Are you afraid of ducks?

We’re born with certain rational fears: heights, dark places, sudden loud noises and some animals like snakes. These are typical fight or flight responses. And they often keep you alive: being too casual next to a cliff could see you falling to your death.

But irrational fears can be an obstacle in your life. They keep you from trying, achieving and, most importantly, they form a barrier between you and God.

Some people are afraid of the future, public speaking, spiders, praying, meeting new people or germs (to name a few). I learned of a fear recently called anatidaephobia — the fear that somewhere, somehow, a duck is watching you. A truly bizarre and I'm sure paralysing phobia that surely robs it's suffers of the joys of visiting the park to feed the ducks on a summer's day. I'd also imagine they receive several blows to the head as the word "duck!" would illicit the response "where?" rather than the desired stooping reflex. But I digress...

For many this is no laughing matter. There is a marked difference between a fear that stops you going outside such as agoraphobia, which is a genuine medical condition and fears that are a product of attitude. But whichever fear you may suffer from, the antidote can be found in the Bible, which is why I've compiled my top seven reasons not to be afraid:

1. God tells us not to be afraid 366 times in the Bible so we should probably listen to Him as He appears quite adament. 
Josh 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.

2. God promises not to forsake us. God is our father and like any good parent He could never turn us away when in need.
Deut 31:6
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.

3. God tells us His will is perfect so you should never be fearful of the path He has set you on.
2 Sam 22:31
As for God, his way is perfect: The LORD’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.

4. God has proven time and again He can do anything and therefore overcome any obsacle.
Matthew 19:26
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

5. He’s proven time and again He will answer our prayers. Even if you're afraid, you can pray for strength to face it head-on.
1 Chronicles 5:19-20
They waged war against the Hagrites, Jetur, Naphish and Nodab. They were helped in fighting them, and God delivered the Hagrites and all their allies into their hands, because they cried out to him during the battle. He answered their prayers, because they trusted in him.

6. He’s shown many times He watches over us. He's everywhere and sees all things so it's a safe bet He knows when you're in trouble.
Genesis 28:15
I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.

7. Most importantly, He’s told us through His son, Jesus, we are saved.
John 10:9
I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture.

So don’t let fear creep in; remind yourself of these things, and encourage yourself in the Lord.

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