I am all about that kind of fear. I want to address is the other kind. The one God says over and over not to do.  Don't be afraid. Don't fear. Those words are found hundreds of times in the scripture as a command and even encouragement.

Yet for many fear is so real. It can paralyze us and keep us from moving forward. Sometimes it can push us into making wrong decisions. I am ever watchful for it in my own life. Like a shadow it lurks in the corners waiting for me to accept it. When I stand on the word, confessing the Lord is my light and salvation whom shall I fear, of whom shall I be afraid? The fear can't take the light of the word and runs off.

But fear is not always an easy enemy to rid ourselves of . Sometimes the battle is long and toe to toe. Remember the opening scenes of  the movie "Saving Private Ryan" ? Yep some battles with fear are just like that. They leave you bloody wounded, shaken and emotionally scarred. So before fear comes, because it will come. We need to know more about fear to battle it effectively. 

We need to ask hard questions.  How in this day in age do we overcome it?  How do we prevent it from coming into our lives? Did I cause this fear I have? Does the devil use fear? Have I passed on my fear to my children?  I hope in the next few weeks to address some of those things. Showing how we have opened up doors for the enemy through cultural norms, entertainment and sadly our own arrogance. How we accept fear and call it concern, caution or worry. What steps we can take to keep it at bay and overcome it.

The first steps in combating fears is getting them out in the open. The devil wants you to think you are the only one.  Do you have a fear?  I do. Mice. Just thinking of them makes me feel uncomfortable. Thank God I don't have to deal them, but I once did. I still need God's help with the fear of mice.

So what's your fear. I have heard all kinds. One woman I know has a fear of creamy foods. (not joking) So yours could be, flying, spiders, fear of getting a disease, fear of losing a job, or home, fear of getting hurt, germs, the dark, public speaking, death, dogs,water,clowns, fear of divorce, being outdoors, death of loved one, heights, driving, fears for your children,certain foods? 

It's time to put the light on fear and get rid of it. I ask everyone to pray for any fear someone is dealing with. So what's your fear?

'Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'--Isaiah 41:10


Next week Fear (Part 2)