The dreaded phobia. When I was growing up, we never knew what they were, Now there isn’t a school kid alive that doesn’t know. Having a phobia has become sort of a fad and I am not making light of those who legitimately suffer from one of these conditions, but like other “popular” ailments such as ADHD (don’t get me started), I believe this is too often over diagnosed. It is definitely self diagnosed way too much. Everyone talks about having a phobia or 2 or 12, but rarely does someone actually suffer from the debilitating problems that true phobias cause. What we really have is a fear of something or some condition- that’s all, nothing more nothing less.
While we have fears and while some people have a true clinically diagnosed phobia, the answer for both problems lies in 2 Timothy 1:7. “For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.” Some of you may be reading this thinking ‘so if I learn to trust in God’s word, I can rid myself of this phobia just like that?’ Well, yes, that is what I’m saying.
Lets take a look at why we are afraid. The first group of people who I can see being afraid are those who don’t know God or claim he doesn’t exist- that would be scary considering that lifestyle leads to an eternity separated from God in Hell. The second group I see being afraid are those who claim to be Christians, but never open a bible or never attend a bible study. These two groups have something in common- they have never or choose to never hear God’s Word concerning fear. The last group is the one I don’t get- those who are Christians and follow God right up to the point that things get hairy. You see, we know what the scriptures say, yet we doubt and we fear. It doesn’t make sense.
I am no exception- I too have the same problem. I have three fears that really get in my way of fully trusting Christ and His judgment and wisdom. I am afraid of being alone, I am afraid of failing as a father, and I am afraid of heights. These are things I need to deal with in my own life and I guess that’s why I’m writing this. I have been reminded this week of my failure in this part of my life. For our VBS this summer, our church did Colossal Coaster World- Facing Fear, Trusting God. Its always amazing to me how God will use something like VBS to speak to this old Pastor’s heart. I guess it appeals to the kid inside of me.
Here is the facts on fear. We were endowed by our Creator with a spirit of power, a spirit of love, and a spirit of sound judgment. God did not create us with a spirit of fear. So if God did not give it to us, then the only other option is the world gave it to us. Who controls the world- Satan and Satan is a liar. Don’t let fear grip your life any longer, we have been given all power to conquer Satan and his lies and deceiving nature. So, like our VBS motto for this week- let’s face our fears and trust in God. That way we can wiggle free of the grip of the lies of this world and show Satan that we have No Fear.
In Christ Alone,
Rev. Bro. Coach
RBC 