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  Many years ago, I read a book that said the world would be controlled by two things: deception and fear.   I cannot remember the name of the book.  Nevertheless, deception and fear are running rampant in our society.  Wars, rumors of wars, a shaky economy, job loss, epidemics, to be or not to be vaccinated, and terroristic threats are contributing to the deception and fear.  Let’s not forget local and national news outlets that are doing their part by manufacturing and spreading fear.     
     What is fear?   Fear is a natural, powerful, and primitive human emotion.   It involves a universal biochemical response as well as a high individual emotional response.   Fear alerts us to the presence of danger or the threat of harm, whether that danger is physical or psychological, real or imagined.  We all have faced fear and will continue doing so at various stages in our lives.    
    I’ve found that common fears include: fear of flying, fear of loss, fear of death, fear of pain, fear of failure, fear of succeeding, fear of rejection, fear of change, fear of animals, and fear of the unknown.  Out of fear flows paranoia, procrastination, cautiousness, worry, anxiety, and insecurity.  Fear is preventing some people from achieving their goals, fulfilling their purpose, getting married, going on dates, writing books, starting a business, traveling or simply enjoying life.  Fear robs us of freedom.  Fear paralyzes and immobilizes.     
     In order to overcome fear, you must acknowledge how it started and where it exists.   What is the foundation of your fear?  What is the root cause of your fear?  What triggers your fear?  Did someone teach you to be afraid?  Fear can be contagious.  Fear can be learned through social means by observing others or a direct experience.   
      Although there are several scriptures that instruct us not to be afraid, there are people in the Bible who experienced fear.  Elijah, the prophet, was afraid of Jezebel and ran for his life (1 Kings 19:1-4).  Gideon was afraid of the Midianites (Judges 6:1-40).  Elijah and Gideon wrestled with fear for the same reason many of us do today.   What if I fail?  What if I am not good enough?  Did you notice that God did not acknowledge Elijah or Gideon's fear?  He acknowledged their willingness to "get off the porch".      
     I want to convey that fear in itself is not displeasing to God.  God is displeased when you allow fear to rule your life.  Eradicating fear can be accomplished through prayer, connectivity, and total dependency upon God.   When you begin to confront your fears, you can gain a foothold against this misplaced emotion.