The Chapman University Survey of American Fears Wave 4 (2017) results were recently published. A random sample of adults from across the U.S. responded to questions about their level of fear regarding a variety of topics. Here are the top 20 fears according to their findings:
- Corrupt Government Officials
- American Healthcare Act/Trumpcare
- Pollution of Oceans, Rivers and Lakes
- Pollution of Drinking Water
- Not having enough money for the future
- High Medical Bills
- The US will be involved in another World War
- Global Warming and Climate Change
- North Korea using weapons
- Air Pollution
- Economic/Financial collapse
- Extinction of plant and animal species
- Terrorist Attack
- Identity Theft
- Biological Warfare
- Credit Card Fraud
- People I love dying
- People I love becoming seriously ill
- Cyber-Terrorism
- Widespread civil unrest
Surprised by their results? Maybe. Maybe not. The common thread that I see throughout the findings is this:
Our fears are usually rooted in areas where we don’t feel like we have any control.
We don’t like feeling helpless or vulnerable. We much prefer the idea that we are in command at all times. We like this so much that we will even try to do things that will preserve our illusion of control. Deceit and manipulation are techniques often employed in an effort to maintain personal power.
The reality is that we don’t have absolute control over our own lives. We certainly don’t have control over the other humans sharing this planet with us. No matter how much we try to anticipate the future, we can’t guarantee what will happen.
But, there is hope.
While we may not be in control, we can trust the One who is. We may not know the future, but we can find rest in the One who does.
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. ~Isaiah 41:10
The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? The Lord is with me; he is my helper. ~Psalm 118:6-7
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears has not been made perfect in love. ~1 John 4:18
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. ~2 Timothy 1:7
We are perfectly loved by the One who knows the beginning from the end. Nothing is too difficult for Him. He knows the way and is faithful to provide and protect us on our journey.
Give God control.
Trust in His promises.
Rest in His peace.
Just let go.