What scares you? I mean really scares you…to the point of being physically ill and unable to think of anything else. How do you deal with fear that grips your body, mind, and spirit? Do you curl up in a ball and just give up or do you dig down deep and find the courage to face that fear head on?
I am facing one of my greatest fears…flying. I’ve never flown and never planned to fly because the thought of it terrifies me. I fully comprehend the fact that it’s safer than my daily drive to work. I am not afraid of dying. I know that if I die I am going to my heavenly home because I have accepted Jesus Christ as my personal savior.
So why am I so frightened by something that people do every day? I really don’t know. Maybe it’s that sense of having no control or simply getting out of my comfort zone. I can’t nudge the pilot to get his/her attention about something ahead. I can’t cry out for him/her to slow down or watch out! I won’t have any idea of what is normal and what is truly something to be alarmed about. I just have so many questions and there are so many unknowns. I have searched the internet to gain as much knowledge as possible, but I still worry that my fear will take over what my heart knows: God is in control, and He will be with me every step of the way.
We all experience times in our lives in which we face great fear and uncertainty. Moments when we feel we have absolutely no control. Moments when we aren’t sure what the future holds. And moments when there are many unanswered questions. It doesn’t matter if you are facing something as insignificant as doing something for the first time or if you are facing something life changing. The same fear can creep in and make you miserable. Faith can help us learn to face these fears with a peace that only God can provide.
If you are living in fear and uncertainty today, I’m going to offer you the same advice I’ve been giving myself over the last few days.
- Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 Keep praying!
- I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 With His strength, I can do this!
- She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. Proverbs 31:25 NLT I want to be so prepared spiritually that I can laugh and enjoy every moment with no fear!
Remembering that God is control will help you to face your fears. There is nothing that will happen that you can’t handle with His help. Also trust that He will be with you every step of the way sitting beside you, holding your hand, and even carrying you through when necessary. You may not always feel His presence but know trust that He is there. Finally, pray. Be honest with God about your anxiety and share your deepest fears and concern with Him. So put your trust in Him and face your fear with the strength only He can provide!
photo credit: <a href=”http://www.flickr.com/photos/10199807@N00/28384002783″>Big City Lights</a> via <a href=”http://photopin.com”>photopin</a> <a href=”https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/”>(license)</a>
Tresa Walker - Strength Renewed 