Frank Buchman, founder of the Oxford Group and a precursor to Alcoholics Anonymous, observed that “The root problems in the world today are dishonesty, selfishness, and fear—in individuals, and consequently in nations.” This insight remains profoundly relevant. Fear and selfishness, in particular, appear to be primary obstacles to healthy living and lasting recovery.

Fear manifests in many forms, and nearly everyone can identify with it. Likewise, selfishness is a universal human tendency. We often remind one another not to live in fear and to serve others rather than to act out of self-interest. We are encouraged not to worry about tomorrow, recognizing that each day brings sufficient challenges of its own. Inner peace and peaceful relationships with others—so far as they are within our control—are essential goals. If fear and selfishness could be reduced or eliminated, many of life’s problems would likely diminish as well.

I often say, and even have printed on a T-shirt, “It’s simple, but it’s not always easy.” One of our greatest difficulties today is the unprecedented number of distractions we face. These distractions fuel unnecessary fears and drive us to strive for things we neither need nor truly benefit from.

Living effectively in this world requires help beyond ourselves. When I attempt to manage life entirely on my own, I often make matters worse echoed humorously in a lyric by Dave Matthews. Similarly, Ryan Holiday’s book Ego Is the Enemy highlights the danger of allowing self-importance to undermine our growth. While we may maintain control for a time, life eventually presents circumstances beyond our ability to manage alone. At those moments, external support becomes essential.

There are many aspects of life we cannot control, and acknowledging this reality invites us to seek help beyond ourselves. That is where the principle of trusting in a power greater than ourselves becomes meaningful. As people created by God, we are invited into a relationship with Him—a relationship grounded in love and trust. Scripture encourages us to trust God wholeheartedly rather than relying solely on our own understanding. God desires to walk with us through life, inviting us to surrender our will and find peace and confidence in His care.

Jesus modeled a life free from fear that disables or diminishes. He knew who He was and lived with purpose and assurance. We, too, can release our fears to God, confident in the knowledge that we are loved as His children and cared for deeply.