By PASTOR BRANDON YOUNG

The root of worry is fear. Worry is a symptom, but fear is the root cause that must be addressed. Here is the definition of worry: to think about problems or fears, to show fear and concern because you feel something bad has happened or could happen. Fear seems to be driving the world these days. In fact, individuals are more afraid than ever before, but where is this fear coming from? Here is what the Bible says in 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” So we can, in fact, rule out that this fear is from God. God does not send out the spirit of fear, and his perfect love casts out all fear!
Satan is the fear monger. He promotes and encourages fears because they immobilize us as Christians. 1 Peter 5:8 states, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.” Satan roars to make us fear. The lions of Africa do not roar when they are hunting ordinarily. They are totally quiet and move slowly and smoothly as they stalk an animal. But, on some occasions, a lion will roar just as he jumps from cover to make the final rush. This causes maybe one of two seconds of time in which an antelope will freeze in terror, and then it will turn and run. That one of two seconds makes all the difference in the world to the lion who may cover over 50 feet in two seconds. That pause from the fear will mean sudden death of the antelope!
God sends the power, love, and sound mind and Satan does all he can to turn these around as quickly as possible, so we fail during his attack. Power is replaced by weakness, hopelessness, and a feeling that we are victims. Love is replaced by hatred for those who have victimized us. A sound mind is replaced by doubt and worry and we begin to plan to survive something that God has full control of and has a plan to see us through.
There are 20 Greek words used for “mind” as it is used in the New Testament of the King James Bible. The word in our text is sophronismos and is only used once. It means “discipline” or “self-control.” So, if we allow Satan and his demons to put us under fear, we will see our minds run to personal chaos, and our minds and mouths will run off with all sorts of stupid worries and fear that rob us of our joy and peace. This is Satan’s plan because he wants us to live in torment, and fear creates that environment. 1 John 4:18 states, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” God does not promote or encourage fear, and neither should we as Christians. Fear, worry, and doubt have no place in the lives of God’s children because we have a Father in complete control who has never been or will ever be worried or afraid.
We find many times in the scripture that Jesus had opportunities to be afraid due to circumstances, but he completely trusted his Father’s will. Here is an example from Mark chapter 4:23-27, “And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!”
Jesus understood that his Father was in control of the storm and he was not at all worried or afraid. In fact, he slept soundly in peace and was resting during this major storm. As the storms of life rage, God is not at all worried nor caught off guard, and his desire is for us to completely trust him. We must know that he will deliver us from all the troubles and afflictions we encounter. Isaiah 41:10 proclaims, “Fear thou not; For I am with thee: Be not dismayed; For I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; Yea, I will help thee; Yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
We should not be a people who are anxious, troubled, worried, doubtful, or fretful about things that threaten our life and happiness: economic hardship, hostile people, satanic opposition, deteriorating health conditions, or death. The mark of God’s people is not incapacitating fear, but rather a courageous confidence in God knowing that he is in full control, and he is not worried!
(The Solution Column is provided by Pastor Brandon Young of Harmony Free Will Baptist Church, Hampton, and his associate, Hunter Greene.)