Tuesday; December 15

Fear is one of those two-sided words. On one hand, fear is a positive emotion – it keeps us from doing things that might cause us harm. A good, healthy dose of fear may be the best antidote to recklessness. When we fear physical harm or negative consequences, we are more apt to stay safe. On the other hand, fear is a threat to joy and contentment because it has the ability to keep us bottled-up. Whether it makes us hermits in our houses or prohibits us from enjoying a full and rich life because “something bad” might happen, fear can suck the life right out of us. In essence, fear can be both good and bad – even in the same person.
So, what we do with fear? We manage it. Like all of the emotions we have been given by God, we must apply wisdom and use it appropriately. We need to rely on fear to be an element of our good common sense to keep us out of bad situations. We must listen to its warning when are facing potential dangers. However, we must be willing to override it when the rewards truly outweigh the risks. While no action is 100% risk-free there are some that are with pursuing – especially in times of crisis or when other people are relying on us to help them. We must be willing to confront and analyze our fears and, with the help of God, make the best choice.
Our prayer shouldn’t be for the Lord to remove fear from our lives, it should be that He gives us the wisdom to manage it judiciously. Let’s never forget the counsel of James, “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5).

Think About It! 

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