nothing's real until you let go completely

i was reading about fear, and it's paralyzing powers.

our fears are very personal. but, everyone fears. there may be different factors, but everybody has experienced fear.

there are several aspects of fear.

firstly, the fear of the unknown. Proverbs 3:25 says, "Have no fear of sudden disasters.."
This verse applies to everything that happens that we do not know, and all the "what ifs" that we face throughout life.
diseases that can strike anytime, freak accidents that might be waiting around the corner that can cause us everything precious... endless possibilities.

everyday the media highlights bad things that happen to people, that we can easily shift our focus to the possibilities of the unknown to us and our loved ones.

Proverds 3:26 continues with "for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared."

we don't know what tomorrow holds, but we should take comfort in knowing the One who holds tomorrow.

also, there is the fear of the known. i, for one, have experienced fear of a person or a group of people, thought i will not go into it.

Proverbs 29:25 speaks of this fear. "Fear of a man will prove to be a snare..."

but the verse soesn't end there."... but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe..."

this is not a promise that no one will seek to hurt us, but rather, if we trust in the Lord, we can rest assured that no permanent harm will come to us.
We are safe in His care.

However, not all form of fear is bad. the Bible has many references to " the fear of the Lord."
this fear brings about a whole different meaning. it is about reverence for the Lord, and to honour and respect Him.
Proverbs14:27 says "The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death."

Solomon also wisely said that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
our fear of the Lord increases as we grow in knowledge of who He is.

the more we grasp His majesty, awesomeness, it becomes clearer to us just how different we are from Him. we become more humble.

this respect will also cause us to desire nothing that displeases Him. Therefore, when we have an authentic fear of the Lord, we are purified spiritually.

so, fear is totally normal. but, we can choose who, or what, to fear.

When i am afraid, I will trust in You. in God, whose word i praise, in God i trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?
Psalm56:3-4