Proverbs 9:10, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."
Isaiah 41:10, "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Fear is like two competing electrical currents in our minds. The negative is damaging and disruptive. The positive is healthy and motivating. We do not want these wires to cross.
Damaging fear - False Evidence Appearing Real - causes "scenario sickness." We can get so engrossed and overwhelmed with the "what if's" that we miss out on all the great things God wants us to see and do in the present. And, before we know it, we find ourselves bowing the knee to fear instead of Jesus.
Healthy fear - Facing Every Day And Rebooting - is the fear of God. Rooted in His love, we understand that He is all-powerful and that we are to approach Him with reverence. If we trust in Him, we are comforted by the peace of His presence, and scenario sickness loses its grip on our lives. As we rely on God's strength, He emboldens us to face our fears.
So, the next time negative or fearful thoughts come to mind, take a deep breath, and seek His peace by saying, "God's got this!"
When False Evidence Appearing Real creeps in, look to God's Word for comfort and protection. Replace scenario sickness by reading or quoting aloud Isaiah 41:10: "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your comfort, protection, and love. Although much of the world is gripped by fear, I know that You are greater, that You are in control. Help me to rest in Your love and strength as You uphold me with Your righteous right hand. In Jesus' name, Amen!