Our life experiences, especially during the early stages, can shape and give rise to fears.
Brace yourselves because Powerzone Ministries' daily devotionals are going to be all about overcoming FEAR! We know that fear can sometimes hold us back from living our best lives, but guess what? Get ready to be inspired, encouraged, and empowered every single day! We're here to support each other and remind ourselves that we are more than conquerors through Christ!
"Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall" (1 Corinthians 10:12).
July 19, 2023 By Dr. George Bing
Throughout this month, our Daily devotionals have been discussing the topic of fear. However, I have realized that I have not yet provided a precise definition of fear. Today, I aim to rectify that. Fear is an unpleasant emotion deriving from the BELIEF that someone or something is dangerous and likely to cause you harm. It manifests in various ways, and phobias are a prime example. Phobias, characterized by irrational fears, often leave those afflicted unable to acknowledge the irrationality of their experiences. In addition, there are certain things that we instinctively fear, as the consequences of not fearing them can even lead to potential harm or death.
For instance, when individuals possess the understanding that fire has the ability to burn, a natural fear of being burned arises. From birth, we all possess two innate fears. The fear of loud noises is one such example. This is why babies startle and cry when exposed to yelling or environments filled with loud noises, such as arguments. The wise writer Solomon says “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger” (Proverbs 15:1). This is a good practice to avoid fear developing in infants.
Another innate fear that we are born with is the fear of falling. However, it is important to recognize that our fears extend beyond physical falls. As the Apostle Paul wisely advises, "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall" (1 Corinthians 10:12). Sometimes, emotional falls can have more profound consequences than physical ones. Our life experiences, especially during the early stages, can shape and give rise to fears.
I witnessed this in my sibling, who suffered severe burns during her pre-adolescent years, resulting in third-degree burns on her upper body. This traumatic incident led to the development of a phobia known as pyrophobia, the fear of being burned. Nevertheless, the Lord is always there to help us overcome any phobias we may encounter in our battles. More on this subject tomorrow. "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Philippians 4:13). What are your thoughts?
Comments