Overcoming Fear

This is a chaotic time in our world. Violence is erupting both overseas and at home, and few places feel truly safe anymore. Unwittingly, the message sent by politicians and newscasters is that we should be afraid. Being afraid is natural. Have you ever heard of “fight or flight”? This phrase describes our human reactions to fear. Some people tend to “fight.” This means when they get afraid, they want to attack the thing that scares them. Their first reaction is to destroy their fear. The other reaction is “flight.” Some people’s first instinct is to run away from the frightening thing! They want to leave and hide, remove themselves from the situation entirely. We cannot destroy our world’s chaos, but we also can’t lock ourselves away from it. So what are we to do? For Christians, there is a third option: rely on Jesus Christ. He’s the only one who can give us peace. He himself said, “In me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” We do not have to be afraid. We do not have to fight or flee. Christ already offers redemption to the world, and we can have peace, knowing that He overrules in world affairs. What good news that is! Let’s share it with those around us who are afraid. This is Luis Palau.