PHOBIA

Mark 6:50

They had all seen him and were terrified. But at once he spoke with them, "Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!"

As a child, I have fear of cockroach (generally, entomophobia) and of ghost (phasmophobia). Although I have seen (and later on, killed) a lot of cockroaches, I haven’t really seen a ghost. In effect, I have already overcame my fear of the six-legged critter, but, for ghost, honestly, I still fear going through or being left in dark places.

In the bible, St. Paul’s second letter to Timothy mentions about “timidity” (to be fearful) – “for God did not give us a spirit of timidity but a spirit of power and love and self-control”. Sometimes, this “spirit of timidity” overcomes us, affecting our disposition. To overcome this fearfulness, we need to trust in and love God completely - not to be afraid of being alone, not to be afraid of being too weak, not to be afraid to love and be loved, of not being heard, and not to be afraid of anything, for in God’s eyes, “we are of more value than many sparrows”.

It is a refusal to give into fear. It is a turning to God even in the darkest times and trusting in God to make things right. This trust comes from knowing God and knowing that He is a righteous God -- total and complete trust!

Almighty Father, in You I put my trust, so, I will not be afraid of what any man can do to or against me. Teach me thy way, O LORD, that I may walk in thy truth; unite my heart to fear thy name. I give thanks to thee, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify thy name for ever.

Oh Lord, let all fear of man, fear of the unknown, fear of inanimate things be put away from us. Teach us to keep Your commandments, to walk in Your ways and to fear only You. May this fear leads us to obedience of Your will, giving us confidence in our heart, and experiencing joyful relationship with You, today and forever.

“Huwag kang mangamba, 'di ka nag-iisa
(Do not fear, for you are not alone)

Sasamahan kita, saan man magpunta
(I will be with you, wherever you go)

Ika'y mahalaga sa 'King mga mata
(In my eyes, you are worthy of my love)

Minamahal kita, minamahal kita."
(And My love for you is forever)

“Fear only two: God, and the man who has no fear of God.