Published in the Sullivan County Democrat – Feb. 2004

Written for Hope Ministries, Inc. Kenoza Lake, NY

HOPE FOR THE DAY

By Pastor Bob Paquet

Fear, Anxiety and Worry

The principal cause of fear, anxiety and worry is us. Walt Kelly’s Pogo said, “We have met the enemy and he is us.” Our choices, our beliefs, and our worldview affect our emotions, behavior and outlook. If we believe that we evolved from some primordial ooze – that we live and die and that is the end, then life is nebulous.   The Bible says we were created for a purpose. “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”(Ephesians. 2:10) In a world where “truth” is relative, where freedom is whatever makes you feel good, where boundaries and values are whatever we, the government, or society decides – there is uncertainty, fear, anxiety and worry. If we have stability in our lives, if we have faith in something that does not change - fear, anxiety and worry are greatly diminished. The Bible says God does not change. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8). "For I, the Lord, do not change; …” (Malachi 3:6). Is there a God? Is the Bible true? Is there life after death? These are questions we all ask. Man makes the rules, and man changes the rules. At one time slavery was acceptable, segregation was okay, abortion was considered murder, marriage was a sacred covenant between a man and a woman – man changed his mind and the rules changed. Just because the government (man) approves does that make it “right”? Fear, anxiety and worry lessen if we find something stable to believe in – something that does not change – a firm foundation. We rationalize that if we feel a certain way then it is “right” – if we believe something then it is truth – if we desire something it’s acceptable. Without a standard –without God’s truth we will experience fear, anxiety and worry. Today many want - no demand - approval and acceptance of their own “truth” and “values”. Tolerance, which once meant to accept other points of view – today means approval. It is “intolerant” to speak out against anything that may hurt someone’s feelings or to express a “politically incorrect” opinion.  In a society where the Word of God is considered irrelevant– where perverted sex and indecent language is being broadcast daily on TV and radio – where society condones, glorifies and even encourages adultery, lying, stealing, envy, etc., one can expect fear, anxiety and worry. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law…(Galatians 5:22-23). In Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 the “teacher” states, “The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.” What if the Bible is true?