Weekly Thought – July 14, 2026
Fred was a realist. He looked at life through a theological grid which saw mankind as fallen with the opportunity for redemption. Their son, Fred, once asked his Dad, “If you had only one speech left to give, what would be the topic?” Fred, Sr.’s answer: “The nature of man and the nature of God.” He understood the human condition, but also accepted the good news of God’s word.
Managing Fear
Most of our fears are the everyday garden variety, but they are still very real. We have nagging fears of self-doubt and discouragement. We dread sickness and loneliness. We, as Christians, God doesn’t give us a “spirit of fear.” We know He doesn’t give us a constant fearful condition. However, we must still fight against destructive anxieties in order to experience the “love and power and a sound mind” which is promised.
Some of our fears are natural reactions to hurt and inadequacy. They are not phantom emotions; they are surely real. Because they are, we must deal with them realistically.
When fear becomes unbearable we run in terror or strike out blindly without a plan. Once I suffered a terrible embarrassment. I knew right then what people meant when they said they wanted to scream or faint. To scream would be to let others know of my fear. I wanted to faint to avoid the entire situation.
It is only when fear becomes a hindrance to our concentration and an impediment to our normal functions of life that we need to attack it. Oftentimes, we must just wait it out. If it hangs on, then we must take the responsibility to drive it away or keep it manageable.
Some fear is good. A true existence requires healthy fear. Most winners are driven by the fear of failure. Athletes call it, “playing for pride.” Fear turns on our juices, but we must use them constructively. Properly controlled, fear becomes our cautious guide. Treated intelligently, it guides us around dangers. Only when it gets out of control does it begin to guide us into the dark places which lead to immobilization. The wise man fears the loosed lion; the fool fears the lion in a cage.
Years ago, Charlie McCormick of spice fame, gave me a line he saw on an English pub wall: “Fear knocked at the door; faith answered, and no one was there.” “Perfect love casts out fear.” The reason simply this: fear is recognizing our vulnerability and love is accepting it. Fear respects vulnerability and love, like a sponge, absorbs it.
This week think about: 1) How healthy are my fears? 2) When has fear protected me? 3) Where does fear immobilize me?
Words of Wisdom: “The wise man fears the loosed lion; the fool fears the lion in a cage.”
Wisdom from the Word: “For I am the Lord your God, the one who takes hold of your right hand, who says to you, ‘Don’t be afraid, I am helping you.’” (Isaiah 41:13 NET Bible)