Fear is defined as "a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined; the feeling or condition of being afraid." (Dictionary.com). We all face fear; sometimes on a daily and consistent basis. There is the fear of what others think about us or our decisions, fear of being rejected, mocked, lied about, or abandoned. There is also a fear of the unknown - the "what will happen if....?" Some fear losing what they hold dearest to them - a loved one, a child, a job or their health. Needless to say, there are countless fears all around us that can be absolutely overwhelming and the weight of it all sometimes feels as if we cannot stand up against the crushing heaviness of what we are afraid of. Fear paralyzes the human soul and spirit, leaving a person unable to move in the freedom that they are meant to. Each decision one must make can be blocked with fear, and so it seems safer to hide, to withdraw and to nothing... it's safer that way, right? But is it really the best way?
The Bible has "do not fear" 365 times - that's like one for each day of the year. However, the reality is that fear is a formidable foe and it really isn't as easy as "oh, just don't fear". Fear causes us to feel trapped and all alone. But know this - fear is a liar! The good news is that there is Someone who can help us with overcoming that fear, and that we don't have to try to do it on our own. God is right there - even where you are, reading this right now. He is always only a whisper away. Jesus came to give us life, and life more abundantly (John 10:10). We are created to overcome and to thrive, not be oppressed and pushed down by fear. The Bible reminds us that God will help us (Ps 34:4) and He will fight for us (Dt 20:3-4), but we need to ask and invite Him into our fearful situation. God will never pressure us to do anything, and certainly won't go where He isn't wanted.
Most of us have been lied to believing that God is an angry and unjust God, but that is completely untrue. God is loving and compassionate and is more than willing to help wherever He is invited. Even if you doubt Him, or are angry at Him for things that have happened to you - He can handle that and understands your heart. You can ask Him any time for help or ask Him to show you who He is. He is faithful and He will show you the truth, and He WILL help you overcome fear.