Fear needs differentiation

That statement sounds pretty patronizing, doesn't it? However, it is the Bible who reminds us to deal with fear in a differentiated way. On the one hand it says we are afraid in the world, while on the other hand God has overcome the world (John 16:34). But what exactly does that mean? Should we be afraid, but comfort ourselves with the thought that things are not so bad?

In our everyday lives, we often focus on situations and people that scare us instead of focussing on the fact that Jesus has overcome the world. Be it job insecurity, illness or the fear of not being liked by other people. We then read in the Bible how Jesus has healed people, that his sacrifice has washed us clean for all time and that the way to the Father is clear. But the joy of this is obscured by the questions that dominate our everyday lives:

• What will my friends or colleagues think when they find out I can't do this or that?
• Am I enough?
• Do others even like me?

We all ask ourselves these questions at some point and that is normal. God does not prevent us from being haunted by fear and doubt. However, he promises us that he will provide for us, and that we can come to him with all these feelings and he will give us peace. How does this work in practice? The answer to all questions is prayer. Jesus knows how the situation will turn out and he knows what is waiting for us at the other end of a difficult stage of life.

We may lose our job. But maybe we've been unhappy with our job for a while, and haven't found the time and energy to apply elsewhere. Maybe the apartment you didn't get wasn't your dream apartment, but Jesus has prepared an even better apartment for you. There are situations we don't understand that put our faith to the test. In these situations, we meet with our best friend and we talk about our sorrows or frustrations.

And of course, friends are important, but Jesus wants you to seek his presence and pour out your heart to him. Because no matter how big our fear is, God is infinitely bigger. We often forget this in our everyday lives, so it's important that we sharpen our spiritual senses to how God blesses us every day. That's why it's important to look at our fear and keep reminding ourselves that we may be afraid, but we always have a safe haven in Jesus.

Next Step: Where do you struggle with fear of man? Ask the Holy Spirit to show you the roots and free you from your fear.