Oh, duh.

So here's the answer to fear vs. common sense, and also to my wife's and my present difficulties:

For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: "In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength. But you refused and said, "No! We will flee upon horses"-- therefore you shall flee! and, "We will ride upon swift steeds"-- therefore your pursuers shall be swift! (Isaiah 30:15-16)