Are You Afraid of Life?

Our fears reveal our spiritual condition, and one of the most unhealthy fears is the fear of life itself, which shows itself in retreat, dissatisfaction at every stage of living, frantic busyness or total apathy, an inability to rest or rejoice, and, ultimately, a deep fear of death; this fear arises from an unacknowledged sense of guilt, for both life and death confront us with God, whom the fearful soul resists. Such fear drives people to seek security in things rather than to embrace life itself, yet possessions never give life, nor do they ease its burdens, but often deepen them. The one who fears life cannot love it, neither in its joys nor in its sorrows, because guilt stands like a flaming sword between the soul and the tree of life. This fear cannot be cured by a desperate attempt to live more fully, but only by reconciliation with God in Jesus Christ, who restores us to life by forgiveness, repentance, and obedience; for in Him alone life is given abundantly, and through Him the fear of both life and death is overcome.