What does it mean to fear?Fear is emotional distress caused by impending danger, evil or pain even if the threat is imagined. Fear is the anticipation of something unpleasant will occur.The presence of fear does not mean that you have no faith. Fear visits everyone. But make your fear a visitor and not a resident.– Max LucadoHow does fear haunt us?Fear focuses on dreadFear flourishes in panicFear flusters us with dismayFear falsifies realityFear imprisons usFear intensifies our problemsFear rises in insecuritiesFear immobilizes usFear lives in our issuesBut now, this is what the LORD says– he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.-Isaiah Fear is removed through God’s deliveranceGod’s deliverance is a promiseGod’s deliverance pardons us from fearGod’s deliverance places us with HimFear is removed through God’s defenseGod’s defense gives us strengthGod’s defense gives us securityGod’s defense gives us supportGod’s defense gives us stabilityFear is removed through God’s dependabilityGod’s dependability offers us confidenceGod’s dependability offers us courageGod’s dependability offers us comfortGod’s dependability offers us compassionHow do we handle fear?Remember that God’s presence is with usRemember that God’s promises are realRemember that God’s protection surrounds us