The Side Effects of Fear – Dr.
Charles Stanley
Fear obviously produces
anxiety, but it also creates chaos in our lives and even affects those around
us.
Fear stifles our thinking and
actions. It creates indecisiveness that results in stagnation. I have known
talented people who procrastinate indefinitely rather than risk failure. Lost
opportunities cause erosion of confidence, and the downward spiral begins.
Fear hinders us from becoming
the people God wants us to be. When we are dominated by negative emotions, we
cannot achieve the goals He has in mind for us. A lack of self-confidence
stymies our belief in what the Lord can do with our lives.
Fear can drive people to
destructive habits. To numb the pain of overbearing distress and foreboding,
some turn to things like drugs and alcohol for artificial relief.
Fear steals peace and
contentment. When we're always afraid, our life becomes centered on pessimism
and gloom.
Fear creates doubt. God
promises us an abundant life, but if we surrender instead to the chains of
fear, our prayers won’t be worth very much.
What are you afraid of--loss,
rejection, poverty, or death? Everybody will face such realities at some point.
All you need to know is, God will never reject you. Whether you accept Him is
your decision.
The Bible tells us that God
will meet all our needs. He feeds the birds of the air and clothes the grass
with the splendor of lilies. How much more, then, will He care for us, who are
made in His image? Our only concern is to obey the heavenly Father and leave
the consequences to Him.
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