Man has only to look back to the garden of Eden to see the beginning of fear (Gen. 3: 8-13). Today we see fear in many situations such as fear of sickness, fear of poverty, fear of wars, fears of making the wrong decisions in life, etc.  During all these times of great fear, many never turn to the greatest source that will help them.  God's Word is full of many "fear nots," and "Be not afraid." Christ's own disciples were guilty of this.  Remember when Jesus came to them walking on the water, they thought that He was a ghost, but He wasn't; He was their Lord and Master.

Recently many people have feared the collapse of our economy.  Some have even lost great sums of money in the fall of the stock market. Sadly some have even taken their own life. Many today fear losing their lifesavings. In reading God's Word, I don't believe that God wants his children to live in great fear and worry. Certainly some fears are useful.  Keeping a child from playing in the road is a good fear and, certainly, driving on hazardous roads can cause fear.  God, however, never intends for us to be paralyzed by worry and fears.

How can a child of God overcome these fears today? God's Word has the answer (read Isaiah 12:2).  The secret over fear is called Faith in God's Word. There is no problem too big for God to solve, no mountain too high for God to climb, and no river too high for Him to cross.  How can we overcome these fears today?

1. By getting our eyes off ourselves and on to God.

    A.  When the twelve spies went to espy out the promised land, what did they
          see:  " There are giants there; "There are high walls there;" "We even look
          like grasshoppers in their sight."  They were afraid! Such fears are
          contagious.  Many believed the report and that caused them to wander for
          forty years.

   B.  We need to look by faith.  God is bigger than any enemy of fear that can
         come our way (read II Corth. 5:7).

2.  Claim God's Word (read II Tim 3;16, II Tim. 2:15).

     A. Read Rom. 10:17

     B.  As we explore God's Word, we will find that many of the fears that concern
           us will vanish.

     C.  Find a promise in the Bible that deals with your fears or worries and claim
           it!

     D.  Read Isaiah 40:31, 41:10, 43:2.

3.  Pray about your fear(s) (read Jerm.33:3.)

     A.  Tell God what is on your mind (He knows anyway)!

     B.  Often our fear can be dispelled by a very simple prayer.  Remember Peter
           waling on the water?  When he began to sink, his prayer was only three
           short words, "Lord save me". 

Someone once said, "Fear not" is a plant which grows plentifully in God's garden.  One of my favorite illustrations about fear is the one I'll close this message with.  A young lad was on board a ship that was in a violent storm.  The ship was being rocked and tossed about; all seemed to be lost.  Everyone on board was afraid except the young lad.  Someone asked him, "How can you be so calm at a time like this"? He replied, "My Father is the captain and I just saw him at the helm of the ship; everything will be fine."  Not only is our captain at the helm, He is everywhere! 

Are you fearful  or afraid?  His Word will provide you with all you need (read Psalm 91:4-6).  If you are afraid, please turn to the one who can calm your fears. You can find him on How to Be Saved. 

May God bless you is my prayer.