Overcoming Fear

 We all know that sex sells. Companies have used sex to sell everything from cars to cabbage. But sex seems to be yielding its throne in the marketplace. Fear may be surpassing sex as the emotion of choice for marketers who want to control commerce and politics.

Life insurance, annuities, real estate, technology and political candidates are all marketed through the advertising of fear. Fear sells. Marketers call it “shockvertising.” It is sometimes referred to as “fear mongering.” Companies know that FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) is one of the most powerful motivators for purchase of their products.   Politicians portray their adversaries as the devil and warn the world will sink into the apocalypse if we aren’t careful.  

We have always lived with fear. Those of us who grew up in the 1950s learned to “duck and cover” beneath our desks in the event of a nuclear attack. (How much protection that would have provided, I don’t know.) Many of us lived through the cold war, the Star Wars arms race, Y2k hysteria, 9-11 and Covid. Adults under 30 have no memory of walking freely into an airport terminal without TSA security.

 Every generation of every age has had reason to fear.  But, like those who have gone before us, we must not surrender.  We must live our lives with courage, confidence and hope.

God does not desire that we live in fear. In Isaiah He says, “Do not fear, for I am with you.  Do not look anxiously about you, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you; I will help you.  Surely, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand,” (Isaiah 41:10-11).

 Jesus spoke a great deal about fear and how to overcome it. Speaking to his disciples, Jesus said, “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? … Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12). When the disciples were on the sea, struggling against the wind in the dark, Jesus came to them and said. “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

 The Apostle Paul wrote, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7).

It is important that we not fall victim to the fear tactics of market manipulators and politicians. It is important that we find faith that frees us from the paralyzing fears that can rob us of power and love and a sound mind.