‘Fear involves torment.’ 1 John 4:18 NKJV
Advice columnist Ann Landers received about ten thousand letters every month. When asked to name the most common problem in her readers’ lives, she said, ‘Fear! People are afraid of losing their health, their wealth, and their loved ones. People are afraid of life itself.’ If you allow it to, fear will control you. ‘Fear involves torment’, and until the power of fear is broken, it will keep tormenting you. When fear rules your life, you cannot enjoy anything you do. And you certainly can’t enjoy God’s blessings.
Dr Caroline Leaf says that fear triggers ‘more than 1,400 known physical and chemical responses and activates more than thirty different hormones and neurotransmitters.’ It’s at the root of all our stress. When fear causes a chronic stress reaction in us, it actually ‘marinates’ our body in chemicals that can be harmful in large amounts. This, of course, is terribly unhealthy and threatening to our physical well-being.
The fear of not being accepted by others can make you develop a phony personality, stifling your true self and hiding who God made you to be. The fear of failure will prevent you from trying new things or stretching yourself to do more than you feel comfortable doing. The fear of the future can cause you not to enjoy your life today.
Fear is a spirit, and it doesn’t come from God. ‘For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind’ (2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV). Reject the spirit of fear. Draw on God’s power, believe He loves you unconditionally, and begin to exercise the ‘sound mind’ He has given you. Today, refuse to live in fear.
Dr. Caroline Leaf is a prominent cognitive neuroscientist, author, and speaker known for her expertise in the field of mind-brain connection. She has dedicated her career to studying the relationship between the mind and the brain and exploring how our thoughts and emotions impact our overall well-being. Dr. Leaf emphasizes the concept of neuroplasticity, highlighting the brain’s ability to change and rewire itself. Through her research and teachings, she provides insights into the importance of positive thinking, managing stress, and developing healthy thinking patterns. Dr. Leaf has authored several books and conducts workshops and conferences worldwide, making her a respected figure in the field of cognitive neuroscience.
Ann Landers, whose real name was Esther “Eppie” Pauline Friedman Lederer, was a highly influential and widely read advice columnist. Born on July 4, 1918, and passing away on June 22, 2002, she gained immense popularity for her syndicated column called “Ask Ann Landers.” The column, which debuted in 1955, provided readers with advice on a wide range of topics, including relationships, family issues, etiquette, and societal matters. Ann Landers was known for her straightforward and practical advice, often offering sensible guidance to her readers. Her column reached millions of people and became a significant cultural phenomenon, making her one of the most well-known advice columnists in history.
