Fear--how can one emotion grip people in such a way that it paralyzes certain areas of their lives? Well, to answer that question we must first look at fear for what it is. Fear is a distressing emotion that stems from a threat. And that threat may be real or perceived. But the truth is, either way--you don't want to succumb to fear.

Fear of loss can bring about feelings of worry and apprehension for the future.Photo by Anh Nguyen on Unsplash 

Of course, fear shows up in different ways. But one fear that most people have in common is fear of loss. For instance, the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has us all living life differently. Of course, to stop the spread of the virus, the government has mandated social distancing laws. Although necessary, this has devastated the lives of so many people. Because many have lost businesses, employment, finances, loved ones, and/or their health.  

No doubt, people are afraid. But the problem there lies when one allows fear to bring him/or her to the point of hopelessness. You see, this happens because feelings of worry and apprehension come along with fear. Hence the title of this podcast episode, Don't Succumb to Fear. 

Don’t give into the spirit of fear 

I don’t know about you but I have often heard that a little fear is healthy. Well, let's see what the Holy Bible has to say about that.  

2 Timothy 1:7 New King James Version says, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." We can see that according to this scripture fear does not come from God. For that reason alone, believers in Christ Jesus should not allow fear to control their lives. 

In other words, when fear comes to paralyze, one must resist it and 2 Corinthians 10:5 The Passion Translation is a reminder. It says, 

"We can demolish every deceptive fantasy that opposes God and break through every arrogant attitude that is raised up in defiance of the true knowledge of God. We capture, like prisoners of war, every thought and insist that it bow in obedience to the Anointed One." 

An example of paralyzing fear in scripture is in Job 3:25-26 New International Version. Job said "25 What I feared has come upon me; what I dreaded has happened to me. 26 I have no peace, no quietness; I have no rest, but only turmoil.” So, let's not be like Job--don't succumb to fear. 

Trusting God when faced with fear 

Trust God in the face of fear.Photo by Ümit Bulut on Unsplash

From my own experience, I have learned to trust God when facing the unknown. 1 Peter 5:7 New Living Translation says, "Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you." And Proverbs 3:5-6 Modern English Version says, “5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,