Life’s storms constantly assail us which can cause us to live in a climate of fear. We fear particular kinds of people, places, or things, so we avoid them. We fear the opinions of others so we silence them. We fear aging, losing our independence, losing our health, our nest egg, death, rocking the boat, being on the wrong side of the fence, of not fitting in or rejection and on and on and on. These fears can often lead to not speaking up, a spirit of timidity, indifference, violation of our conscience, and sadly could lead to depression and suicide.
We have become slaves of fear and live in a state of paranoia. Fear causes physical illness and disorders. Fear is a way to control others. Have you noticed how fear was used to force people into getting the COVID 19 vaccine? Have you noted how the militant Muslims use fear of death, rape, and beheading to cause submission to their control? Fear is a governing factor in many atheistic, socialistic, and communistic governments. If people live in fear they can be pressured to cower, to submit, and to do what they are told. Too often times, fear dictates our actions. We become objects, commodities, and lose our dignity as human beings.
Fear is a major storm that confronts all of us. How do we handle it? Jesus gives us the antidote in Matthew 14:27. “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” (NRSV) Some authorities claim that Jesus tells us Himself over 109 times not to be afraid. They go on to claim that Scripture tells us 365 times not to be afraid. The message? Jesus is with us. He has overcome fear. He invites us into His victory.
Here is an image that can help you remember. I came across this image that reminds me not to be afraid and to ask the Holy Spirit for courage. It centers around the Bison’s instinct on handling storms. Unlike cows who run away from storms, the Bison takes the storm head on and charges directly into it. There are many times, we find ourselves facing life’s storms. We often try to put as much distance between us and whatever storms we see on the horizon. By turning and running away we only prolong our suffering and lengthen our exposure to the elements of the storm, therefore, greatly increasing the suffering and paranoia we endure.
Facing it head on takes courage and boldness. These are helps the Holy Spirit offers us in dealing with the storms of daily life. He emboldens us with courage to face our storms and to charge into them.
Not being afraid comes down to getting out of our comfort zones, facing the storms we find ourselves in, keeping our eyes on Jesus, and walking toward Him, through our storms, with courage. Courage is a gift of the Holy Spirit. So face your fears and seek the courage the Holy Spirit offers us. Be a Bison.
For Reflection:
What fears do I face? How do I confront these fears? Do I seek the Holy Spirit’s help and exercise the gift of courage when fear is in my face?
Prayer:
Come, Holy Spirit, and fill me with Your courage, that I will face my fears today like the Bison and come out victorious.
(Blogged January 15, 2024)
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