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From the Editor

Overcoming Fear

By Arlene Allen

Our theme this month at WTOnline is overcoming fear. The caution to “fear not” is frequently repeated in Scripture. Fear is described as bondage, torment, and a trap. Often the phrase “nor be dismayed” accompanies the command to “fear not.”

Scripture offers a long list of things about which believers are not to worry: provision, enemies, other gods, death, armies and wars, reputation, evil days, children, the future, sudden terror, safety, events beyond our control, health, fearful thoughts, words of others, and suffering are a few.

Scripture also gives reasons for not fearing: We are His creation, He fights for us, we are loved, He is our Helper, and we are more valuable than the sparrows. The reason given most often is God’s presence. We do not need to ask for God’s presence—He is with us; we have His word on it. But we often need to ask for an awareness of His presence. This awareness is most often prompted by remembering His faithfulness in the past.

When new situations or surroundings frighten you, recognize that experiencing fear is normal. To be paralyzed by fear, however, is an indication that you question God’s ability to take care of you.

Experiencing fear does not change anything except to draw our focus away from God and away from His faithfulness. Fear is a choking, harmful emotion that saps our energy and elevates human strength and resourcefulness above God’s strength and His purposeful plan.

Fear is right when it is experienced as reverence toward God because of His holiness. Visit us often this month at WTOnline, because we will be sharing how to overcome the fears in your life. Remember content changes weekly.