When I think of fear, I think of tension, and an acute awareness of the unknown. Fear can be crippling to our minds and wreak havoc on our bodies. Fear wants control and can sweep us up in a current that moves so swiftly we are left not knowing how to regain our footing again. Something usually causes this kind of crippling fear. We can probably all name something we are afraid of. Maybe it’s a fear of the dark, or perhaps it’s the fear of losing someone you love. Fear of failing at work. Fear of sickness. There are endless things we can be afraid of.
I am no expert, but I do know fear. For years, I let it control me without even realizing. It wasn’t until my body started reacting with panic attacks and pain that could not be explained, that I gradually began to realize I had no choice but to try and face my fears. The journey away from fear and facing the trauma from my childhood hasn’t always been easy. In fact, it has often been long and exhausting. However, I can now say, with confidence, that the journey to freedom has been worth every step.
In 2 Timothy 1:7 it says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind (or self control).” On the days that fear is knocking on our door, we have a choice. We can let fear come in or we can choose to not let it in. One of the most wonderful things about God creating us to be human is that He also gave us the ability to make choices. We can choose to shake our finger at fear and say, “Nuh uh! You’re not coming in today!” Oh, how I love choices!
I don’t know about you, but 2020 has severely tested my resolve to keep fear at bay. There have been days that I opened the door just the tiniest crack only to find out that fear was standing right there on my doorstep, waiting on me. Before I even knew what was happening, fear came ripping through the door, uninvited, and made itself at home. In fact, it just settled in like it belonged there and like most unwelcome guests, I found it very difficult to get it to leave!
During this time of so many unknowns in the world, I am trying to choose faith over fear and trust in the fact that I know that God is still in control. Even though the world around us may seem to change, even on a daily basis, His word does not and it will guide us. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105. Our God is still the same. He never changes and that puts my fears to rest.
I love the first few verses of Psalm 46, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling.” Just reading this brings me peace.
Friend, I pray that in the days ahead, no matter where you are, that you will have the ability to choose faith over fear. To trust and not fear the unknown.
By Mary Miller
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