Will You Suffer from Friggatriskaidekaphobia Today?

If you have Friggatriskaidekaphobia, you and 17 to 21 million other people may have an anxious day today. Today is Friday the 13th. Friggatriskaidekaphobia is the fear of Friday the 13th!

While there is no causal evidence that links Friday the 13th to any bad event, this day can actually paralyze people with fear. We joke about the day, but it is no joke to those filled with anxiety. You may have a family member or friend who refuses to fly, get out of bed, do business and feel paralyzed on this dreaded day.

Why the fear?

According to the Department of Psychology Chair at Cornell University, people tend to link unpleasant things or events in their lives to this perceived unlucky day. Because of the superstition associated with the day, if anything bad or negative happened to you, you could link the negative events to the date. Basically, the fear develops by association and believing superstition.

The fear or anxiety produced is clearly an issue of the mind that has been reinforced in the culture. Think about it…. 13th floors in buildings, Alfred Hitchcock was born on Friday the 13th, airports often omit gate 13, etc. Apparently this day can be a down day in the economy because people are more hesitant to do business.

Interestingly, some people link religious events to Friday, 13th. For example, the 13th guest at the Last Supper betrayed Jesus! But don’t go there because Christianity is not about luck or superstition. God has all things in control and orders our steps. Scripture is filled with verses to not fear or be anxious, and to keep our minds set on Christ.

Here are four scriptures on which to meditate when it comes to dealing with fear:

Psalm 112:7-8: They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.

Psalm 56:3: When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.

1 John 4:18-19: There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love

2 Timothy 1:7: For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

Because the day continues to make the calendar, give the fear to God. If need be, find a Christian therapist who can work with you to release this fear. Be free of the fear of Friday the 13th!

For more help with fear, worry and anxiety, check out Dr. Linda Mintle’s book, Letting Go of Worry.