Do You Suffer From Paraskavedekatriaphobia?
Symptoms of paraskavedekatriaphobia, the fear of Friday the 13th, can vary from mild anxiety to serious panic attacks. This is why people who are afraid will change their daily schedule or even have a day off work. Some economists claim that fear of this day has a negative economic impact.
But how did Friday 13 get such a bad reputation?
There are many opinions on how Friday the 13th got such a bad reputation. Unlucky number 13 even has roots in the Bible. Judas, the apostle who betrayed Jesus Christ was the 13th guest at the Last Supper. Also, in ancient Rome, there was a belief that witches gathered in groups of 12, as the 13th spot was reserved for the devil.
Many historians believe that Friday 13 got a bad reputation after the Templar Knight tragedy that began on that day in 1307. French King Philippe la Bel ordered hundreds of Templar Knights to be arrested for heresy. In the next seven years, many were tortured and killed, as well as imprisoned. The Templar Knights or 'Poor Knights of Christ' were a monastic order of knights founded in 1112 A.D. to protect the pilgrims along the path from Europe to the Holy Lands. Some fear of this day can be found in Norse mythology.
FEAR NOT
The command, “fear not” is the most repeated command in all of Scripture. Of everything commanded by God, the prophets, the apostles, angels, and others, “fear not” shows up more often than anything else. This tells us two very important things. First, the most common human condition is fear. And second, it is the emotion that is least warranted for a follower of Christ.
Even though fear is an emotion, we do not have to let it rule our minds.
As Christians, we have the mind of Christ.
Luke 12:7 (KJV) But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.
Rev 1:17 (KJV) And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead.
And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me,
Fear not; I am the first and the last.
Joel 2:21 (KJV) Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice: for the LORD will do great things.
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Since fear is an emotion, and that emotion has to do with circumstances, and that we can't control our circumstances all the time, and that our circumstances allowed by God to happen for us, what are we to do? Maybe quietly looking up toward heaven and maybe, just maybe, says, " Let me learn to trust Your heart".
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