for Your perfect love that drives out fear that can stop us from living life. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!