Require God!
   There is not a person alive who isn't afraid of something. It's always something, right? Fear of sickness, fear of loss, fear of lack, fear of being alone. Our fears may at times dominate our lives, more then we really realize.
    We develop lots of ways to cope with our fears-silently keeping them hidden, so no one notices. We control our fears by pretending we are not afraid when we are, we control our fears by trying to control others, by hoarding our money or resources, some of us develop rituals, loose ourselves in T.V. or food or alcohol.
    Fear is our enemy. It destroys us physically, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually. Nothing good comes from living in a constant state of fear.
    Nothing.
    Our bodies have a mechanism for dealing with fear called the Fight or Flight Response. But that's exactly the point- it was supposed to be a response not a way of life.
    Our bodies are not designed to live in a fearful state, just the opposite actually. Our bodies were designed to live and thrive in a peaceful state because it is only there where we have the ability to love, create and become all that we are designed to be.
    God has not left us to crumble in our fears. He is very clear throughout scripture that he wants us to be free of fear and torment. "There is no fear in love [dread does not exist], but full-grown (complete, perfect) love turns fear out of doors and expels every trace of terror! For fear brings with it the thought of punishment, and [so] he who is afraid has not reached the full maturity of love [is not yet grown into love’s complete perfection]"(1st John 4:18).
    He will remove fear from your life if you want Him to. Psalm 34:4 states: "I sought (inquired of) the Lord and required Him [of necessity and on the authority of His Word], and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears."
   I can testify to this truth. When I have sought and required, when I was done being a victim, when I was ready to be done with fear, He heard my cries and He delivered me from debilitating fears. The freedom that came when fear left was so life-giving, that now when I become aware of fear in my heart- I work diligently to release that fear to God and believe His truth immediately. I don't waver, or indulge in my fears. I get out fast.
    He helps me every time.
    He leads me through the valley and I have come to realize faster then I ever have before, that things I think are frightening are merely shadows, they have no power.
   God is always with me, surrounding me, enveloping me with love and peace.
   If I can still myself, if I can learn to connect with God in that place when I am afraid- then my fears will abate and joy will return.
   Today recognize your fear, become still, become aware that God absolutely wants to help you out of that fear. Know its only a matter of time before your help comes and trust that He will deliver you from all your fears. Say out loud, "Right now, my help comes and my deliverance is at hand." Now see it happening, meditate on it and be grateful for its manifestation. Remember that visualization, remember His promise, when fear comes back to haunt you, don't loose hope, press in and see yourself as God sees you. Keep remembering, focused on His word and you will see your fears dispelled from your life.
                                                                         -Christina Samyan, MSW, LCSW
