Morning Devotionals

by Don Emmitte

 

February 23rd, 2008

 

“Gephyrophobia”

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27 NIV).

Do you remember the Minneapolis Bridge collapse in August of 2007? It was brought to my mind recently when I met someone whose husband is a bridge inspector. He is traveling all over the country inspecting bridges, which requires him to examine every detail of the construction. I am certainly grateful for that, but I wondered how that might really affect most people. Then I ran across a new word:  gephyrophobia. The meaning of this word is “an abnormal fear of crossing bridges.”

That might not make your top ten list, however, the bridge collapse in Minneapolis, no doubt, has heightened this fear in those who never liked crossing bridges in the first place, and has probably created a definite fear of crossing bridges in others.  Of course, your first question now might be, “So what?” Well, it brought me to our reading today when I thought about fear and anxiety. (Funny how that works, isn’t it?)

There have been many suggestions for the treatment of fear and anxiety, such as hypnosis and EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique). While these may help, as a Christian, I have found that the most important element in relieving fear and anxiety is the presence of God in my life. Certainly that's what Jesus meant in our reading today. Peace and calmness are the opposite of anxiety, phobia, and panic attacks. Peace and calmness are important gifts God has for His children!  

Even without bridges falling down there is plenty of trouble, distress, turmoil, and danger in our lives. In fact, it is relatively easy to find someone who has something falling down in their life. A harder task is finding someone who is not anxious about something! We definitely need peace in our lives today. I have to admit that even with the Minneapolis Bridge collapse and the subsequent news about all the “structurally deficient” bridges in the US, crossing a bridge is not a problem of mine. However, other things are problems. So again, I am turning to the God of Peace, who gives peace to His children. I am turning to the God who provides, to be my provider. I am yet again, accepting His gifts to me of peace, calmness, provision, and wisdom. As I focus on Him and not the issue, the anxiety again fades. Then I am able to take the next step. I know God can and will do the same for you.

Whether your anxiety is over a bridge, a job, illness, or something else, reflect on John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” Let God’s peace again calm your soul.