Sentilong Ozukum
The taxi bound Dimapur was speeding through the NH 39 at 90 km/hr. I looked at the rising speedometer and then at the seasoned driver. He seemed to be very calm enjoying every curve and turn. The speedometer flickered higher as his boots stepped on the accelerator again. He chuckled as he glanced at me and asked, “First time?” I flashed a quick smile at him and turned left towards my companion friend. Another shock was awaited me. I could not believe what I saw. My companion was whistling and humming like it was all a bike ride through the park. His friend, however had ten finger nails embedded in the cushion. As the lonely taxi knifed through the highway, I was reviewing every Bible Verse in my memory and re-confessing every sin. The ticket register may have indicated only two passengers in the front seat on that eerie Thursday afternoon but I can vouch for at least three. An unyielding passenger called Fear and I shared the same seat. This fellow companion was whispering to me omens of the unknown and the unseen. He was hissing, “What if……….What if? For three long hours this creature whispered sounds of death and accidents and it was not before the cab passed through the Sugar Mill colony that he stopped the whispers.
Fear?
Ever met this beast? Sure you have. It creeps into your seat through a dozen doors. Fear of Failure. Fear of Heights. Fear of crowds. Fear of disease. Fear of rejection. Fear of unemployment. Fear of what others are saying about you. Fear of moving away. Fear of height, depth, distance or depth. Fear of being yourself. Fear of buying. Fear of selling. Fear of finances. Fear of war. Fear of dark. Fear of being alone.
So, let me ask you. Do you ever have any fears? Have you ever met this beast called Fear? Did he ever knock at your door? Or you don’t have any time for this unyielding creature A heart problem is discovered in you and you just yawn. World War Three is announced and all you are concern about is ‘What’s for dinner?’ An Earthquake strikes and you sing chartbusters at the top of your voice. Is that what describes your life? I don’t think so. Fear is Worry’s big brother, a truck load of concrete no one can carry. Lurking in the shadows around every imaginable corner, it threatens to poison our inner peace and outward poise. Bully that it is, the creature relies on scare tactics and surprise attacks. It watches for your vulnerable moment, than picks the lock that safeguards your security. Once inside, it strikes quickly to transform spiritual muscle into mental mush.
Then how do we kill this beast? I know a very effective toxin. I have been carrying it everywhere and let me tell you, it’s an extremely effective toxin. There are completely no side effects and it’s in fact very cheap or rather free. The name of the toxin is….. Are you ready for a surprise? PRAYER.
How often do you pray? When do you pray the most? Many of us don’t hesitate to pray when we are afraid. We pray when we are boarding a bus, or facing a crowd or speaking in public. The source of fear may seem small to others but to you it makes your heart pound or redden your face. In the garden of Gethsemane Jesus prayed, “Father if you are willing, take this cup of suffering away from me.” The first one Jesus went to with his fears was his father. How we tend to go everyone else, to our friends, to a self help book, to a counselor. But next time you’re dragging your burlap sack of fears, remember what Jesus did. He set the perfect example. Go to our heavenly Father praying simply, “Lord, may your perfect will be done.” Instead of using your hands to patch yourself on the back, I guess you’d be wiser to fold them and bow down before the One who created you.
