Most of my life, I have been afraid of something or someone.
Now, I know there is a name for this…anxiety.
Fear has held me captive far too many times. I am so afraid of failure, disappointment, danger, or worse – being abandoned.
BOLD & Beautiful
Breathing Room
During my time with God today, I came across an inspiring devotional reading. It is called, Breathing Room, by Sandra Stanley. The following quote, from her devotional, really struck me:
Fear whispers the lies that we’re being left out and left behind, so we load our calendars and drain our bank accounts. Fear steals our breathing room. But do you know the most repeated command in the entire Bible? Do not be afraid. God tell us that we don’t have to let fear bully us around. He offers us a surprising simple way to overcome it.
Sandra Stanley, Author of Breathing Room
My Response
Wow, that was a sucker punch to my gut! I have wasted so much time doing things just because I was afraid of “being left out or left behind.”
From now on, I want to change that. No more avoiding potentially uncomfortable or flattering social circumstances, because I don’t feel good enough to go, or put together enough to make a good impression.
Who cares? I wish I didn’t care so much what people think of me. I wish only what God thinks mattered.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Psalms 23:1-3 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
Sandra Stanley also points out, in her quote earlier on, the most repeated command in the Bible is do not be afraid.
Fear in the Bible
In the garden of Eden, Eve was afraid she was missing out on something God was keeping from her.
Sarah was afraid people looked down on her, because she couldn’t have children, so she compromised, putting her marriage with Abraham in jeopardy.
Peter was afraid the crowd at Jesus’ trial would kill him too, so he denied Jesus three times.
Thomas was so afraid of being disappointed, he didn’t believe Jesus had risen from the dead.
Even some of the Pharisees believed Jesus was the Son of God, but kept quiet, for fear of losing their position.
They needed to be reminded not to be afraid, and so do we. When we follow Jesus Christ, the Savior and the creator of the universe, we can be confident we are in good hands.
BOLD & Beautiful
Weekly Challenge
This week, my challenge for you is to write down everything you are afraid of.
Once you’ve completed your list, cross out any fears that seem insignificant to you, or can be easily overcome.
Lastly, look up Scriptures related to the items left on your list, and related to fear.Which is greater, your fears or God’s reassurance to you in His Word?