What makes you brave?

Franklin D. Roosevelt, an American politician who served as the 32nd president of the United State is remembered by his famous words; "bravery is not the absence of fear but, action in the face of fear”.

A riveting statement that echoes in the hearts and minds of many when facing trials and tribulation.

As human beings, we are plauged by fear in its various forms. Fears as trivial as the fear of objects, of colours, of animals to fears as terrifying as the fear of failure, of love and of death. Fear is an emotion induced by perceived danger or threat, causing psychological and behavioural changes in order to avoid the perceived traumatic event. Fear comes in two forms; either instinctive or learned. Learned fear being the fear of certain people, places or situations based on negative associations and past experiences. 

And now that we know what science defines as fear, what does the Bible say fear is?

The Bible names learned fear, the state of being afraid and anxious as "the spirit of fear", a crippling factor that turns us away from God's love and places focus on the world's brokeness. It is not in God's plan for us to live in fear, according to 2 Timothy 1 verse 7 (ESV), "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and self-discipline".

To overcome fear we need to understand the love of God, for "there is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love" - 1 John 4 verse 18 (NIV). We are imperfect and fearful human beings, God knows that. This is why He has deliberately sprinkled encouragement to combat fear throughout the Bible, from the book of Genesis right up to Revelation, His love letter reminds us not to fear.

We are reminded in Joshua 1 verse 9 (NIV), to "be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified or discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go". This verse does not insinuate that we are immune from fear, instead it echoes that even in the midst of fear, we ought to have courage and assuarance knowing that our Heavenly Father stands with us always.

A famous verse from Psalm 23 verse 4 (NIV) reads "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." These were the words of David as he faced assassination by King Saul and his army. David was isolated from his family, alienated by friends, homeless, without resources, alone and hunted down by the king's army; surely there was a lot he feared. 

However, in the midst of that trial he strengthened himself with the love of God and the knowledge that God continously watched over his footsteps.

David declared "the Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? The Lord is with me; he is my helper." in Psalm 118 verses 6 & 7 (NIV), further encouraging himself.

What did David do to combat the fears he faced?

 The answer is presented to us in Psalm 34 verse 4 (NLT), David says  "I prayed to the Lord and He answered me. He freed me from all my fears."

Undisputedly, counselling and therapy sessions are absolutely essential, they help us mentally and emotionally process learned fear however, when combined with the power of prayer, the results are extraordinary, "this is the confidence we have in approaching God; that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us." - John 5 verse 14 (KJV)

God continously promises us of His love. 

God continously reminds us to be courageous. 

God continuously wants us to be brave.

As you journey through life, choose faith over fear.