Insecurities are a primary source of fear

Bienhome Muivah *

Our feeling of inadequacy in handling present demands fits hand in-glove with our feeling of insecurity in facing the future, creating fertile soil for fears to grow. Several situations in life can cause us to feel insecure and full of fear: 1) the "What-ifs" negative anticipation of the future, which to some extent is outside our control; and 2) What other people may think.

Often we suffer enormous emotional agony in worrying about events in life that we cannot influence or control. This unique source of fear is the malignant disease of the "What-ifs". We talked about being preoccupied, paranoid, and paralyzed by fear. The paranoia dimension is directly tied to our insecurities about the unknown and unexpected events of life. Though, of an accident that might happen, a disease that lurks in the shadows, or a decision that could be a mistake all flow from our basic insecurities.

And if we should forget for a while the potential dangers in our lives, the media will remind us. Vivid stories of violence, crime, murder, rape, drive-by shootings, and hold ups make us painfully aware of our own vulnerability-which feeds our insecurities.

Most people spend much emotional and physical energy trying to deal with issues that are outside of their control and then are exhausted when it comes to important issues that are well within their control. Our legitimate concerns, which are a step or two removed from our direct influence or control, should be a prayer priority and we should take responsibility for the things that we can influence or control.

Today, we hear of an automobile stolen every 20 seconds, a burglary occurs, a murder every day, rape after every two days. How can a person feel secure regarding personal safety after reading such reports?

We face the same threat of crime, accidents, and natural disasters, as the psalmist did, however, when he penned the words of Psalm 46:1-3,7, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth gives way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its water roar and foam and the mountain quake with their surging. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress".

The Lord quieted the psalmist's fears that stemmed largely from events outside his control, and God will do the same for us. We cannot do anything in our own power to limit or prevent natural disasters (except protect ourselves by heeding storm warning) and very little to curb evil deeds of the criminal element (maybe avoid dark alleys). But what about fear that comes from events that at least to some extent are under our control?

Uncertainties about the future generate insecurities. Insecurity about the future makes decision-making seem bigger than life. What if I make a mistake? It is easy to be propelled by the tail wind of fear and forget about the source of all security. David reminds us that God is prepared to instruct us, teach us, and guide us (Psalm 32:8), directing us into paths of righteousness for His name's sake (Psalm 23:3).

Imagine the immense insecurities Gideon felt when he was faced with a divine appointment.

The Midianites and the Amalekites had taken over his land, and the Israelites were afraid of theft and violence. Because times were so insecure, Gideon and his people hid in caves and stored their grain in underground bins. They were poor and oppressed, desperately in need of direction.

When the Israelites called upon God for relief, God sent a prophet to remind them of His past faithfulness. Then an angel visited Gideon (who was getting his wheat ready to hide underground at the time). The angel greeted Gideon with "The Lord is with you, mighty warrior" (Judges 6:12).

These words spoken to a farmer sound sarcastic to us, and Gideon must have wondered why God was sending a divine messenger to him. He asked, "But sir," Gideon Replied, "if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our fathers told us about…? But now the Lord has abandoned us and put us into the hand of Midian" (v.13). A reasonable response in light of the circumstances, wouldn't you say?

The angel wasn't there, however, to defend the Lord's miracles business but to change Gideon's status from insecure spectator to courageous participant. So the angel said to Gideon "go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Median's hand. Am I not sending you?" (Judges 6:14). Gideon was already fearful and insecure about the future because of the Medianite's oppression and the decisions the nation had to make. But now, as a path of action opened to him, a new wave of fear washed over him. His thoughts must have been, "Save Israel out of Median's hand/ who is this fellow? How do I know that God sent him? Why would God expect me to do this impossible thing?

Gazing upon an uncertain future, Gideon's response reflected his self-consciousness and insecurity as he answered, "How can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family" (v. 15). He might as well have said, "I haven't even so much as led a boy scout troop let alone an army. Surely when you said, mighty warrior, you didn't mean me".

Perhaps, by now Gideon was beset with another fear-fear that God was going to be angry with him because of his questions. He asked if he could bring an offering to the Lord. The angel agreed and Gideon killed and cooked and took it all out and set it under an oak…

From the outset, Gideon was insecure and uncertain about his future, afraid every step of the way. But his fear did not control him as it did the Medianites when fear propelled them into total defeat. Because the Lord was with Gideon, victory was guaranteed.

Proverbs reminds us, "The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord" (21:31).

Gideon was absolutely, positively, irrevocably and unalterably inadequate and insecure. But instead of becoming consumed with his insecurities, he was confident in God's promises and presence.

Today, we continue to feel the intense insecurity brought on by the uncertainties of the future and our inability to control them. We can either be overcome by these fears or focus on the promises of God who tears down our fears while building our faith. "Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the Lord loves rests between his shoulders" (Deut. 33:12).

"Faith is an antidote of fear"