We all have things we fear.
Failing at work. Going broke. Growing old.
Fear is normal, natural, and to be expected. In fact, it’s the most fundamental emotion of our survival instinct. Without fear, we would constantly wander into danger.
We’re wired for fear for good reason. But it can overwhelm us if we’re not careful.
And we know from history and modern medicine that overwhelming fear is often the root cause of our most destructive human experiences: depression, addiction, divorce, hate, prejudice, and war.
This past Wednesday, I happened to catch a radio interview with Rev. Adam Hamilton, senior pastor, United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, author of “Unafraid: Living with Courage and Hope in Uncertain Times.”
During the interview with Steve Kraske, Hamilton outlined four key strategies for understanding and countering fear:
Face fear with a bias for hope – Ignoring or avoiding fear will not make it go away. We must face it, name it, and deal with it. And, as best we can, we must realize it will pass and things will get better. “It’s always darkest before the dawn.”
Examine assumptions in the face of facts – Unchecked emotions and unfounded assumptions can exacerbate fear. Sometimes it helps to remind yourself of the facts. For example, the chance of having early onset Alzheimer’s is only about .3 percent. It’s a rare occurrence. “While it’s impossible not to feel your emotions, you can manage them and control them.”
Attack anxiety with action – Fear can be paralyzing. Do something, even if you’re not sure what to do, but get up and move. “You can’t think your way into right action, but you can act your way into right thinking.”
Release your cares to God – Hamilton points out that fear is referenced over 400 times in the Bible, and one of the most repeated instructions (more than 140 times) is to not be afraid. “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me” – Psalm 23.
Fear can stoke worry and anxiety. It can rob us of our potential. But it doesn’t have to.
While we can never be rid of fear, we can certainly be better at controlling it and using it to live more comfortably and courageously.
Have a great week.
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