The Bible repeatedly tells us “Don’t fear.” What this verb phrase means is “Don’t turn into wax,” “Don’t remain passively in fear.”
Let’s not let our fears overwhelm us. It’s common to ignore, deny, or repress our fears. We try to cope. I found myself doing laundry when the last bomb went off, and realized this is a common coping mechanism I do when I hear gunfire and bombs go off (a common experience in our years in Afghanistan).
While coping mechanisms help, they do not cure the fear
inside.
What causes the greatest fear in you? Dread, terror, deep
seated fear – these emotions impact our risk perception. We can
experience fear emotionally, spiritually, and physically. The evil doers
purposefully want to cause great fear.
Large scale terror attacks is an effective tactic of the enemy. But recognize this is both a
spiritual and physical tactic….Evil doers exploit our brain psychology through
what are called “dread risks.” These are “low probability events in which
people are suddenly killed, triggering an unconscious principle: “If many
people die at one point in time, react with fear and avoid that situation.”
Let us resist terror manipulation, especially in the face of
our personal calling and the opportunities to “push forward” the boundaries of
His Rule. Courage is when we do the righteous thing, even when we are afraid.
Take a deep breath, and let your fears drive you to God, minute by minute. This
is how faith and emotional/spiritual resiliency grows.