Fear and Faith

Before you read further, please click on the video…

Although the video may seem a bit silly, it makes 4 important points:

• How do you do that? (be so calm)
• You never know when you might get hit
• Aren’t you afraid?
• You believe

Hang on to those, we will come back to them.

We are living in unprecedented days which are evolving with new challenges and fears every hour. Our lives, plans, futures, minds, emotions, and spirit have been burst upon with unexpected concerns and fears.

Fear is an unpleasant feeling triggered by the perception of danger, real or imagined.”

Dictionary.com

Fear, the emotion most of us are wrestling with today, is a common emotion and is meant to promote survival. Fear helps protect us, makes us alert to danger and prepares us to deal with it. It is natural and helpful, like a warning, a signal that tells us to be careful.

When the fear is triggered the brain instantly sends signals to the nervous system and the body responds. The heartbeat, breathing and blood pressure all increase. Muscle groups get ready for action and the skin begins to sweat, readying for the “Fight or Flight” battle, until the ALL CLEAR signal sounds. Then, all systems return to normal.

Fear is activated in the brain seconds before the thinking part of the brain can process what’s happening. So that’s why sometimes we are startled by a loud noise, even though it’s no harm.

Lastly on fear… although it is a healthy response it can become unhealthy. Science tells us that fear releases hormones that shut down systems we don’t need for the fight or flight. It weakens immune systems, effects heart damage, GI issues and even fertility. Fear tells the brain to immediately respond to the overactive signals from the Amygdala (the part of the brain that deals with emotions) rather than the more rational parts of the brain. (“Amygdala hijack”)

Well thanks, Deb, that’s encouraging, I heard someone whisper… Ok, so let’s go back to those 4 points from the video.

#1 – How do you do that?

How do you stay calm in the face of fear and what it is doing in your head and heart? (city and nation)

Because part of fear is feeling loss of control, and my inability to control that event/thing – I seek out The One who holds all things in His control. The One to whom winds, waves, nature, all living things, all rulers, all powers and principalities AND EVEN VIRUSES respond to.

” When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”

King David Psalm 56:4

Psalm 91 – those who stay close to God are protected from deadly pestilence for He will cover you

Psalm 23:4 – even though I walk through the valley with a shadow of death, I will fear no evil for you are with me

#2 You never know when you might get hit

That’s right. You don’t know what the future holds. But I do know this –

” For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future…”

The prophet Jeremiah, chapter 29 verse 11

So no matter what happens, I choose to trust His plans for me, my family, friends and associates.

#3 Aren’t you afraid?

To be honest, concerned a little, but there is a peace that permeates my heart because of who I trust and place my faith in. And when fear does come, (and be sure it does) I go to those verses above and choose to trust Him and His plan. That’s faith.

#4 You believe

Yup. That’s it. I choose to beleive in someone bigger than the situation, news, CDC, President, virus, or the panic. But I don’t believe in some passive, naive way. I’m not hiding my head in the sand. I’m actively contending within my own mind, spirit and emotions to not let fear get hold of me. It’s a battle. But I believe. I choose to. I will not give way to fear and panic. I believe.

In closing, I am reminded of these famous words:

” These are the times that try men’s souls.”

Thomas Paine 1776

In these times may we be found strong in faith as we are learning to overcome our fear.

Cheers to you.