Fear can be a good thing. It keeps me from doing some things that could well end in disaster. Fear keeps me from jumping off a bridge with a rubber band tied to my ankle or jumping out of an airplane. It helps me to drive carefully and stay aware of other cars around me. Fear keeps me from doing many things that could easily get me hurt. It is a natural emotional response that helps me to survive in this world.
But fear also has a negative side. That same fear that helps to preserve my life can also cripple me, keeping me from experiencing some of the joys of this life. My fear of getting sick could keep me confined to my house, never venturing out, even for a walk. Fear can keep me from getting on an airplane. It could cause me to miss out on the glory of creation I find while exploring the mountains. Fear of getting hurt emotionally can also keep me from trusting another person and enjoying a deeper level of friendship.
Fear of Losing Control
I think my biggest fear is losing control. I realize that much of the control I think I have over my life is just an illusion. Much that impacts me is completely outside my control. But I cling to the limited control I have. And that is challenging for me as a disciple of Christ. Because He calls on me to give control of my life into His keeping. And I find that to be incredibly hard.
I sought the LORD, and he answered me;
Psalm 34:4 NIV
he delivered me from all my fears.
But David, in this psalm, gives me the key to overcoming this fear. In the midst of a dangerous and trying time, David sought the Lord. And the Lord answered, delivering him from his fears. I cannot overcome my fear on my own. But the Lord can. He can fill me with His love, a love that drives out my fear (1 John 4:18), and with His peace (Phil. 4:7) that will guard my heart and mind.
