Character Defect: Fear

Fear is a disturbing emotion which is triggered by the expectation that something unpleasant is about to happen. The threat may be real or imagined.  We often cover up our fears because we do not want others to know what is going on in our lives.  We put on a happy face or act with bravado to appear fearless and to cover up the fear that is stirring within us. 

Covering up our fears may have led some of us along the path to a dysfunctional lifestyle and into addiction.  God wants us to bring all our anxieties and fears to Him, so that we can be set free to live life to the full.

Fear keeps us from being fully honest about our feelings and prompts us to project false or only partially true images of who we really are.  Fear makes us deny – consciously or unconsciously – that anything is wrong.  “It’s all good” is a sure sign that it is not.  As we choose to believe that we are loved and treasured by God we will come to know by experience that God works all things together for our good.  Then we can overcome fear, even when life is not perfect.

There is no fear in love. Instead, perfect love drives away fear. That’s because fear has to do with being punished. The one who fears does not have perfect love. (1 John 4:18 NIRV)

As we experience the unfailing love and care that God has for us, we will put our trust in His goodness and not fear anything.

Prayer:  Gracious God, I confess that my fears have kept me in bondage to negativity.  Please help me to daily affirm, I will not fear the future because God’s goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life.  Amen

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