Many childhood fears are natural and tend to develop at specific ages. For example, many young children are afraid of the dark and may need a nightlight to sleep. That doesn’t mean they have a phobia. In most cases, they will grow out of this fear as they get older.
For example, the following childhood fears are extremely common and considered normal:
0-2 years – Loud noises, strangers, separation from parents, large objects.
3-6 years – Imaginary things such as ghosts, monsters, the dark, sleeping alone, strange noises.
7-16 years – More realistic fears such as injury, illness, school performance, death, natural disasters.
As we enter adulthood, a majority of people recognize that we live in a world of uncertainty, but to completely shut ourselves down because of our fears can harm our livelihoods, our families, and our mental health.
The Word of God challenges you and me to be cautious, but to also foster a relationship with our Heavenly Father that is so deep, that our fears are replaced with the trusting relational love that He wants to bring into our lives.
Allowing that trust to permeate our lives is perhaps the greatest method of showing others what God can do...even in an environment of fear.
Have a great day and God bless!
Pastor Mike / The Open Word
