Fear's Function

Fear does have a certain function, mind you. It's like pain in that way - it can be helpful. Thank God for the gift of pain. When you feel it, you know to get away from whatever is causing it. In the same way when you fear, you know what to avoid. Fear can keep you from jumping off a building onto the street below, for example.

Fear not only lets you know to stay away from certain things. It lets you know what you need. If you are fearful, you don't have security. In the best case scenario, then, you would work to find just that. Donald Miller says your "insecurity rises the instant you realize you are alone." What we are looking for is relationship. When we are fearful, then, we have strayed from our most important, life-giving relationships.