In the American game show, Fear Factor, contestants are divided into teams that compete to see who can endure fear-inducing challenges, from eating repulsive things to being in a rat-infested pit. The team with the most endurance wins the cash prize.

Fear is a part of the human experience. From the beginning of time, fear presents a challenge. No one is exempt from it.

The annual Chapman University Study of American Fears documents the things many Americans fear, including the loss of a loved one, government corruption, air pollution, and caring for sick loved ones. In fact, anxiety disorders are Americans’ most common mental health issue.

Anxiety, depression, and fear respect no national boundaries. They are universal. They affect all of humanity, all over the globe.

In Proverbs 3:25-26, Solomon reminds us to put our firm trust in God. He doesn’t dismiss the reality of sudden fear. Instead, he admonishes us to have faith in the face of fear.

I believe Solomon is encouraging us to live in the faith factor and not dwell in the fear factor. God promises to keep us from being overtaken by destruction like the wicked. God’s protection and provision buoy our faith in Him.

Although fear is universal, faith is too. When we put our trust in God, our fear transforms into faith.