No Fear

 “God has not given us a spirit of fear. But he has given us a spirit of power and love and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7

Comedian Jerry Seinfeld observed that the number one fear is publicly speaking, with number two being the fear of death. He then quipped, “So I guess if you are at a funeral, you would rather be in the coffin than give the eulogy.” Thankfully, God doesn’t ask us all to be public speakers.

But we do all face various fears. Some are very rational. It is wise to fear placing your hand in the middle of a blazing campfire. It takes no courage to jump out of an airplane without a parachute, just sheer idiocy. Even a fear of heights is fairly reasonable, as long as it doesn’t start at say, three feet above sea level.

But, many of us do deal with irrational fears. No matter their source, they can keep us from enjoying life, being fully productive, and significantly affecting the world around us. The normal level of neuroses aren’t what usually knock us down. Fear of clowns might keep you from sharing Christ with a circus performer, but fear of spiders might be an opportunity to make a new friend as you cry out for someone to kill the monster for you.

But, in all seriousness, we miss out on much of life if unfounded anxiety begins to rule our thoughts and actions. I went through a time of severe social anxiety. I was very sure its source, but it took a number of years before I was comfortable attending parties, banquets or other social gatherings.  I still have to make a conscious decision to go, and may leave much earlier than most. In my mind, the pain associated with even getting to a particular gathering far outweighed any joy I thought I would have by attending.

Paul encourages Timothy, a young pastor, that God does not give us a timid nature. We may be quieter, less exuberant and more careful by nature, but a resistance to go forward rooted in anxiety is never from God. As a leader, Timothy would need to find his voice at times when it might be easier to just stay quiet.

He offers God’s gifts of power, love and self-control as the antidote to anxious thoughts. What would you do for God if you were convinced you could not fail? To ask it in the negative, what have you rejected because you think you are powerless? If God has given you a desire to help the poor, then act. His power is already in you; find even the smallest act, and don’t allow the opportunity to do something for God pass by.

How many times have we heard about people performing superhuman acts of strength when a loved one is in danger? A car is overturned, pinning a young girl underneath. Without giving it a thought, the mother grabs the frame, grits her teeth and heaves the car just high enough to free her child. The adrenalin coursing through her system gave her strength beyond her ability; but it was the love that moved her to action. If we let Jesus flood our hearts with His love for mankind, much of our timidity will fade. The greater force of love moves us out of our isolation.

God also gives us self-control. Whether we know it or not, we always have the ability to choose actions opposite our thoughts or emotions. One of the most effective ways of dealing with chronic anxiety is to begin to act on our fear. If we are afraid of flying, a therapist may sit with us in a mockup of an airliner. She may do this a number of times, increasing the duration, and even using effects to create the sensation of taking off. Finally, they will take a real flight together.

God Himself accompanies us into every one of our anxieties. He has given us self-control to teach us to say “no” to the fears and “yes” to the life of joy He has created for us. Depending on the depth of our fears and how long we have carried them, it may take some of us more or less time to work it through. But, with God’s help, we can learn that irrational fear is not from God.

What would happen if today you gave God your most immobilizing fear? What if you asked Him to help you see it in light of His power to overcome, His love that wants you to enjoy your life, and His self-control that strengthens you to face your fears head-on with truth on your side? You might be taking the steps to a more fulfilling life; one which Jesus came to give abundantly.