Fear "Phobia"

Good Morning!! The word “phobia” comes from the Greek word for fear, phobos. One could explain a phobia as an irrational fear of something that can potentially be harmful. Arachnophobia, the fear of spiders, for example, is an abnormal fear of spiders. Spider bites can be deadly, but most spiders are harmless and if a person gets bit by one, the chances of it being a lethal bite are minimal. Still, a person who suffers from this phobia, can’t be told to “not worry” when they see one of those eight-legged monsters.

"Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom."—Luke 12:32 (NIV)

Everyone has their “issue”,...but what if you have lots? As I researched multi-fears (panphobia), I learned that this is more than the every day worrywart sort of fear. It’s a medical condition that is persistent, often debilitating, and very difficult to treat. It’s related to the paranoia typically found in Schizophrenics. After discovering this, I quickly realized that most of us don't have panphobias,...we're not necessarily afraid of everything, we just worry about every little thing. And in case you’re wondering, the definition for the Greek word for worry (merimnao) has more to do with an anxious concern than a debilitating fear.


So today, I’m going to share some helpful scripture with you. The following verses declare that His truth is greater than any worse-case-scenario,...or even real-life-circumstance we can encounter.

“Do not be afraid of them; the LORD your God himself will fight for you.” (Deuteronomy 3:22)
“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)
“Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.” (Matthew 10:29-31)
“Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.” (Matthew 6:8b)
“Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" (Hebrews 13:6b)
“Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.” (Revelation 1: 17b, 18)

Isn’t it great that God doesn’t tell us to do something without equipping us to do it first! Through His Word, He encourages and prepares us to face the world, which is after all, can be pretty scary place… especially with all of those blasted spiders!


"God’s presence brings great comfort