On Fear: Staring at the Snakes
In Psychoanalysis, it is said that when you repeatedly confront your worst fear, it loses its power over you. This theory, known as systematic desensitization or exposure therapy, was developed by Joseph Wolpe.
When the Israelites cried out to God for help after many had been bitten and killed by venomous snakes in the wilderness, God responded in a very interesting way. He instructed Moses to erect a totem pole and hang a bronze snake on it. Whoever had been bitten was told to look directly at this erected image of what was hurting them, and they would be healed. Everyone who did this was truly healed.
In modern science, it is astonishing to discover that the venom that a snake uses to horrify its victim becomes the base ingredient being used to reverse that horror. The process is as follows: venom is milked from a snake, then tiny controlled doses are injected into animals, such as horses. The animal's immune system studies the poison, producing protective antibodies that bind to and neutralize the venom toxins. Blood is thereafter taken from the animal, the plasma is harvested and purified, and antivenom is produced. The poison, therefore, becomes the raw material for its own cure.
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For every problem a man faces, the answers are mostly around. The real problem is how to locate the answers. Solutions are not discovered by running away from the problems but by understanding and confronting them. When we look critically at challenges, we increase our chances of discovering insights and solutions.
Fear impedes courage, and lack of courage erodes sound thinking. For we have not been given the Spirit of fear but of love, power, and a sound mind. We need a sound mind to be able to observe, analyze, develop good strategies, and take action on the way forward.
Faith is the antidote to fear. True faith is having assurance of positive outcomes. It is important to rest on God for revelation and inspiration. Trust in God's ability to lead us to solutions. Trust in God's abiding presence. He said, "Lo, I am with you always".
References: Numbers 21:4-9, 2 Timothy 1:7, Matthew 28:20.
