What is Fear?

Shall we start by making clear What we understand by fear A horrid, strong emotion Caused by anticipation Or awareness of danger E.g. meeting a stranger

It may cause us to react Or from our purpose distract It might make us freeze and stay Or force us to run away Finding somewhere safe to hide As with it we can’t abide

When we’re aware of the threat We’ll come out in a cold sweat Sometimes what we fear’s not real But that doesn’t help us feel Any better for that knowing As our fear keeps on growing

So what is it that scares you Makes your life seem very blue Keeps you up, awake at night Causes you to fight or flight And whatever can be done As you try to overcome

God said, ‘Do not be afraid’ To the people he had made He promised to be with us Amongst all our cares and fuss So the antidote to fear Is to keep God very near

Don’t worry about each day As God says that’s not the way Nor fear if you have great need For our God does the birds feed Take to God your troubled mind And in Him true peace you’ll find

Perfect love casts out our fear What important words to hear Trust in God with all your heart That is a good place to start Don’t give to fear space or room Sweep it away with a broom

But give to God what is due Honour, glory and praise too Be sure you do not neglect To give Him your full respect But not out of fearfulness Rather at His awesomeness!