Brand X Fear

Whence then cometh wisdom? and where is the place of understanding? Seeing it is hid from the eyes of all living . . . And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding. [Job 28:20-28 KJV]

The fear that the mind perceives for the physical body and for accumulated possessions is magnified as the body weakens with age. Our efforts to preserve our health and safeguard our material existence seem to produce only additional anxiety. As we increase our reliance on the products and safeguards offered by our transient reality, we become increasingly immersed in the very transiency that creates fear.

If we acknowledge only a secular reality, a material existence without spiritual, divine aspects, we cannot envision a solution to our fears other than in physical safeguards. If our efforts are directed only at developing material protection, ultimate security will elude us.

However, when we cultivate reverence and awe of the Divine, equanimity, security and peace emanate from a transcendent reality in which the rust of material possessions and the decay of physical existence pose no threat. Our thoughts are now channeled through the filter of Divine mercy where hope supplants anxiety and faith replaces fear.