Daily Self Growth Journal Pt. IV

Fear Itself

“I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection.  ‘Tis the business of little minds to shrink, but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death.”  Thomas Paine

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.  2 Timothy 1:7

Inculcate:  “to teach and impress by frequent repetitions or admonitions”  Merriam-Webster Dictionary

If we’re honest, life can be scary.  In his inaugural speech, faced with the hardship of an economic depression, Franklin Roosevelt stated, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”  That sounds great and all, but the statement couldn’t be more wrong.  Imagine soldiers, bullets flying everywhere, land mines and bombs exploding all around, reminding themselves that the only thing to fear was being afraid.  It’s true that fear often makes a precarious situation worse, but it’s also true that people have experienced the worst while being perfectly confident.  Remember the battle of San Juan Hill in which Teddy Roosevelt gained fame with his rough riders?  It is famous for its bloodiness and difficulty.  The Spanish had a commanding position on top of the hill from which they continually kept the Americans from advancing with deadly sniper fire and a rain of bullets.  Fearlessly, a brave commanding officer confidently mounted his horse despite warnings from his crouching men.  Defiantly, he lit a cigaret stating something like, “No Spanish bullet can kill me.”  Before he could finish his statement, a bullet struck him in the mouth and fearlessly he died.  No, there are things to be feared.  Things far scarier than death even.  However, we don’t have to be paralyzed by fear.  The officer killed on his horse in Cuba that day may have acted with a little too much bravado, however, Roosevelt gained much of his respect for showing similar bravery.  Although he didn’t act as though nothing could hurt him, he did act courageously in the face of danger.  And it was through his courageous actions that his men were able to fight effectively on the hill.  Many of us avoid being afraid.  So we avoid doing things that might make us afraid.  In many of those cases FDR was correct.  Chances are, Martin Luther King Jr. was nervous and afraid before he gave his Dream Speech.  Chances are, Steve Jobs was a little afraid to start a new computer company before he could fully envision what Apple would become.  There are definitely things to be afraid of, but we’re often afraid of things that have little to no power.  In many cases, if we faced what we’re fearing with the question, “What’s the worst that could happen?” we would realize that the “worst” isn’t really anything to be afraid of.  In those cases, fear often acts only to create things like stress, impatience, and anger; which only serve to make matters worse.  Let’s remember the Rock we stand on.  That it’s only when our foundation is secure in Jesus that FDR’s statement becomes ratified.  Let’s inculcate the truth of our salvation through Him in our lives.  That while the worst may come true, we have a hope and a future; in this life or in eternity.  God is good.  Life isn’t always pleasant and peaceful, but His purpose remains.  That purpose is to rescue us from evil and all its affects.  Let’s not let fear stop us from claiming that promise.  Let’s put on the armor of salvation and with the power of our Savior, brush fear aside and say like David, “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?  The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”  Psalm 27:1

Daily Journaling Questions:

How did I help someone in kindness today?

What did I learn today?

What am I thankful for?

Who did I love today?

What am I dreaming of?

What about today do I want to remember forever?

What are my goals for tomorrow?

Thanks for reading,

Jake