For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control (2 Timothy 1:7).

Ann Landers, the noted columnist, said of all the letters she received over the years, the number one problem she saw people facing was fear. People are so afraid today. In fact, the dictionary lists from A to Z over 700 phobias… everything from acrophobia – the fear of high places – to claustrophobia – the fear of closed places. There’s even one called phobophobia – the fear of fear!

Maybe today you have fears that you’re even afraid to mention. Your fear has embarrassed and paralyzed you to the point where you have constant feelings of guilt and shame. But the truth is you don’t have to live in fear! 

So many Christians fixate on their fears rather than focusing on their Father. And I think we as believers do well to recognize fear for the sin it is. That’s right. Fear is a sin to be dealt with because it shows a lack of focus and trust in God.

Now this shouldn’t drive us to shame about our fear, but it should cause us to want to overcome it. So, the next time you feel fearful or anxious about something, remember your Heavenly Father is in full control and works out everything for your good!

Instead of letting fear paralyze you, focus on God who loves you and works everything out for your best!