An Antidote for Fear

In Daily Devotional by Paul Jolicoeur

Bible Verse: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 (NIV)

Scripture Reading: 2 Timothy 1:7

Have you ever walked down a dark path?

You can’t see too far ahead, just darkness all around.

At that moment, your mind may start to race about what could be out there in the dark. Is an animal going to jump out and attack you? Is there danger up ahead?

Maybe, as a kid, you were afraid of the dark.

Maybe at that moment, your parasympathetic system kicks into high gear, preparing for the “fight” or the “flight.” Either way, you feel uncomfortable, and that feeling of fear begins to rise.

Fear and faith have similar meanings. They are both beliefs in what we cannot see.

Fear concentrates on the negative.

Fear focuses on an external danger.

Fear grows in the dark.

Fear makes the small unknown seem vast and scary.

So, what’s the antidote to fear?

The light.

Fear cannot live in the light.

Sometimes, as men, all we really need is a little reality check. When we share our fears with a trusted person in our Christian community, our fears can be brought back into perspective.

Sometimes, just the act of speaking them out loud to another person can be enough.

But when we share, we allow the Holy Spirit to use the other person to speak the truth into our lives, pushing back the fear.

Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, that You did not give me a spirit of fear, that I have a spirit of power (2 Timothy 1:7). Give me the courage to share my fears with someone so that I can live in the light. Amen.

Reflection: Is there another man or group of men you could share your fears with? If not, begin today to build those relationships. Don’t wait! Start today to connect with a community of men around you!


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About
Paul Jolicoeur
Paul Jolicoeur, a former pastor with the C&MA, is currently in Kawartha Lakes, Ontario, and is now focused on the digital marketing world. Married to Laurie, they have three young children. He has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Liberty University.
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Paul Jolicoeur
Paul Jolicoeur, a former pastor with the C&MA, is currently in Kawartha Lakes, Ontario, and is now focused on the digital marketing world. Married to Laurie, they have three young children. He has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Liberty University.