What Fear Can Do

by Princess Izori

Hello! I'm terribly sorry that I haven't posted in such a long time!

For my home schooling, I'm reading 'The Princess and the Goblin' by George MacDonald (pretty good book, by the way). I'm sure that most of you princesses are familiar with it, but I'll just tell you what it's about anyway, as a way of introduction. It's about a princess, Irene, who makes a wonderful discovery in her castle. At the same time, a young miner named Curdie uncovers the frightening plot of the evil goblins.

One part of the book in particular struck me. When Irene is threatened by a creature while she's in her room, she is very frightened. So frightened, in fact, that she actually goes in the opposite direction of the one who can help her. Believe it or not, she runs to a place where she is even more vulnerable than before!

'Why?' we wonder as we look on Irene's panicked foolishness. 'What on earth got into her head? Who would be so brainless as to do that?!"

Have you ever been in a scary situation? Have you, instead of praying to the Lord for help, spiritually 'ran away' and tried to help yourself? Then you were reacting the same way as Irene was. I can think of at least six situations where I 'ran away', and it was only by God's grace that everything turned out alright.

Fear is a big problem, and it is one of the devil's weapons. I'm not talking about the thrilling, healthy fear we're supposed to have of God. I mean the dangerous fear.

'I'm all alone. God's not going to help me!'

'How can I know where I'm going after I die? Am I sure that Jesus' blood really paid it all?'

'What if ___ happens, or I get hurt, or...'

Those are all examples of what could run through our heads when we start to be afraid. And unless we cast all our cares on God, we'll start to panic. And then the panicking leads to foolish decisions that leads to serious injuries, both physical and spiritual.

See why it's so important that we trust, and not fear?

Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
Isaiah 43: 1b

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.
I John 4:18a

Princess Izori