Paralyzed With Fear

I can remember as a child in elementary school how there was a lot of unkind teasing that went on.  People were called “fatty”, “skinny”, “four eyes”, etc.  I personally was subjected to much of that myself; and, I can remember going home from school some days crying as a result.  It never felt good to be called a name.  But, it was something that we just learned to move past.  I do not even remember ever mentioning it to my parents; and, it was not something that caused fear, it was humiliating and embarrassing.  

Nowadays, that same behavior would be called bullying.  Today if they get teased, children get upset, they whine and cry to their parents, the parent gets upset, then they may either go to the other child’s parents or to the school, or both raising thunder about it – “How dare your child speak to my child that way!”  

There are certain things that happen to us in life that although unpleasant, help us to mature and learn to handle situations appropriately.  It weakens us if we constantly have someone coming to our defense – you can never learn to stand on your own two feet with that kind of “protection”.  Children must learn that life is not always kind.   

Of course, I know that some of this modern-day bullying goes much past just name calling – there are threats of harm and/or suggestions of how you should do harm to yourself just because you are who you are.  That is definitely way over the line and should never be tolerated.  Those kinds of bullies are throwing their weight around and are trying to make their victim fearful.

This whole teasing/bullying thing has now escalated in today’s society to the point of people regularly trying to humiliate and intimidate others simply because they think or believe differently.  We have elected officials and others in important positions that have become the biggest bullies of all – threatening and trying to force others to believe as they do or be punished.  They are trying to paralyze us with fear.   Elected officials in all levels of our government no longer even attempt to appear as though they are compromising on issues in order to do what is best for the majority of the population.  They push their own personal agendas – no matter how costly to people’s health, income, security, etc.  They push out erroneous information in order to control us.  If we are fearful enough, then we will tend to do anything they tell us to do, if they can convince us it is for our own good.

The multi-billionaire owners of the social media realm have decided they are the gods of the internet and you are only allowed to express opinions that they deem to be true.  If you do not bow to their beliefs, then you are not permitted to speak.  They try to cause fear in you so that you will be silenced.

Mainstream media does not report the news anymore – simply telling us, the public, what is going on in the world.  No, they editorialize the information slanting their stories to fit their own narrative.  All of them spew their stories trying to make us believe exactly as they do – to view things only from their perspective.  When they are caught with their hand in the cookie jar with a fake story, you do not hear a retraction and/or an apology – it is as though it never even happened.  They refuse to even talk about significant stories if they do not like what or who it is about, they basically just cover it up.  You cannot believe a word most of them say – much of it is just lies and is meant to spread doubt and fear.   

Unfortunately, many in our educational system are so compromised that if I were a parent today I would never send my children to public school.  Good teachers are pressured and intimidated into staying silent and just doing as they are told or they fear for their job.  The others are indoctrination specialists, teaching children to hate what this country stands for and encouraging them to think, say and act in ways that are very wrong by the standards of the majority of Americans. 

As Christians, we are told repeatedly in the Bible to not be afraid.  In fact, the phrase “fear not” is stated in the Bible 365 times – that is one “fear not” for every day of the year.  Fear will steal away our joy and our peace.  Our faith should fill us with confidence and power so that we can stand and face down our fears.  Under no circumstances should we allow our lives to be controlled by others because of fear that they instill in us.  

If you are spending too much of your time fearful for or about anything, then here are just a few verses that will hopefully encourage you.  

“People are afraid and confused. Say to them, ‘Be strong! Don’t be afraid!’ Look, your God will come and punish your enemies. He will come and give you your reward. He will save you.”  Isaiah 35:4 (ERV)

Jesus speaking said:  “‘I leave the gift of peace with you—my peace. Not the kind of fragile peace given by the world, but my perfect peace. Don’t yield to fear or be troubled in your hearts—instead, be courageous!’”  John 14:27 (TPT)

The Lord speaking to Joshua said:  “‘Remember, I commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t be afraid, because the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.’”  Joshua 1:9 (ERV)

“I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me; he freed me from all my fears.”  Psalm 34:4 (GNT)

“But when I am afraid, I will put my confidence in you. Yes, I will trust the promises of God. And since I am trusting him, what can mere man do to me?”  Psalm 56:3 (TLB)

“Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.”  1 Corinthians 16:13 (NLT)

If you find yourself starting to be fearful, speak these verses and believe them in your heart.  Do not let anyone paralyze you with fear!  Be a victor, not a victim! 

Written by Karran Martin

September 29, 2021