Are you Stressed?

Be Not Afraid:

The bible tells us, "Have I not commanded thee?  Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed; for the Lord thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest."  Joshua 1:9.  In another place it says, "Be strong and of good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, He it is that doth go with thee; He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee."  Deuteronomy 31:6.    So, why do we have fear?

Fear is an emotion induced by a perceived threat, which causes a change in brain and organ function and ultimately a change in behavior; such as running away, hiding or freezing.  Fear may occur in response to a specific stimulus happening in the present or to a future situation which is perceived as a risk to health or life, status, power, security, wealth or anything held valuable.  Fear is modulated by the process of cognition and learning.   Motivational speaker and writer Earl Nightengale calls fear:  False Education Appearing Real.  People develop specific fears as a result of learning. 

Fear is judged as rational or appropriate or irrational or inappropriate also called a phobia.  Anxiety is slightly different from fear  and results from threats which are perceived as uncontrollable or unavoidable.

As people of faith we have a most powerful resource to help face and overcome our fears and anxieties.  It is our belief in God's loving care for us, and His word revealed in the bible.   Here are a few verses to keep in your heart:

• The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom, shall I fear?  The Lord is the strength of  my life; Of who shall I be afraid?   Psalm 27: 1
• Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.   Proverbs 3: 5-7
• For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love and of a sound mind.  2Timothy 1:7
• Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known unto God.   Philippians 4: 6
• I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.   Philippians 4: 13

Pray to God for stronger faith that you might draw strength from his Word and be able to face and overcome your fears.

God love you!