Psychologists claim that we are living in an age of fear. Some findings from recent studies: 18% of all Americans suffer from anxiety disorders. Women are 60% more likely to experience anxiety than men. And children and teens are facing an epidemic of anxiety, surpassing rates of depression. Anxiety disorders have become the most common mental illness in the United States.

What’s at the heart of this rising trend of fearfulness?

Experts say it’s based on a lack of confidence in one’s environment. Ironically, there is timeless truth in that fear.

The first lie that Satan told in the Garden of Eden was that Adam and Eve could be like God (Genesis 3:4). As in…they could be sovereign over their circumstances.

Oh so quickly…Adam and Eve discovered that they had swallowed the ultimate deception.

Deep down, most of us know our ability to control our life is limited. Think of the last time you had a bout of stomach flu—a reminder of how fragile health can be. Or remember how it felt when your daughter called home from college with a broken heart? Or what about the panic that set in after getting laid off from work? Or recall how how everyone felt after 9/11.

There is an antidote to fear and anxiety: trust in and dependence on a good God, who reassures us with his constant presence. Emmanuel, God is with us. No matter what.

Throughout the Bible, God tells believers to “Fear not” over 83 times. “Do not be afraid, for I am with you,” is stated over 365 times. Arguably, there is some kind of admonishment to reject fearfulness and replace it with trust in God for every single day in the year. Every single day.

Scarcity says…Fear is a natural, human response to the unknown. And this world can be terrifying!

Abundance answers…”Dear friend, guard Clear Thinking and Common Sense with your life; don’t for a minute lose sight of them. They’ll keep your soul alive and well, they’ll keep you fit and attractive. You’ll travel safely, you’ll neither tire nor trip. You’ll take afternoon naps without a worry, you’ll enjoy a good night’s sleep. No need to panic over alarms or surprises, or predictions that doomsday’s just around the corner, because GOD will be right there with you; he’ll keep you safe and sound (Proverbs 3:25-26, msg).

Source for fear and anxiety stats

P.S. To readers: This year, each Wednesday, I’m posting devotions on my blog from a work-in-progress called Scarcity Says…Abundance Answers. Your feedback is welcomed! Please leave your thoughts in comments or email me.