We can overcome fear by firmly rooting ourselves in God. When we realise that God is always with us to protect our lives, we will never be afraid, for God, indeed, is our free Divine Insurance Policy, says SWAMI CHIDANAND SARASWATI
In one question and answer session, a woman asked me with tears in her eyes, “How do you overcome fear? I live my life so afraid all the time. The object of my fear changes as time passes, but the fear remains.”
In my opinion, this omnipresent fear is the most insidious obstacle to our peace, happiness and progress in life. When I say fear, I don’t necessarily mean terror. Rather,I mean all that makes us anxious, nervous, tense and in need of controlling our surroundings.
The root of fear is distrust. We have been betrayed, injured and abused. We decide that the world and those around us cannot be trusted. Thus, we lose that faith which is so crucial.
So what is the answer? The answer to fear is to firmly root ourselves in God — by whatever name, whatever form you choose. When we realise that God is always with us, always for us, we will never be afraid, regardless of the circumstances. Our family and friends may betray us. They may injure us. But, if we give ourselves to God, if we make our relationship with Him our first priority, then we will never be broken inside; we will always be cared for.
There is a story of a very powerful king. This king prided himself on being generous and caring for all his subjects. He would often boast that no one in his kingdom was hungry, cold or impoverished. Once, a holy man came to see the king.
The king told the holy man how he provided for everyone in the kingdom so well. The holy man asked the king to come for a walk. While they walked in the forest, the saint picked up a large rock by the side of a stream. “Break the rock,” he ordered the king.
The king looked surprised but immediately told his servant to smash the rock. As the rock broke open they saw a small frog, living peacefully in the nutrient-rich water which had gathered inside the rock.
“Have you provided this as well?” the holy man asked the king. The king realised that he could not possibly provide something as perfect, as intricate as this food and shelter for the frog. He realised that it is really God who provides for all His subjects.
We must realise that if God can provide for even the smallest insects, He certainly will provide for us….We take out millions of dollars of insurance to protect our homes, our property, and our cars.
But, what about our lives? Who will protect our lives? We must remember our Free Divine Insurance Policy.
Swami Chidanand Saraswati is the President of Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Rishikesh, one of the largest interfaith spiritual institutions in India. He is co-founder/co-chairman of the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance (GIWA), the world’s first initiative to bring together the leaders of all the world’s faiths to enable a water-secure future.
Courtesy: www.pujyaswamiji.org
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