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.