July 13, 2022 –
When I was very young, I experienced my first ride on an escalator, in Rich’s department store in Atlanta, Georgia. Even though I had ridden a passenger elevator several years early, I stood in awe as I watched this moving staircase carry people between the floors of Rich’s.
I stepped onto the escalator and rode to the next floor. Once there, I got on the down escalator and returned to the first floor. And then I repeated the process several times. I know people who fear riding escalators, and, like every other fear, it has a name, escalaphobia.
Today, people may not fear stepping on a moving staircase. But they fear. Here is a short list of fears. There are many more.
- The fear of poverty
- The fear of failure (Atychiphobia)
- The fear of death (Thanatophobia)
- The fear of enclosed spaces (Claustrophobia)
- The fear of developing a disease (Nosophobia)
Scripture verses to comfort when you face fears.
“God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7)
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4)
Don’t have Godophobia. Step on the moving stairways and be ready to meet God on the next floor.