We have a problem.

 “Believe what you want. These walls are funny. First you hate 'em, then you get used to 'em. Enough time passes and before ya know it, you depend on 'em.’”

Those who know me are shocked that I would start anything out with a movie quote. But this is a quote that’s always stuck with me. It’s from the movie “Shawshank redemption”. It’s a story of a man who spent so much time in prison that when he finally got out and lived in freedom, he took his own life because he only knew how to live in bondage. He was afraid of life outside the prison walls.

If fear can do that to a person, we've got a serious problem.

From the very beginning of the bible to the end, in minor tribulations and seemingly impossible crisis, God commands us “Do not fear”.

"Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward." (Genesis 15:1,)

The LORD said to Moses "Do not be afraid of him, for I have handed him over to you, with his whole army and his land…" (Numbers 21:34)

The LORD said to Joshua "Do not be afraid of them; I have given them into your hand. Not one of them will be able to withstand you." (Joshua 10:8)

Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, "Don't be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed." (Luke 8:50)

One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent." (Acts 18:9)

When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last." (Revelation 1:17)

So not only is living in a prison of fear unhealthy, it’s sin.

I think the biggest problem Christians today have with fear is that we disguise it as wisdom. We tell ourselves that it’s normal to be reserved in relationships. It's okay to not be generous or to hold back from serving others because it’s what’s “best” for us in this particular season. We think by doing that we are acting in wisdom, but that's just not true.

When I hold back from being vulnerable and open in a relationship I may think I’m “guarding my heart” or doing what’s best for me but what I’m really saying is “God, I don’t trust that you can use my weaknesses to strengthen this friendship”

When I stop myself from giving above and beyond I might think I’m being careful and a good steward of my finances but what I’m really saying is “God, I think I have a better way to spend this”

When I refuse to serve God or others I might think I’m looking out for my well-being and using my energy wisely but what my actions are really saying is “God, the talents you’ve given me aren’t good enough to actually put to use”.

When I say “I’m afraid of large groups” or “I’m afraid of letting someone get too close” or “I’m afraid of admitting my weakness” God is saying, “But I didn’t put that on you”. (2 Timothy 2:17)

I’m not just talking to you, I’m talking to me. I’ve been one to live in a prison of fear and get comfortable and even depend on the false safety that prison offered. Have you ever tried to control your fears? It’s like trying to hold a ball under water, no matter how long you fight, no matter which angle you come from sooner or later that ball will pop back up.

Over time certain circumstances,situations and emotions have taught us to rely on our own “fear habits”. Fear habits can be any decision or thought that isn’t grounded in faith. For instance, the habit of not opening up to others, the habit of putting ourselves first, the habit of doubting people’s hearts and intentions. You get the idea.

The fact of the matter is that fear is a strong emotion, it’s a strong problem. But we must understand that we have a stronger God.

We can only overcome fear but cultivating a culture of faith.

I’m still learning how to do this myself, but I think the first step is to decide that you will no longer believe the lie that fear can keep you safe, and instead believe that faith can set you free.

Choosing to base our actions out of faith instead of fear isn't saying we will always be perfectly protected but it is saying we have a Perfect Protector.