Encountering fear...

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”
~ Psalm 56:3
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I think if we all are truthful with ourselves we have an understanding of what fear is like. What I find amazing in scripture are the times when angels visit, the first words spoken are, "Fear not."

I have had times in my life when I have been afraid. I don't ever remember being afraid of the dark, but I was afraid of one particular dog that had attacked me for some time after the encounter.

There is a difference between the fear of "not getting picked," and being "chosen."

I remember being told by a pastor years ago that "fear does not come from God."

While scripture reminds of to "Fear the Lord," it is not about being fearful of God who created us in the image of God. It would mean that God also encounters fear.

I once met a woman who went through a terrible relationship where she was abused nearly each day. It wasn't until her husband died that she could talk openly of the years that she lived in fear.

I wish I could say that there was an answer for the times when we encounter fear. Sometimes the unexpected, or new experiences, creates a feeling, or a place where fear seems to reside.

Talking about the things that cause us to have fear helps us to no longer give power to that which confronts the feeling of fear. Hearing the words, "Fear not," can be today's, "It will be okay," or, "I am right here with you."

Living through these experiences can change us, and things that cause us to be fearful, can paralyze us from encountering all the blessings that God has waiting for us. Our need to hear the words, "Fear not," exists as a reminder that the will of God will never lead us to a place of fear, but to a place where fear no longer has a place.

Stay in God's grip!

G. Todd Williams (c) 2018