"So first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing to fear is fear itself - nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror."      Franklin D. Roosevelt

A number of recent news stories highlighted the growing fear by many people, due to the increase of terrorism, world disasters, war, tsunamis, terrorist attacks, earthquakes and world viruses and diseases.

Fear is a universal enemy and certainly not a new enemy. Fear had its beginning with Adam's rebellion and fall, in the Garden of Eden. After Adam and Eve had disobeyed God's directive to them, fear entered their hearts.     

"And Adam said, I heard Thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I am naked; and I hid myself." (Genesis 3:10)

That the slavish tentacles of fear are spreading and increasing in intensity is also prophetical. Jesus declared that in the last days "men's hearts will fail them for fear..." (Luke 21:26)   

The leading cause of death is heart disease. People are suffering from strain, and stress is adversely affecting a large number of men and women. Alcohol consumption, drug abuse and anxiety attacks is increasing, contributing to heart disease!

Cancer is the No. 2 killer and medical science believes "fear" is a contributor - because it constricts the vessels carrying blood to affected areas.            

Cigarette smoking is a major cause of heart disease and sickness, but why do people smoke? Often, because they are uptight, nervous and afraid!

Fear is "the enemy" among us and is taking a tremendous toll; psychologically, economically, domestically and physically! As well as politically, both nationally and world wide!                     

Fear destroys relationships, hinders growth in business, impedes academic progress, breaks up families and keeps people out of church!

Fear is often the cause of strife, worry, bitterness, resentment, jealousy and hatred - but fear can be conquered and driven out of our lives!      

Many years ago, USA  President Herbert Hoover stated: "The dominant emotion everywhere in the world is FEAR. This applies to every part of human activities - finance, industry, farmers, workers, thinkers and government officials."

It contained four essential freedoms: freedom from want, freedom from fear, freedom of speech and freedom of religion!           

New York City's Dr. David Mitchell declared, humans are born with only two fears; sound of a sudden noise, and unexpected removal of support or falling!

There are however many unreal, imagined and unreasonable fears, which plague mankind. These, we must reject in order to enjoy good mental health and peace of mind!

Neurologists believe that the lower central part of the brain called the thalamus is the center of all emotions; this is where fearful thoughts issue from. The nerve center is also where affection and love are born.       

It is therefore important that we sort out our thoughts and allow only those that are sane, sensible, wholesome and truthful stay in our minds.                 

The Bible says: "As he thinketh in his heart, so is he".

And St. Paul admonished: "Whatsoever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely and of good report...think on these things". (Phil. 4:8)

There are more than 40 phobias that harass humanity today - from ailurophobes (the fear of cats) to zoophobia (the fear of animals in general). And there is healing for everyone - through faith in Jesus Christ - and some old-fashioned common sense!              

The Bible says, "For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of love, power and a sound mind". (2 Tim. 1:7)

President Roosevelt stated, "The only thing we have to fear, is fear itself", and the Bible says, "...perfect love casts out all fears."(1 John 4:18)

What is the opposite of fear? It is faith and faith brings us peace and tranquility! 

Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27)

The Bible says, "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through Whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God." (Romans 5:1-2)             

Since perfect love removes all fears, it is good to know that God is love and His love has reached out to us through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross for us!

And because He arose from the dead and is not only the testator but the executor of His own will - through the Holy Spirit - we are assured of His total peace and healing for spirit, soul (mind) and body!

PHOBIAS & ANXIETY

-  helpful links, medical facts, medical information for phobias and
   anxiety

American Psychiatric Association 

NMHA MHIC Factsheet: Anxiety Disorders - Phobias

Useful Information On Phobias And Panic

www.hoptechno.com/book48.htm