don’t let fear control you

When did you first become afraid?

Fear is something that controls us in life as we get older.

A child doesn’t understand the concept of fear right away. It is something that comes with experience because we don’t want to face negative consequences. Children have no fear of falling until they learn to walk. They have no fear of roads until they realize the danger. They have no fear to question things until they are shamed for being curious. Fear is something we instill in others by how we act. Sometimes it comes from a desire to protect, and sometimes the desire to harm.

It can be positive. We learn from mistakes and develop a healthy fear, which protects us from unwanted harm. But when we experience things we don’t like, fear keeps us from more things than it should. We develop fear of failure, fear of rejection, fear of being shamed and embarrassed. We don’t want to be seen negatively in front of our peers, so we don’t want to try new things because it means we might not succeed. If only we could have that childhood innocence so we were no longer scared to try new things. To fall and fail and learn from those mistakes without thinking of how we are seen. To not let age and experience be why we no longer try. Instead we are kept from what is new because we are comfortable in what is known.

Fear is easily spread. We avoid what we are afraid of and can lead others to do the same. So we must be careful of our actions. Our responses affect how others respond. But being bold can give others courage. Even if you don’t feel it, one can dispel fear when there is even the smallest of hope or boldness. We weren’t made to live a life of fear. There are many passages in scripture that touches on this fact.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

—John 16:33

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave younor forsake you.”

—Deuteronomy 31:6.

”So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

—Isaiah 41:10

Something that God’s been pointing out a lot recently is how easily I can be controlled by fear. Reminding me that he doesn’t want me to live a life of fear. That he wants me to live free from the anxiety of things I have no control over. There is a time and place for fear—-and a certain amount is healthy because it is what can keep us safe. But we often tell ourselves lies and the devil uses fear to keep us from our full potential. We fear for the future. We fear the unknowns. We fear that we can’t succeed. But we weren’t made to live a life in fear.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7

Instead of fearing for tomorrow we can choose to trust God to get us through the uncertainty. 

Instead of fearing change we can choose to embrace the paths God brings us on. 

Instead of fearing our mistakes we can believe God can bring good from them. 

Instead of running away because of our shame and fear of how people will react we can choose to believe in God’s grace and forgiveness.

He’s taken me out of my comfort zone time and time again. Having me face my fears and learn to work my way through them. I’ve had to face my fear of the unknown, and fear of failure. Through fear we learn to rely on God. To trust him through the unknown and when we are uncomfortable. We may not be able to see past the fear but he can, and will help us through it.