How To Overcome Fear-Revisited

How To Overcome Fear With Truth - Spiritual Nugget 92 Revisited

Whenever I was preparing to take a written academic examination, I would notice a feeling of dread and depression. Someone much older identified my emotions as being afraid of failure, and wisely advised me to confront fear by repeating this before every test situation:

“Fear is False Evidence Appearing Real.”

Like many young people, I had to roll it around in my head before I decided to reject or accept the advice. After taking a few more exams that resulted in less than B grades, skeptically, I decided to incorporate the advice as part of my life tools.

I quickly learned there are more things besides taking tests that unleash fear or terror. Note: This reaction is often activated by a perceived power of an individual(s), a situation, an event, or even the god of religion. In its natural sense, it is a feeling of anticipation to avoid danger. It frequently becomes difficult to distinguish actual danger from an untruthful or erroneous situation.

There is one event of historically mixed origins that takes place in October and is regarded as an innocent celebration by too many who are unaware of the truth.

Its symbols and phenomena are associated with paganism, the occult, and fear, placing it at the top of the list as an influencer in these dread-filled events.

When someone says, “Happy Halloween,” what do they mean? Just who or what are we celebrating?

Beginning with Pope Gregory IV's designation of All Saints Day or All Hallows Day on November 1, AD 835, a new event emerged. In its original form, October 31 was the eve (Hallow Evening) before the church holiday. A shortening of the term Hallowed Eve resulted in Halloween¹.

When the Celtic people settled in Northern France and the British Isles, Halloween became their religious holiday presided over by their priests known as Druids. Characteristic of their religion was the worship of many gods with their focus on lords of their festivals: Summer (Beltane-Fire of the Bel), and Winter (Samhain (pronounced Sah win--Lord of the Dead). During these festivals, fear of the Lord of Death was overcome through human sacrifice and the offering of prayers and gifts to him.

In the 1900s, America embraced Halloween with all the pagan symbols of the ancient Celtic religion: pumpkins and Jack-O-Lanterns, witches, ghosts, skeletons, trick or treating, costume dressing, Halloween parties and events, all symbols that support witchcraft and eliminate light and love. Estimates for the massive amounts spent on Halloween merchandising sales for this celebration tops $2.4 million, second only to the Christmas holiday.

By participating in the activities of those who worship idols and other gods, we are bound to be affected. We are specifically directed not to imitate evil (3 John 11), not because God wants to quash our fun, but to protect us from evil.

For the future, skip the trip to the amusement park, Halloween fest, or creepie movie that will almost scare you to death, cost you more than your budget, leave you in terror and dread of the dark, or gift you with sleepless nights.

Even more important, to what damage are we subjecting our children by exposing them to outright danger during their door-to-door quest for candy. Besides, why do they need that much sugar?

We are reminded that God is love, and there is no fear in love (1 John 4:8). We are encouraged not to be fearful because we are blessed with power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).

Finally, God is the Giver of all good, therefore, He is the God of Peace. Focus your celebrations on He who brings light, gives peace, eliminates fear, and redeems us from our transgressions.

Rest in the spiritual peace of Christ and do not let your heart be troubled, and above all, do not be afraid. (John 14:27)

¹Ankerberg, John and John Weldon, 1996: The Facts on Halloween.
Oregon: Harvest House

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