Side Effects of Fear August 31, 2015

Matthew 6:25-34     "For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? "Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? "And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? "And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. "But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! "Do not worry then, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear for clothing?' "For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. "So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Psalm 112:3     Wealth and riches are in their houses, and their righteousness endures forever.

Luke 12:29     And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it.

Philippians 4:6     Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

1 Peter 5:7     Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

We’re all aware that fear produces anxiety, but it also has far-reaching effects. Here are some ways apprehension creates chaos in our life and impacts those around us.

Fear stifles thoughts and actions. It creates indecisiveness that results in stagnation. I have known talented people who procrastinate indefinitely rather than risk failure. Lost opportunities cause erosion of confidence, and the downward spiral begins.

Fear can be a roadblock to God’s plans for His children. When we’re dominated by negative emotions, we cannot achieve the goals He has in mind for us. A lack of self-confidence stymies our belief in what the Lord can do with our lives.

Fear can lead to destructive habits. To numb the pain of overbearing distress and foreboding, some turn to things like drugs and alcohol for artificial relief.

Fear steals peace and contentment. When we’re regularly afraid, our life becomes centered on pessimism and gloom.

Fear creates doubt. God promises an abundant life, but if we surrender instead to the chains of fear, we most likely won’t live in the abundance He offers.

No matter what you are afraid of, here’s what you need to know: God will never reject you. Whether you accept Him is your decision. And remember, the Lord wants to meet all of your needs. He feeds the birds of the air and clothes the grass with the splendor of lilies. How much more, then, will He care for you and me, who are made in His image? Our only concern is to obey the heavenly Father and leave all the consequences to Him.