The Fear Factor

Time has moved in and out in quick succession. Now again, some of us are thinking of what we will do more of or differently and what steps we will take to enhance our lives for this new Leap Year, 2012.

We live in a time dominated by fear. Our children are kept very close in sight and can hardly be left alone to enjoy themselves at play. We are afraid of losing our jobs, we are afraid of not finding a job. Apprehension grows as we watch our government officials battle over almost every idea that is put before them, causing the masses to feel anxiety and insecurity. It's no wonder we are afraid.

The fear factor has been made to be a part of our existence in our world today. We go to bed afraid and wake up afraid.  We are afraid if we do, we are afraid if we don't. The ongoing episodes of emotional stress, whether it be anger, fear, or apprehension, are the results of our thought processes and cause an imbalance in our thoughts (confusion). Because we are unsure, we become fearful.

Not only are we fighting the war on poverty, the war on drugs and the various world wars, we are fighting a battle within ourselves. The war we are fighting with ourselves seems to be the hardest one to win because the enemy is ourselves. If the negative thoughts are dwelled upon and pondered, the result will equal apprehension and fear. I realize, after coming through any fears I've had, that the resistance to it was the greatest force of my fear. People may go through life dealing with the negative results of fear by being medicated, but rarely experience a complete cure. 

I believe only a work of the Spirit of God can truly set us free from fear. For God has not given us a Spirit of fear but of Power and Love and of Sound Mind.  2 Timothy 1:7.  Let us take into this new year the spirit of power which lives in each of us. Give love and send warm intentional thoughts of goodwill towards all the universe. Leave behind the past years' trepidation and have steadfastness of purpose and fearlessness.

Happy New Year, Happy New You!