Don't be afraid. Fear is hardwired into our psyches. The avoidance of pain and danger is a reflex and not something we choose. We all experience the fight or flight response at a very early age. So to avoid fear takes more than willpower. It requires enormous discipline that focuses our minds and our hearts on those things that stand against fear. Being fully engaged in love, compassion, and kindness is the only way to not be consumed by fear."
Binkner is right that the world is both beautiful and terrible. It is the terrible aspect that drives our feeling overwhelmed by fear. Yet, every world religion echoes this idea. The Bible calls us to be not afraid 70 times. I believe it is the dominant theme of the Gospels, but it can only happen if you connect yourself every day to those things that bring us joy.
This is Dr. Scott Morris for Church Health.
