How To Overcome Fear - Spiritual Nugget 92

After reviewing all the disastrous events that occurred during October, I have sensed an atmosphere of fear being generated throughout our nation. Fear is a natural consequence of anticipation of danger. It is powerful enough to produce extreme terror or panic which pushes us to move toward avoidance and away from danger.

A few recent fear generators that occurred in October:

• October 7: Conflict in the Middle East

• October 7: Two major earthquakes in Afghanistan

• October 10: In west-central Mexico, a Category 3 hurricane

• October 25: A shooter embarked on a mass shooting rampage

• Massive crisis-resulting events exploded in other parts of the world.

 
There is no competition in any of these events; they are all equally horrifying, and their characteristics ignite prolific fear.
 
In addition to the multiple dread-filled disasters, there is an event of historically mixed origins that takes place in October and is regarded as an innocent celebration by too many who do not know the truth. 
 
Its symbols and phenomena associated with paganism, the occult, and fear, place 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 Hallow’s 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 “Hallowed Eve” resulted in Halloween¹.

When the Celtic people settled in Europe–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 treat-costumes, costume dressing, and Halloween parties and events, which are 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. 
 
There was an almost overwhelming amount of fear placed on our doorsteps during October. For the future, avoid bankruptcy and skip the trip to the amusement park, Halloween fest or scary movie that will almost scare your clothes off, 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 and redeemed 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)

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