Everyone is afraid of something. Some of our trepidations are minor in nature. For example, most of us don’t like mice scurrying around under our feet or trips to the dentist. Some fears are rational. We ought to feel apprehensive about law school exams and other major assessments.

Some fears are irrational. We call those phobias. And there are hundreds of them. And some of them just don’t make any sense at all. (For example, I am petrified of lizards-any size, any color!)

But some of us have what I will call “hidden fears.”  When we struggle with loving the Lord, accepting His care and relishing in His blessings, we might be struggling with a hidden fear.

We might be wrestling with a hidden fear when we are worried about things that aren’t even likely to occur. When we lack peace or battle with our own self-esteem, we are likely besieged with hidden fears.

And when our relationships are tentative and we are hesitant to express our real feelings, we might be struggling with some serious reservations or suspicions (some other hidden fears).

This week is an excellent time to notice what is quietly “bugging us” and address it with scripture:

When you find yourself very anxious and feeling trapped, consider Prov. 29:25: “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.”

When you can’t seem to settle in and really rest, take a look at Isa. 30:15: “This is what the sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel says, ‘In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength…”

If the headlines are terrifying you, consider the encouragement found in Proverbs 3:25-26: “Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the Lord will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared.”

And if your fearful heart is adversely affecting your relationships, take note that real love covers all our fears. Look at I John 4:18: “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear…”

The psalmist observed that they were some folks who are overwhelmed with dread and there isn’t really anything to dread (Psalm 53:5). Let’s not be like them!

Instead, let us memorize Psalm 91:4 “He will cover you with His feathers and under His wings you will find refuge, His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”