Facing Fear

Fear.

Fear of the unknown, fear of the known, fear of the things that make us change or cause us pain.

How do we make sure it doesn’t control us?

How do we lean so heavily into the father, we know there is nothing to fear?

What does it take for us to say enough is enough, and cut fear loose?

 

It has taken me heartache, leaving my lifetime church, approaching each day with prayerful optimism, and a bit of caution.  It has taken an increase in faith, a focused time each day in prayer and a realization that I am not alone. I am not only guided by the most powerful Spirit, but I am surrounded by others who have the same fears I have; an understanding of sorts.

To have something in common with others is comforting, even if it is paralyzing at times. The fears we harbor can come from many places, and one way to battle them is to pinpoint the worst ones. Figuring out what strikes the most fear into our hearts can help us ease the anxiety that comes alongside, threatening to wipe us out emotionally, physically and spiritually. Knowing there are some things we cannot control is also helpful in recognizing our fears and how to handle them on a day to day basis.

Scripture talks about fear and tells us to get over it, work through it and get on with our life. There are many verses based on this, some very popular in Christian culture. My favorite comes from

Genesis 15:1

“After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision:

‘Do not be afraid Abram,

I am your shield,

Your very great reward’.”

 

I repeat this verse over and over to myself in moments of anxiety, moments of weakness and fear.

I insert my name into the verse, and speak it out loud so my heart and my mind are on the same page.

“Do not be afraid, Angie, I am your shield, your very great reward.” It reads like a love letter from God, a verbal commitment of the Spirit to guide and cover me during the anxious moments. It fits perfectly on a post-it, to carry with me in the car, in my purse or on my mirror. It gives me hope when I am having a hard time juggling everything there is to juggle. It reminds me I am not alone.

 

I no longer allow fear to paralyze me, cause me preoccupation or immobilize me.  I have to make a conscious effort to drive fear out. I must keep my focus on Christ, leaving fear out of the picture. When I feel weakened by circumstance, I have to place my trust in the Spirit for guidance and security, knowing I am shielded.

 

Other scriptures which speak to fear include:

Gen 32:9-12

Gen 46:3-4

Ex 20:20

Mark 6:49-50