Embracing Freedom:
Overcoming Fear in a World of Uncertainty
Sometimes we feel the urge to get away from everything for a while. We just want to clear out and be alone; yet while this urge is strong in us, being near other people can make us feel safe, in case something goes wrong, and we need help. Consider the story of a woman who cancelled her accommodation at the winery because she would have been the only guest. She was afraid of being alone away from others. Of course, I don’t know her story and what reasons she might have had, but it prompted me to consider how fear affects us.
Do we sometimes deny ourselves experiences we desire because we don’t want to risk travelling on our own? Do we forego opportunities we imagine will be wonderful because the potential dangers we imagine seize us more than the joy we envisage?
The Nature of Fear
Fear is intrinsic to the human condition, having evolved as a protective mechanism for us. These days, the threats we face are often abstract. Our fear manifests as anxiety about the unknown, the unfamiliar, or the uncomfortable silence of solitude.
Fear exists to serve and help us, but when we allow it to stop us from enjoying life, it is no longer helpful, but crippling.
The Bible’s frequent injunction to “fear not” invites us to have courage, trust, and faith. In a world where fear of what could go wrong sometimes dictates our choices, this biblical exhortation invites us to step beyond our anxieties and into the expansive freedom that comes from trusting in something greater than ourselves.
The Paradox of Safety in Numbers
The perception of solitude as restful but risky reflects a societal trend where the presence of others is perceived as safety, even when the others we are with are strangers.
The comfort we find in crowds isn’t rooted in logic. Crowds can be chaotic and stressful, and their presence does not guarantee our protection, yet the psychological comfort we derive from not being alone can be so strong that we alter our choices, going with the familiar and away from situations that might offer us deeper rewards. This psychological comfort comes at a cost when it limits our freedom and prevents us from fully experiencing the array of life’s richness.
The biblical command to “fear not” challenges this paradox. It invites us to consider whether our perception that there is ‘safety in numbers’ is justified, or merely a way by which we soothe our anxieties. The exhortation to “fear not” encourages us to embrace solitude, the unknown, and the discomfort of stepping out of our comfort zones.
The Impact of Fear on Freedom
Fear, particularly when unexpressed or not fully understood, profoundly impacts our freedom. Based on our fears, we avoid certain places, situations, or experiences, confining ourselves only to what feels safe. We miss out on potentially memorable experiences because of our fear.
And the impact of fear goes beyond missed opportunities. It narrows our world, leading us to build walls around ourselves, restricting our lives to what is familiar and predictable. Over time, our desire for security can lead to a life that is more controlled but also more constrained, where we have sacrificed freedom for the illusion of safety.
Here, the biblical injunction “fear not” offers a path forward. It invites us to replace fear with trust, to trust in God’s provision and protection. The command “fear not” doesn’t deny the reality of fear but it calls us to respond in a way that acknowledges God’s presence with us. It’s a call to believe that, even when we can’t see the way forward, there is a way for us, and it is good, or can be made good!
Conclusion: Embracing Freedom Over Fear
We regularly need to make decisions that involve weighing up perceived benefits against perceived risks. In a world that is increasingly full of uncertainties, the challenge is not to eliminate fear but to learn to live with it, acknowledging its presence, understanding its roots, and refusing to let it dictate our lives. The Bible’s repeated call to “fear not” urges us to live with faith, rather than fear.
By trusting in God’s goodness and presence, we can face our fears with courage, knowing we’re never alone. In doing so, we open ourselves to the fullness of life, a life of freedom, joy, and peace, unshackled by fear. This is the freedom found in “fear not,” a freedom that secures our sense of safety and reclaims our sense of self.
This is the gospel, and it’s good news.
Brian Spencer
Minister, Waranga Uniting Churches