Charles Stanley begins Chapter 3 (“The Root of All Emotions”) of his book Emotions with an account of the time he was camping with some friends in a remote area high atop the Canadian Rockies. One night Dr. Stanley was awakened from a sound sleep by the violent movement of his tent. Paralyzed by fear, he was certain that a bear was attacking. Yet when everything had subsided, he and his companions realized they had been in a snowstorm!
Fear, Dr. Stanley believes, is the source of every other negative response that we have. When our apprehension persists over a long period of time, we begin to build safeguards around our vulnerability. That in turn causes more problems to arise. Fear is Satan’s most effective tool for tempting us to sin, prolonging our bondage and separation from God. As Dr. Stanley explains, this is why we must deal with our fears:
“The first thing you must deal with in healing your emotions is confronting any reservation you have to being completely open, honest, and personal with God.”
As the author concludes, we have nothing to fear, but everything to gain in casting all our fears on Jesus.
Today’s question: Do you agree with Dr. Stanley’s assessment that fear is the root of all negative emotions? How has fear impeded your relationship with God following your ministry downsizing or vocation loss? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Symptoms of deeply ingrained anxiety- Part 1”