“Fear is defined as an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat.” Everyone is afraid of something. Many of you are afraid of snakes. Many of you are afraid of losing a loved one and many of you are afraid of dying. Our fears are vast and fears are real.
When asked: “What do you fear?” Three things come to mind. I am afraid of a mouse, a thunderstorm and a dentist. A small mouse will cause me to scream and my solution for that fear is to run as fast as I can. A thunderstorm is a little more serious. I have done some of my best praying during a thunderstorm. My prayers were real; however, after the storm passed and my thanks given, I would forget until the next storm came. Recently, I had my first panic attack. I had a dentist appointment for some major dental work, which included the pulling of several teeth. The thought of a dentist was horrific. So I began to pray. I prayed the night before. I prayed on my way to the dentist and I prayed as I waited for the procedure to begin. Then the panic attack occurred. My body began to shake uncontrollably, my heart rate increased and my breathing was labored. My dentist calmly patted my shoulder and told me just to breath slow. It was then the scripture I had read recently came to mind.
Isaiah 41:13
For I the Lord, your God, will hold your right hand, Saying to you, “Fear not, I will help you”.
I closed my eyes and reached with my right hand for my Lord’s hand and I held on for dear life. Not only was there no pain, but also I was not even aware the procedure was over. I found out that day that sometimes God wants more than a passing prayer. He wants you to reach out to Him with all your heart and all your soul.
Many people pray when faced with their fear, It is a human reaction to say, “Lord, help me”. Is this a heartfelt prayer or just empty words? The Bible mentions fear in almost every book from Genesis to Revelation. Fear is a cause, what happens next both mentally and physically is an effect. Jesus Christ is the one and only solution.
Psalm 55:22
Cast your burden on the Lord, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.