FEAR - THE WORST DEAL IN TOWN Isn't it interesting how we dress up that ugly feeling of fear by calling it concern, focus, high interest and anxiousness? Even when we become preoccupied with fear we may tell our husband or wife that we are "praying". The truth is, sometimes we are simply worrying and have given in to fear. There truly are giants in the land!  Denying this fact means we are either uninformed or lying to ourselves. Sometimes fear may precipitate a productive response - perhaps to accomplish or correct something or to forgive someone.  But I'm talking about that edge in your emotions, that knot in the pit of your stomach that reflects uncertainty about the unknown or things we can't figure out, foresee, or change. I have one friend whose wife is going in for life-and-death surgery, another who is in a court battle for his professional livelihood, and all of us are feeling the effects of the economy and the threat of Saddam Hussein. On another front we have wives, husbands, or children who touch us so deeply with their actions, emotions, and circumstances that it is sometimes just overwhelming. And we have fear. But as Christians, on whom or what are we most often relying?  Do we have a majority report or a minority report? A majority report is either gloom and doom or blind optimism. The minority report, in the words of two young men, Joshua and Caleb, is this: "If the Lord is pleased with us, then He will bring us into this land, and give it to us. . . . Only do not rebel against the Lord; and do not fear the people . . . . (T)he Lord is with us; do not fear . . . ." (Numbers 14:8 -9). On this subject, a friend of mine said on the phone today, "The key is what I choose to believe even when I don't feel like it." What we feel sometimes is fear, vulnerability, uncertainty, and anxiety, but consider the following points: 1. We can trust in God's lovingkindness (Psalm 52:8). 2. The man or woman who trusts in the Lord is a person who is blessed (Psalm 40:4). 3. The Lord has already won the battle. He has "done it" (Psalm 52:9). 4. God will save and vindicate us (Psalm 54:1). 5. God is our helper (Psalm 54:4a). 6. God is the sustainer of our soul (Psalm 54:4b). 7. God will deliver us from all trouble (Psalm 54:7). 8. God is our refuge (Psalm 46:1). 9. Therefore we will not fear (Psalm 46:2). In whom are we first trusting in today? Where do we go first to knock off that edge of our anxiety? A cup of coffee, a Diet Coke, an ice cream sundae, a basket of extra cheese fries, an extra jog around the block, a T.V. program produced by people without the answer, a glass of wine, a couple of beers, the Sports Illustrated Swim Suit Edition, the dress shop, those little pills the doctor gave us, a rehash of the circumstances with our best friend, 12 hours of sleep? Or, do we go to the Sustainer of our souls?  The One who knows all, controls all, and is all.  The One on whom we rely to save us from hell, but sometimes are unwilling to totally trust to save us from the threats of this life. I find that fear and faith can't occupy my heart at the same time.  Fear causes impatience, ingratitude, an inward focus, and eventually, incapacitation by my saying no to the opportunities God brings to me: ministry, the suggestions of my wife, or the important responsibilities I have as a father or a friend. So let us choose Him - our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, yielding to the Holy Spirit's power, relying on God's Word. How about it today?  Are we going to walk in faith or allow fear to incapacitate us? My prayer is that we might be able to say with the psalmist, "My future is in Your hands."  Psalm 31:15 (NLT) Because He lives, Phil For upcoming conferences in your area, or other information on Discipleship Network of America, please visit our web site at www.DNAministries.org