Overcoming Fears

Overcoming Fears

[Jesus said,] “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”

John 14:27

If you’ve ever visited the Amish community in West Kootenai, Montana, you’ve no doubt heard about the bachelors. Every year twenty to thirty Amish bachelors come from all over the United States to live in Montana from six months to a year to gain their resident hunting license so they can hunt in the fall. It’s quite an adventure for these young men as they travel from rural farms and factories in Ohio, Pennsylvania, or Indiana to move into the wild where the deer, bear, and moose still roam. It’s a good possibility they could run into a wild animal while riding their bicycles to work.

For all those bachelors, adventure is waiting in the area. Some may also find true love while they’re there. More than one Amish bachelor has written home describing not only his latest hike or hunt but also a pretty local girl who has caught his eye.

For a young Amish person in these parts, there can be many reasons to fear. Wild animals are one, but even greater can be the question What if I don’t find love? With only a few dozen Amish families in the area, there aren’t many potential spouses to choose from.

All of us experience fear. The truth is that the fear of being laughed at can be just as intense for some people as the fear of running into a large bear on a Montana dirt road.

So where do we go with our fears? Psalm 34:4 shows us: “I sought the LORD, and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears” (NASB). God is the only One who can truly defeat fear in your heart. And He not only takes away the fear, but also replaces it with His peace. And while the perfect Amish bachelor may not show up at the right time for the right girl, God will never disappoint us!

Dear heavenly Father, I know my fear stems from a lack of trust. Help me to trust in You!