# Pet the Bear

By Frank Mann Jr. · Monday, November 2, 2026 · *Philippians 4:6-7*

We all have fears. Fear of failure, injury, death, you name it. But is it really healthy? What purpose does it actually serve?

Fear serves one, and only one purpose, to keep you alive. It's nothing more than a survival response.

Here's what that means. If you're in the woods and you run across a massive bear with razor-sharp teeth and claws, your fear response should kick in and tell you, "Don't go pet the bear. You know what? Better yet, run." That fear will help you survive.

But that's the only job fear is actually built for. The moment it stops protecting you from an actual bear and starts showing up over things that haven't even happened, it stops being useful. It turns into anxiety and worry, and that's a different animal entirely.

God didn't create us to live our lives that way. He created us to live with power, love, and a sound mind.

> "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

> Philippians 4:6-7

So what are you worrying about today? Where has fear, anxiety, or worry crept into places it was never meant to live?

God gave you a spirit to overcome that. Pray for Him to give you the strength to face it. You got this.

Be Nice. Grace Wins.

FMJ

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Read on Be Nice Grace Wins: https://benicegracewins.com/devotionals/pet-the-bear