You're listening to Encounter, a simple daily podcast to help you find the sacred in

the ordinary.

We have 100 meditation episodes on this podcast, but if you want to listen for free to the

entire library of 500, I encourage you to download the Encountering Peace mobile app where

all the meditations are free as they should be.

What makes you afraid?

Is it more tangible things like snakes and spiders or flying or public speaking or emotional

triggers perhaps like the fear of rejection or loss of love?

Though the reasons vary, fear's purpose seems to be divinely designed to keep us from

harm.

It seems to start with the amygdala, an almond-shaped bundle of neurons buried deep in the brain.

When you sense something potentially dangerous, the amygdala sends signals to the other parts

of the body, saying, hey, you wake up, pay attention, I'm afraid something bad is about

to happen.

But how do you respond when you face something that frightens you?

Well this meditation from Proverbs chapter 9 is a reflection on fear, learning that

fearful emotions and anxiety can be the beginning of godly wisdom and knowledge and even understanding.

So let's begin by surrendering this time in this place to ponder the outcome of God's

guiding hand in our lives, even in times of fear.

A moment to become realigned with the wisdom, knowledge and understanding of the Father,

the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Continue on now in this time of awareness by listening and then responding to this passage

...