Judy Blume, an American writer, once remarked: "Each of us must confront our own fears, must come face to face with them. How we handle our fears will determine where we go with the rest of our lives. To experience adventure or to be limited by the fear of it." 2 Timothy 1:7 confirms: “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
Fear is defined as “An unpleasant emotion caused by the threat of danger, pain or harm.” It may include such feelings as agitation, panic, alarm or fright to name but a few. It is a natural but powerful emotion often instigated by events outside of our control. It may be real or imagined. When a situation of real danger is brought about, then a physical reaction of self-protection is instigated which may result in either facing up to the danger or running away from it. This is often referred to as the fight or flight response.
Fear can withhold normal progression in life, especially if it is imagined. To fear something just because it is new or untried is detrimental and could be harmful. It is rather like not eating a particular specimen of food simply because it has not been tasted before. Life becomes adventureless and lacks experience. We become similar to a tortoise retreating into its shell to avoid a given situation. Eleanor Roosevelt, an American political figure, diplomat and activist once described handling fear as: "You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, 'I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.' You must do the thing you think you cannot do."
Unless we experience an element of adventure in our lives we remain static and cannot progress. The doors of God’s church are always open to us, but if we refuse to enter simply on the grounds that we have never entered a similar building before, then we may end up lacking the knowledge of God’s existence, comfort or support. Proverbs 3:1-5 reminds us: “My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favour and good success in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.”
There was once a very attractive middle-aged woman who was considered extremely intellectual. She had succeeded well in her career in commerce. She possessed good management skills, especially those relating to time-related activities. Her daily routine was well organised and she was usually considered a generally relaxed person. Not much in life perturbed her and she took most things in her stride. However, she had a pathological fear of missing a flight, a train or an appointment as a result of being late. If she was travelling anywhere or had an important appointment to keep, she had an obsession to be there in plenty of time. The more the likelihood of lateness became apparent, the more anxiety she endured. This often resulted in an increased heart rate, hyperventilation, increased blood pressure and body tremors.
If she had a flight or train to catch, the earlier she arrived at the intended departure point, the happier she was. If she had an appointment with the doctor or her dentist, her intention was always to arrive at least fifteen minutes early. If this was unachievable for any reason, an anxious state of mind usually emanated. This had stemmed from childhood when her parents had insisted that she always return home from school at the proper time and was seated at the dining table in readiness to receive her evening meal at a specified time. Bedtimes were strictly observed as were her social activities that involved leaving the house. She was discouraged from associating with others, whom her parents felt may lead her astray or into bad habits.
During the prelude to a new venture involving travel, she was always in a state of anxiety. Once she had arrived at the intended destination or departure point for her meeting or journey she would always relax and enjoy the waiting time, even if significant delays were encountered afterwards. However, she was not concerned with any form of delay originating from circumstances outside her control, once she had arrived at her intended location, only from her own inner desire to be punctual. Joshua 1:9 states: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Anxiety which is related to inner fear is usual in most. Many situations in life create a natural tendency to geminate an element of trepidation. When we are uncertain about things or the future, it is natural to become apprehensive and display an element of consternation. Usually, it is a short-lived experience that does not last long and can be overcome with relative ease. The problem becomes more threatening when things become obsessive and out of control. Isaiah 41:10 reminds us: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Pathological Fear, also known as Pathological Anxiety, is considered by many as a mental illness and could be described as excessive or irrational behavioural responses often instigated during a non-facilitation of the desired intention. This may include the inability to escape or avoid specific situations. It could be related to one of the many identified phobias. It is often exaggerated out of all proportion and may include hyper-vigilance which can cause a traumatic state of mind. For some, this may in turn cause unwanted bodily functions such as twitching or other spasmodic reactions. It can evolve from a wide variety of incidents.
Professional medical help must be sought at an early stage to tackle the problem in the hope that a successful conclusion be found. Leaving it to continue or simply fester should not be considered as a viable option as this may lead to detrimental health issues in the long term. Matthew 6:25-34 reminds us: “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.”
Amen.
