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CBN.com -- "If there is a common denominator that characterizes the American psyche today, it is the word ' anxiety'." The Emerging Order
Neuroses, anxiety attacks, hypertension are all-synonymous with life in the popular culture.
Anxiety, both in the individual and the mass variety, is the by-product of loss of faith.
There is a lack of confidence in our society.
When faith breaks down uncertainty and confusion set in.
People feel exposed, and unprotected and above-all frightened.
The so-called ultimate truths of the modern era are no longer working adequately.
People are desperate to locate some fixed point of reference and order.
Our institutions are eroding and cracking, our authority figures are stumbling and people are feeling trapped by unresponsive and inaccessible bureaucracies.
There is a fear of cancer, unemployment, war, impersonalization
Fear and worry cause disease including, ulcers, digestive malfunction upsets the mental processes, arthritis, high blood pressure, heart attacks,
One consensus of medical opinion is that 40 to 60 per cent of diseases are rooted in wrong attitudes of mind and spirit. (Of course we understand that there are structural diseases not just psychological.)
Fear is a disease of man and it torments us.
We need a change of attitude.
Luke 8.14 -As Jesus said our lives can be 'CHOKED' out by worry - riches - responsibilities - and pleasures of life.
Some of fears symptoms
Do any of these symptoms frequently apply to you?
If one of them does, you are being subjected to excess anxiety.
Psalm 55:4-6 – "My heart is in anguish. The terror of death overpowers me. Fear and trembling overwhelm me. I can’t stop shaking."
Faith builds us up, fear tears us down
Roman 10.17- "Faith comes by hearing the Word of God."
Matthew 9:2 - The Paralytic – "Take courage - your sins are forgiven!"
Jesus lifted the guilt - which lifted the fear, which caused paralysis- and the man walked.
Matthew 9:22 - To the woman with the hemorrhage - 'Take courage - your faith has healed you!’
Matthew 17:7 At other times Jesus said to His disciples. - on the Mt. of Transfiguration - 'FEAR NOT'.
Matthew 14:30 - saving Peter from drowning in water & FEAR.
John 20:19 - And to the disciples who had gathered behind closed doors, after JESUS' death, for FEAR of the Jews - 'Don't be afraid' - 'FEAR NOT'!
Matthew 28:10 -The first word of Jesus after the resurrection was - 'FEAR NOT'… Don’t have fear!
1. Root issues: The root issues not the marginal; fear of losing a wife - husband – child; fear of Fear.
2. Look at your life: Present environment - home - job - relationships - spiritual environment (or lack of) [friends - enemies]; past life - Negative childhood memory - a trauma causing fear - subconscious guilt; God's love - forgives - washes - heals.
3. A Wrong concept of God: Big stick or loving Father; Abba Father - Daddy, Daddy; Father Spirit
4. Prayer: Surrender your fears to God - stop struggling; surrender your will to God; fear blows things out of proportion… focus on reality
FEAR at times is False Evidence Appearing Real.
1 John 4:18 – "Perfect love drives out all fear. There is no fear in love."
John 16:33, 14:27 - Jesus said –"Take heart I have overcome the world' (of fear) don't let your heart be troubled or be afraid. Peace I leave with you."
Proverbs 3. 24 -"You can lie down without fear and enjoy pleasant dreams."
Isaiah 35:3-4 – "Be strong do not fear," etc
Fear of the Lord
Fear of what others think - fear of men's faces.
Fear of failure and rejection in the world.
Loss of respect by neighbors and superiors and those around them.
Rather fear the Lord - fear infidelity to HIS Word.
Below the Bottom Line
"I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"
"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?" (Or terrorists, or anthrax?)… "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us."
"Do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear Him."
"Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven." – However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race, and complete the task." – I will speak of your statutes before kings and not be afraid.
A caring friend will be there to pray with you in your time of need.