Photo Provided by Aaron Clark: The Outer Banks

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
2 Timothy 1:7 ESV

Fear is a constant battle for me.

I heard someone say, “What you stare at becomes bigger.” I nodded in agreement. It’s hard not to feed fear when all I see are the ways a situation can go wrong. That’s when I resort to planning and manipulating in an effort to control the situation. I convince myself that it’s up to me to avoid disaster. And sometimes I will take myself out of the scenario completely. I sit on the sidelines and watch others do life, and I ultimately miss out.

When I was in grammar school, my classmates and I would regularly gather on the playground for a game of softball. I was careful to never take a position that required expertise because to say I was a terrible player is an understatement. Sauntering to the outfield, I would get out as far as possible hoping to avoid participation. But inevitably, the ball miraculously found its way straight to me.

“Catch it! Catch it!” my teammates yelled. And just when I reached for the ball, all I could focus on was how it became more and more massive upon its approach. It’s going to hit me. Land on the top of my head. Knock me out. And leave a mountain-sized lump. Thoughts swirled in my mind. And as fear overtook me, I shut my eyes and ducked out of the ball's path.

Perhaps, just as the hand-sized softball grew in size when I rehearsed the catastrophic scenarios it could bring with it, the same is true when I focus on current problems and difficult situations surrounding me. In trying to protect myself, I’ve forgotten that God is my protector. That He is the One holding the entire world––and me––in His hand. So how do we respond to fear according to God’s Word?

Three scriptures to inspire faith instead of fear are:

“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” ~ 2 Timothy 1:7 ESV

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” ~ Isaiah 41:10 ESV

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” ~ Philippians 4:6-7 ESV

It’s been many years since grammar school, and I can’t help but wonder how often throughout my life I’ve magnified fear to the point where it has stolen the joy in the simplicity of life and cost me a victory lap around the field. I no longer want this for my life. Today, I will choose to walk in faith in an Almighty God who can do all things and lay my fear at His feet.

Dear friend, I don’t know what you are staring at today that has you fear-filled. What I do know is that God is in control. He is holding you in His hand. He will give you peace, joy, and victory.

Prayer

Dear Father, sometimes it is hard to trust You to work things out for me. Thank You for reminding me that You are always in control. I choose to trust You. Fill me with peace and give me victory over fear. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.