What Is Fear?

What Is Fear?

Fear, as I have said, is the opposite of trusting God to take care of us. But what is Fear? Fear is often a focus on self.

Now, it is possible to be afraid for or about someone. You can be worried about other people at times. That is usually not a focus on self. But let’s be honest: Normal, everyday fear is focused on me. What if this happens? How will that affect me? Will that make me feel bad? But if I say that to that person they might get upset...and how will that make me feel?

The core of fear is me. And that is being self focused. That can be selfishness.

If we live by fear, we are not going to get anywhere in life. If we refuse to change, and decide to keep that focus on self, then we are going to be unable to see the needs of others because we will be too focused on how we are feeling. This will be a blind spot, and you will not be able to live a selfless life in model of Christ’s. Living by selflessness is how Christ asks us to live. You will not be able to do that if you submit to fear.

You can’t live without fear in this world. You are going to be afraid every day. That’s true. You will never stop feeling afraid at times. But you can stop giving in to it.

You are not alone. Jesus knew fear just like you while He was on this earth, and He can change your views and you miraculously in ways you never thought possible. He’s there to help. He’s waiting for you to ask him. The key is to believe that he will give you the strength you need when you are afraid.

Matthew 7:7 says, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock, and it will be open to you.”

See? He’s waiting for you to ask him. Just ask. Don’t let yourself fall into the trap of fear, which is focused on you. You can only focus on others when you stop deciding to focus on yourself. And you can’t do it alone. You need help. God’s help.

Just ask.

-E. G. Runyan