There is nobody that I trust more than my husband, yet even he leaves the door unlocked sometimes. Yeah, I know what you’re thinking; every one leaves the door unlocked on occasion. Well that may true for most, but not if you’re Anxiety Girl and you’ve been raised by Worst Case Scenario Mom.
When I was growing up, my parents wanted to make sure I was safe. My mom only let me go places if she was driving. Or eat, if she did the cooking. Or visit, if she was in the room. By the time I was sixteen, I had memorized Ted Bundy’s face and survived nightmares about the Green River Killer. (It was possible that one of his victims had been pulled out of the river at the campground where we were living, so I screamed at more than one innocent person rushing on their way to the restrooms.) I didn’t realize it at the time, but my chances of being a victim were considerably less than others since I was sleeping in a tent wedged between my siblings and my overprotective parents, guarded by a dog, three cats and few holy angels.
Despite such low odds, my dad still had me carry mace everywhere I went. My mom had me practice how to use ballpoint pens and keys as weapons and how to gouge someone’s eyes out with my fingernails. Of course all these weapons did nothing in the presence of the ultimate threat–a spider.
©Rolf Jansson/Licensed from GoodSalt.com
I understand my parents meant well when they taught me to operate out of fear. They really just wanted me to be safe, but it left a legacy of anxiety over just about everything from moving bushes to Jesus coming. While there are many things to fear in this world, Jesus calls us to let go of fear and live our lives through faith. He taught such principles as not worrying about tomorrow and allowing our Father in heaven to provide for us.
Here are Three Things We Never Have to Fear:
We Never Have to Fear Satan’s Harassment
Christians don’t have to be afraid of any poltergeists or evil spirits. Some friends called me once in the middle of the night because their cell phones seemed to be doing weird things. They were afraid their phones were possessed. Because God’s government always respects our choices, we can pray and rest in Jesus. God never forces us to spend time with Him and He won’t allow evil spirits to force themselves on us either.
We Never Have To Fear Physical Death
Jesus described death as a sleep when He woke Lazarus up from the grave. When Jesus Himself rose from the tomb, He conquered death once and for all. If we choose to live in harmony with God’s love, we are guaranteed eternal life. Jesus defined eternal life in John 17 as “knowing the Father and the One He sent.” If we choose to know Jesus and are friends with Him, death will have no power over us.
We Never Have to Fear Being Alone
Jesus has promised to never leave us or forsake us. No matter what pain comes to us in our lives, we can call on Him at any time and He will come to us in the form of His Spirit which is also called the Comforter. Many people have testified of how Jesus has comforted them during their lonely times.
God’s Antidote for Fear:
Whether we are experiencing fear from chaotic world events or spiritual inner turmoil, the perfect love of Jesus is always the answer for our fears:
This is how love is made complete among us
so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment:
In this world we are like Jesus. There is no fear in love.
But perfect love drives out fear,
because fear has to do with punishment.
The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
-1 John 14:17-19
What are you been afraid of and how has your faith in Jesus sustained you?
