Overcoming Fear and Anxiety

Fear is a powerful human emotion that affects all of us at one time or another. It can be helpful in certain circumstances, like avoiding danger. Unfortunately, it can also be very irrational and quite debilitating. Anyone who has ever suffered with an anxiety disorder or panic attacks can attest to the consequences of uncontrollable fear.

Where does fear come from? Is it something we are born with or is it the result of our circumstances and environment? Why do some people appear to be more “fearful” than others? These are all good questions and depending on who you ask, you are sure to get different answers.

Sociologists argue that fear is an instinct that developed early in primate evolution. It helped less evolved man survive various threats around him – like getting eaten by saber toothed tigers and other hungry predators. Psychologists, on the other hand, suggest that fear is the product of complex, environmental factors. For example, a child that was abandoned by a parent may develop fear and anxiety as he or she matures into adulthood.

There are many answers, but what I discovered was not satisfying for the most part.  So I looked to the Bible for more insight into the source and (hopefully) the solution to this universal, human condition. What I found was intriguing and very insightful.

The very first time “fear” is mentioned in the Bible is in the book of Genesis. From what I can tell, fear is a by-product of sin. When Adam and Eve were first created by God they were naked, felt no shame, and had absolutely nothing to fear. They walked with God in the Garden of Eden and enjoyed all of God’s wonderful creation. They were at perfect harmony with God and the world in which they lived.

Then they sinned and everything changed. Once they ate of the fruit God commanded them not to eat, they realized that they were naked, felt ashamed, and hid from the Lord because they were afraid:

Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden. But the LORD God called to the man, “Where are you?” He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.” (Genesis 3)

From that point forward, man has been plagued with fear. Now it is a natural part of what it means to be human. Fear begins when we are young: The Boogie man in the closet, monsters under the bed, fear and separation anxiety when mommy leaves the house. It doesn’t stop there. Teenagers attending a new High School may be overtaken by fear – new school, fitting in with other kids, and peer pressure. As we get older, our fears grow, but we learn to hide it from others. We fear losing our jobs and not being able to pay the mortgage or rent. Single adults are afraid that they may never meet the “right person” to share love and life with, while married people can be overtaken with fear of infidelity. In our senior years, the fear of illness and death are just about universal. There are as many fears as there are people in the world.  It is everywhere and has little to do with age or circumstance.

That’s the bad news. Fortunately, the Bible also contains some good news. Since fear is the result of sin, it can be cured by fixing our relationship with God.  Sure, psychology and medications can offer some temporary relief from fear and anxiety, but ultimately the solution lies with God. After all, Adam first experienced “fear” when they had sinned.  Therefore, getting right with God is the best cure for this human frailty.

No God -- Know Fear
Know God – No Fear

Once we fix our broken relationship with God, He begins to work in our lives in a mighty way. He removes our fears and worries as we put our trust in His hands. Perhaps that is why Paul exclaimed, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).

Peter demonstrated the truth of this statement. As we know from Scripture, he denied the Lord three times because he was afraid of arrest and punishment. However, on the Day of Pentecost, when he received the Holy Spirit, he was immediately transformed and emboldened – unafraid and unashamed! He no longer denied the lord, even to the day of his death. This is the power of God in a Believer’s life.

So what are you afraid of? Have you put your faith and trust in God? He is really the only one that can provide rest from your cares and fears.  As your faith grows, your fears will diminish over time.  Be patient because it is a process.  Ultimately, your life will be transformed by God who gives all who seek Him a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind.  Now that is how you can experience a full, abundant life; unashamed of who you are and unafraid of what's to come!