A chaplain friend sent me an email with the advice, ‘‘Watch real close the lady on the bicycle.” As I clicked on the attachment, it opened up to a video where a cyclist was riding from right to left in the screen, weaving around poles and circling behind a merry-go-round. The video followed the cyclist and when the cyclist seemed to come right at you, up from the corner pops a black screen with a white ghost that screams.

I have seen these before but since it had been awhile and I was only taking a brief moment away from my busy schedule to open this email, I really wasn’t expecting the screaming ghost. After recovering, I thanked my friend for the brief interlude and break in my busy day.

Videos, movies and other entertainment venues provoke simplistic humor and often comic relief for many adults who seek the need to feel their heart pounding and blood racing. For many kids and youth the continual observation of fear provoking images causes an increase in released adrenaline fueling the need and desire for more.

Living off the adrenaline of fear can be an addictive life cycle that causes decision-making paralysis. It can become so addictive that some people even become blind to other options and possibilities in life.

Living in fear can also cause obsessive compulsive activity to become magnified — excessive drinking, uncontrolled anger and impulsive gambling to name just a few. These typical actions and reactions often come from fear — the fear of isolation, the fear of losing control and the fear of not having enough money.

The interesting part of actions generated by fear is that most often what is feared too often happens. I have seen the fear of loneliness cause the premature decision to marry resulting in incompatible relationships.

I have seen parental fear of their child’s failure result in either overly permissive or overbearing behaviors. The fear of economic uncertainty can persuade us to vote or act on appearances rather than on Godly values and principles which could result in further uncertainty as we become shaped by the natural consequences of selfish motivations.

We don’t have a crystal ball to deal with the fear that seeks to destroy confidence and peace. So what do we do to manage the unexpected changes or insurmountable challenges that often result in fear which then results in more uncertainty and loss of peace?

Don’t worry, be happy. I wish it were as simple as that. However, Jesus’ words as translated in The Message say, ‘‘Steep yourself in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Don’t be afraid of missing out. You’re my dearest friends. The Father wants to give you the very kingdom itself.” Luke 12:31-32 (MSG)

Someone once said that Jesus will sometimes calm the storm. And sometimes he will let the storm rage and calm the child. When we look at frightening events and trust in the Lord, we can see His hand and know whether He is calming the chaos or the child.

During World War II, a military governor met with Gen. George Patton in Sicily. When he praised Patton highly for his courage and bravery, the general replied, ‘‘Sir, I am not a brave man ... The truth is, I am an utter craven coward. I have never been within the sound of gunshot or in sight of battle in my whole life that I wasn’t so scared that I had sweat in the palms of my hands.”

Years later, when Patton’s autobiography was published, it contained this significant statement by the general: ‘‘I learned very early in my life never to take counsel of my fears.”

When you deal with your fear, don’t let your fear deal with you. Have trust and confidence in God’s provision of His presence.

Whether it is a depressed economy, Global War on Terror or family crises, God’s incredible gift of His presence within you will sustain you not only for this life but also for the life to come.