The Looking Glass | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

The Looking Glass

Do We Have to Be Afraid?

15
The Looking Glass
Francesca Woodman Fine Art Photography

I think the bottom line of our human struggles is fear. Fear of being forgotten, fear of being alone, fear of being rejected, or fear of being hurt. There are so many deceptive and sneaky fears that are deeply rooted in all of us. When everything goes wrong, we are afraid that it is real. When everything goes right...still, we are afraid it is real. Because deep down, we know that nothing lasts forever. We know that everything has a consequence. We know that there is a risk in every decision.

People become so terrified of feeling okay, because we know that things cannot be perfect--not even for a day. There is always that fleeting moment when your life is pure bliss; maybe in that place between waking and sleeping. It leaves just as fast as it came. There are moments in our lives when something so bad or shocking happens that we cannot fathom its reality. We may think, "this feels like a dream," or "can this really be happening?" That is why we are so afraid in our lives. We are scared to be happy, scared of our future, scared of ourselves. We are scared to be "tricked" into believing things could be better. It is as if you are in this dark room, and suddenly, the light flashes on. In the room, there is the most beautiful looking glass you have ever laid eyes on. In it, you see true happiness. But, the moment you touch it, the glass shatters. The light goes out. And you are left there, alone, with a glimpse of happiness and because you believe you cannot attain it, you are worse off than you were before. Now, you know that you're missing and what you desire and you feel more alone than you ever did before.

I have been in this place before. I have struggled with these serious issues, just like we all do. This is no longer my reality. The thing is, we have other options. This mentality is detrimental. It will slip into your mind and spread it's black poison throughout every thought that comes. It will try to choke the life out of you. Here is what you must understand: you are not alone and you do not have to stay. Fear will destroy you--but only if you let it. 2 Timothy 1:7 says, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." (NKJV.) I believe in this with my whole heart. It has proved itself in my life and in the life of so many people I have spoken to. This is a promise God has given us. We must accept it.

When Jesus was resurrected and appeared to all of His disciples, He said something that stopped me in my tracks when I read it. The disciples were terrified, even though they already knew Jesus had risen. But, when they actually saw Him, their peace left them. But this is what Jesus said: “...Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds?Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see...” (Luke 24:38-39, NIV.) Jesus promised them He would rise again, and He kept His promise. Even in terrifying circumstances, God will come through. Why are we so troubled? Why are we so fearful? The same God who brought Jesus back from the dead wants to work miracles in your life. We do not have to be afraid. If these couple verses do not convince you, let's take a look at a few more.

Deuteronomy 31:6
"Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you." (NKJV)

Isaiah 41:13
"For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." (NIV)

Matthew 10:26
"Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known." (NKJV)

These are serious and true verses. These are only a few things that God has to say about fear. Considering all of these things, it must be obvious that we have nothing to be afraid of.

I know that the knowledge of this does not take away the fear. However, the pure belief in this does. I believe this and it has been proven in my life. Although at one time in my life I was terrified, now I cannot wait to see what God has in store for me. Yes, there are still hard days. But this is not something I can do myself. This is something that Jesus Christ does for me. And He wants to do it for you as well.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
birthday party

My birthday has never been my favorite holiday. I've found that I'm more excited to celebrate my friends' and family members' birthdays more than my own. I don't like being the center of attention, so I usually celebrate over dinner with a small group of family and friends. This way, I can enjoy myself naturally without feeling like I have to entertain everyone and make sure they are satisfied. In the past when I've had large parties, I was so nervous that people weren't perfectly content that I didn't enjoy myself at my own celebration.

Keep Reading...Show less
thinking
College Informations

Most of us have already started the spring semester, and for those of you who haven't started yet, you suck.

It seems like coming back from winter break wouldn't really be a break all things considered, since we all come back to school and pick up right where we left off. We know exactly what to expect, yet we're unprepared every single time.

Keep Reading...Show less
I'm serious

There are tons of unisex names that are popular: Taylor, Alex, Bailey, etc. There are also numerous names that are used for both sexes, but they’re not seen as “unisex” yet. People are slowly becoming accustomed to the dual use of these names, but for the most part, in their minds they associate certain names with certain sexes. And that leaves those of us with these names in many awkward situations.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

16 Secrets Anthropology Majors Never Admit To

You know that all of these things apply to you. You'll just never tell.

6305
cave
CSU

I'm an anthropology major, and I love every minute of it. I couldn't tell you why, but I guess there's just something about studying different lifestyles that absolutely fascinates me. But anthropology majors definitely have our weird sides, especially when you go to a school that is filled with mostly Business and Bio majors. But us weirdos definitely have a lot in common, specifically these 16 things.

Keep Reading...Show less
pale girl

Everyone has insecurities, that's just a fact. You didn't ask to be born this way. You didn't ask to inherit the one trait no one else in your family has. And you definitely didn't ask to be this ghostly white. But as soon as you've learned to live with it for a while (less wrinkles later on in life, right? right???) someone has to ruin it for you. They have to flaunt they're perfectly tanned body from Spring Break and hold their sun-kissed skin against yours. But I've had enough... here are the things that perpetually pale individuals are tired of hearing.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments