Sunday 24 July 2011

What Are You Afraid Of?

Most of us live in a constant state of fear, ranging from an uncomfortable feeling that all is not quite right, to a nagging anxiety, all the way to outright fear. We imagine the worst case scenario, and we go to great lengths to prevent it from happening. A good example of this is the way we spend so much time and energy talking about war, and what we can do about it; and spend comparatively very little time and energy talking about how we can create peace. We focus on the negative, and then we wonder why so many bad things can be happening all around us. We take this as a sign that God is not looking out for us. God is only confirming for us the things we focus on and see as our reality. The truth is that the more you fight against something, the more you are afraid of it, and say to yourself how awful it is, the more you are focusing on it and affirming to yourself that it is real In that way, you are creating even more of what you do not want.

All your behavior depends on the emotional state you are in. If you live in a state of fear, it affects not only your perceptions of what is going on around you but also the actions you take. When you are in a state of fear you react to challenges, instead of being responsive to them. You feel pressured and quick to judge, annoyed, and frustrated. You annoy other people, and usually bring out the worst in them. You are too overwhelmed or frustrated to see opportunities; and even if you do see them you are usually overcritical and negative. You think they are too risky or beyond you. You focus on a whirlwind of thoughts that are passing through your mind; and the more you do that, the more tired you become, and the worse you feel. You are dealing with your emotional reactions to the issue more than with the issue itself.

When you are not afraid, you are responsive to the challenge. You can stay focused and on purpose. You can see the heart of the matter and can differentiate between what is important and what isn't. You spot opportunities, and are more open to considering new options. You are more creative, more flexible and more calm. You can see the bigger picture, and do not take things personally. You can spend your time and energy dealing with the actual issue. You do not spin your wheels or lose your bearings.

Fear is our biggest enemy, and perhaps the most difficult one to vanquish. The only way to conquer fear is to believe in love. We must have faith that not only does God have the power to bring us everything we want, but also that each and every one of us are beings worthy of God's unconditional love. God really does want to give us anything we want; and is capable of doing so. All we have to do is believe in the power of God's love for us. 

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