There have been many studies done asking people what their greatest fear is. Results vary however, on many of the lists are things like public speaking, heights, and snakes (yep!). Of course, there are bigger fears like illness or financial ruin.

At the onset of the Great Depression, President Franklin D. Roosevelt famously spoke these words: 

“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”

Now – what does that really mean? Should we fear our fear? Well, yes actually! Here’s why:

Because fear keeps us from being all God has called us to be. It keeps us from living the abundant life Jesus died for us to have (John 10:10). Where does fear come from? Well, I can tell you with 100% certainty it does not come from God.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV, emphasis mine)

There were many occasions in the Bible when people were afraid, so this is not a new concept.

• The Israelites at the banks of the Red Sea with the Egyptians at their backs.
• David, continually on the run from Saul who was trying to kill him.
• The apostle Peter when he was asked if he knew Jesus.
• The disciples of Jesus hiding in the Upper Room after He’d been crucified.

The Bible talks about fear a lot. Depending on the translation you read, it is mentioned hundreds of times. God knew that we would be afraid at times, but as a loving Father, He gave us the antidote.

Trust Him.

God wants us to trust Him in all things and in doing so, we become more mindful of His presence, promises, and power than our fears. The adage – “What we focus on expands” is key here. If we continually think about what we are afraid of, then fear becomes our focus.

When we focus on God and His love, then this becomes our focus. “Perfect love casts out all fear” (1 John 4:18).

Who has perfect love? God. Who casts out all fear? God.

I mentioned in last week’s post that I recently traveled to Montauk, Long Island. The day before I was to leave, I was filled with fear about the drive. My eyes are still healing from my cataracts surgery and so my vision is not completely clear yet.

I was so afraid that I almost cancelled the trip. However, when I woke up on the day I was to leave, I was filled with peace and joy – the fear had left me. How? I’d spent a fair amount of time in prayer. God answered.

I continued to pray for the length of the trip. I arrived safely and had a wonderful time. Had I given in to the fear, and not trusted God, I would’ve missed out on this much-needed time away.

While we will be presented with many occasions to be fearful, let’s remember what Psalm 56:3 says: “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.” Our Father in heaven will take care of us. He will protect us. He will shield us (Psalm 91).

When we trust in Him and take steps of faith, fear loses its power over us. And truly, with God, anything is possible, so what do we have to be afraid of?