Is Fear a Liar?

There’s a never-ending lunch buffet of fears and anxieties to choose from today. Not to mention a full portion of panic is always available on the dessert table. As we usher in this new-era of "sheltering-in-place," an opportunity emerges for us to better examine fear itself. America has been forced to slow down for a moment, and significant self-reflection has never been more within our grasp.

Fear is intimidating and has a definite negative connotation. However, fear can be an effective mechanism for keeping us safe and healthy. It can motivate us to consider risks and consequences when making certain decisions. Fear is a powerful natural survival tool, but it's not right for every job. Abraham Maslow said, “To the man who only has a hammer, everything he encounters begins to look like a nail.” Do you ever feel like fear is becoming your hammer? I sometimes do. I guess that’s what happens when everything starts to look like a nail. We are faced with so many threats today that it’s hard to remember where to assign our fear. Not a healthy or sustainable place to be.

I contend that fear is the proverbial hammer of our culture and society today. We battle with internal fears, we listen to external fears, and we consider others' fears. Our world wasn't always as noisy as it is today though. Social media, 24/7 cable news, blogs, and internet overload have all changed that. Credibility and accountability seem to be afterthoughts in current times as we allow fear to take root and flourish in the garden of our minds. The undisciplined hammer of fear strikes blows to everything including our trust in ourselves. We must consciously wage a personal war on unwarranted fear itself. Asking, “what specifically is making me feel afraid?,” is a good place to start, but not without a framework to cope with the answer.

Just a few decades ago, we leaned on accountability as the hammer. We turned to the Lord during challenging times and found security in doing what was right. Romans 14:12 reminds us, "So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God." Our ancestors relied on their accountability to God and to one another to get through trying times. They didn't enjoy the false sense of security or control that we are familiar with today. Early American settlers and immigrants experienced unfathomable levels of fears. They found their confidence and peace in understanding they were part of something much greater than themselves. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all!

America’s Christian heritage serves as a beacon of light during dark times. As we find shelter in our homes today, don’t forget that we can also take refuge in God. There is an abundant supply of fear right now, but then again, there always is. It’s a good time to take inventory of our toolbox as we plan ahead for a new era. We must challenge ourselves to make sure we select the right tool for the right job as we move forward. Remember, we can’t let the hammer of fear become the tool we use regardless of the task at hand. Maybe there are no nails around that need to be hammered. Maybe it’s time to trade the old rusty hammer for God’s grace?

Fear can be complex. Fear can be fuel. Fear can be yours to harness.

Yes, fear is a liar.

#FearNot