Cambridge dictionary defines Worry as “to think about problems or unpleasant things that might happen in a way that makes you feel unhappy and frightened”;
AND Fear is defined as “an unpleasant emotion or thought that you have when you are frightened or worried by something dangerous, painful, or bad that is happening or might happen.
There are similar words that come up in the two situations. One thing to notice is that all of these (worry and fear) are emotions and are embedded in our thoughts (the mind). Usually, worry would come before fear. But all these still remain in your mind. The following narrative opens us up to worry, fear and its effects.
Key Scripture: Genesis 16 :1-6
Prior to this scripture, God had made the ultimate promise to Abram, of giving him an heir and he will be father of many descendants. In Genesis 16, Sarai, Abram’s wife had not been able to bear children even after the promise God made to Abram. She was WORRIED that she did not have children and she FEARED that she may never have children. So the unpleasant thought here was NOT HAVING CHILDREN.
This worry and fear overtook Sarai and caused her to be IMPATIENT about having children even after God had made a promise to Abram. This impatience of Sarai was evident now in her actions as she convinced her husband Abram to sleep with her servant Hagar so she could have children through her servant Hagar. Sarai’s wish was granted by Abram and Hagar became pregnant.
When Hagar became pregnant she started treating Sarai with CONTEMPT. Sarai COMPLAINED to Abram and began to treat Hagar HARSHLY to the extent that Hagar ran away.
The verses above shows us how Sarai’s worry and fear not properly handled translated to impatience which made Sarai do things which she should not have done and the effects of this are evident.
Its human to worry or fear but BE AWARE THAt FEAR IS YOUR SUBTLE ENEMY!
WHY? Fear is an emotional thing but leaving fear to overtake you may manifest physically by vices like impatience and this impatience breeds envy, hate etc, which if care is not taken may lead to destruction. Take note of this constant phrase in the bible “Do not be afraid”. This appears very regular in the bible from the Old to New Testament. This means fear is actually something we need to beware of because it looks like a thought but can get destructive.
There was a period in my life when I was having in mind a whole project I wished could be implemented. I really had it structured in my mind and this project could really help people. What happened I was worried if I could be capable of doing this and I feared it will be too much work on me and I may never succeed. So my project remained an idea for long. One day, I got to a scenario where I talked with someone who had overcome fear and was implementing a wonderful project in her community which helped a lot of people. This talk helped me to overcome my fears and began my project. Not too long after I started, I could perceive the impact this project was having which fear almost destroyed. This is where FAITH and HARDWORK come in.
Hebrews 11:1 says “Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see”. Faith in God and what He says is one of the surest ways of overcoming fear. Notwithstanding, “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action is dead”. So the first way I have learned to overcome my fears to have faith first in God and his word, then believing in myself and my God-given abilities and working hard as an act of faith.
Take home verses:
Matthew 6:27 “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?”
Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.