"Fearless Living!"

As a young girl I recall seeing to original 1958 movie called "The Fly".  My father sat and watched it with us, and though it was VERY scary, it felt safe because he was there.  Over the years it became a joke in the family to claw and wiggle our fingers near our faces and say "HELP ME!  HELP ME!"

That was my earliest memory of a very scary movie, after that I grew to like them.  The intense moments before something expectantly unexpected jumps out of the closet, or a face appears behind you while looking in the mirror; all of these things to me meant it was a good movie!  When those moments got to be too much, I used to close my eyes but I would miss stuff.. so I learned to keep my my eyes open and close my ears,  because the background music was a huge part of the fear.   Scary movies, yes...that was a childhood treat, then I grew up.

WE LEARN FEAR

I have worked with children since I was a child and one thing I realize is that we can learn to be fearful. Scary children can turn into scary adults.  Children typically don't have an automatic fear unless it is taught to them through observation, uncertainty  or experience.  Watching our parent's responses, loud unexpected noises can be startling, but not necessarily result in a fearful mindset.  Each year during Halloween many parents teach their kids to fear.  When we watch movies with our kids that even scare us we teach them to fear.  When we are fearful of everyday experiences, we teach them to fear.  A child being fearful is one thing, an adult who is fearful is another.

FEAR NOT

It takes time to overcome childhood fears or fears that we have carried over time.  I am not going to say 'face your fear' by doing something you are scared of.   More importantly than facing it is 'knowing your fears and what fights them.' Then we can be empowered to face them. The bible tells us:

There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.  For fear has to do with torment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.  We love because He first loved us.  1 John 4:18-19

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind. (self control)  1 Tim 1:7

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.  Your rod and Your staff they comfort me.  Psa 23:4 

Life is full of scary moments.  The bible tells us over and over "Fear Not".  It is evident that God knows we will have plenty opportunity to fear something in this life.  Whether it is embarking on a new journey, a new relationship, having a baby, trying to get ahead on your job or starting a business.  All of these things can seem even scarier when we have lived with other fears. It can especially be trying when you feel you are out there alone.   But just like my experience in watching my first scary movie... don't forget that your Father is watching it with you.  

Anytime life throws something at you, causes something to jump out unexpectedly or maybe the music bed of your life might be adding to it because it seems that underlying emotions are building to a breaking point... don't be moved.  Not only is God watching everything unfold with you, He is also there to guide you to the end of it.  He knows all that you feel and think, and will help you cover your eyes and trust Him, but keep your ears open to hear Him. God is a good Daddy with good things in store for you. 

This year know that even your scary moments have purpose... they will cause you to draw even closer to a loving God and seek His face when you don't know what to do.  This is going to be an epic year for you, get ready to handle... Fearlessly!