There is a kind of fear that arises solely because the mind is not in the present moment. This kind of fear is one that exists around a hypothetical problem which we have decided to create for ourselves.
If we have a tendency to see things from a negative perspective, we are bound to dream up all kinds of hazards and potential disasters down the road. These pit falls have not come to pass but we reason that we are being prudent and careful. However, this is not necessarily the case.
If our caution is driven by fear rather than a rational assessment of the real risks then our caution might be excessive and thereby shield us from opportunities. The most immediate and pertinent example is avoiding mediation practice due to fear of what it will be like.
If we insist on clinging to this mind set where we are always worried about the future, we will never escape from suffering. When we practice meditation we are learning to reverse this process. Instead of allowing the mind to constantly roam into the future or the past in an unproductive way we train it to consistently return to the present moment.
The benefit of doing this is that only when the mind is in the present moment are we are in a position to properly assess the benefits and risks of a particular course of action. Therefore, if we find a way to overcome our fear of meditation, we will make much better decisions, decisions that eventually lead a real satisfaction and happiness.