What strikes fear in your heart? In third grade, I was dead scared of Mad Madeline. I watched a B-grade horror movie without my parents knowing. Every night, I’d check under the bed to make sure she wasn’t there waiting to get me.
I’ve long since grown out of my fear of Mad Madeline, but other things scare me. My stomach hurts, and I wonder if I have cancer. I worry that we might not have enough money. My husband’s late, and I wonder if he had an accident. I’m afraid of trying a new project. What if I fail? I hesitate to reach out to a new friend. What if she won’t like me?
Fear can paralyze us if we let it.
Fear comes from our enemy. Satan wants to tear us down, disable us, and stop us in our tracks, so he shoots darts of fear into our hearts.
But God is greater than our fears.
His Spirit whispers reassurance: “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.”
He repeats it over and over again to us in His word: “Fear Not.”
We can rest assured because God is our Refuge and our Strong Tower. He’s our Strength and our Shield. He has us in the palm of His hand. He treasures us and will care for us. He goes before us. His power overcomes our greatest obstacle. His love supplies our deepest need.
Three Truths to Put our Fears to Rest:
We’re His Prized Possession
He Protects Us
He Provides for Us
We have a Shepherd who cares for us. He prizes us. He’ll protect and provide for us. With Him at our side, we have nothing to fear.
What about you? Have you faced any fears lately? How does God put your fear to rest?
I’m linking up with Kate Motaung’s Five Minute Friday. Writers all around the world join in a flash mob of free writing. This week’s prompt is “Fear.” Join us over at Kate’s place for fun and encouragement. Also joining with Arabah Joy’s Grace & Truth, and Barbie Swihart’s Weekend Brew.
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Fears? Sure, every day. I wonder how much more pain and nausea I can bear, and what “not bearing it” actually means. There’s no money for medical care, much less hospitalization, and no insurance, so this is really down to bush medicine.
While I don’t find Scriptural ‘tags’ particularly edifying (or comforting, at this point), I DO find comfort in the arcs of the stories in the New Testament. In their completeness, and in the feeling that “this is the only way it could have happened”, I find the meaning that says that I, too, am a part of this.
There is a story in God’s heart for which I am indispensable, both now, under the current circumstances, and in the transcendent.
The present may suck, but no worries, in the long run, I’ll be right.
You face fears that few of us have to Andrew. You’re a brave man. God is with you. I love that idea of finding comfort in New Testament stories.
Betsy,
When fear strikes, I know at least two things…the enemy is at work and chances are I’m having some trust issues. The only thing that casts out fear is perfect love. The only perfect love I know is God. He is where my victory will be found, so I humble myself and ask…sometimes I beg…but I ask Him to give me reassurance, increase my faith and trust, give me what I need to face my fears. I find comfort in knowing He wants me to ask and call on Him.
Blessings,
Bev
Amen, Bev! You’re a woman who fights fear head on. Good for you. Thanks for sharing.
I can totally relate to fear. When I was in a much worse mental state than I am now, I was convinced I had cancer and was going to die that year. I didn’t have my faith as established as I do now, so I felt God was punishing me. I don’t believe in that now. I see God is there to help me get through life.
I’m praying for you now, Astrid. How wonderful that God has delivered you from fear. If we are in Christ, He has taken our punishment, and you are right. God is not punishing us. He sees the righteousness of Christ over us. He’s there to help us and love us.
Mad Madaline! Ha! You are right. Fear paralyzes- and pulls us away from the hope and peace of God. But when we remember those three “P”s (Prized Possession, Protects, Provides) we can hear His Spirit whispering – to keep us moving and chase the fear away. Great post, Betsy! Happy Friday!
Happy Friday to you, Karen. Yes, I want to move toward God and chase fear away!
Thanks, Betsy! I think that as we get older, our fears become more mundane. I used to do the whole “check under the bed” thing when I was younger too, but now it’s all about the results of living on a fallen planet. Thanks for this post! One of these days I’m going to get organized and participate in the Five Minute Friday prompt. You do such a great job!
I’d love to read your 5 minute Friday posts, Michele. You’d be great at it! Yes, the fallen world offers much to fear, doesn’t it? but God IS greater!
Thanks for sharing…I have definitely been paralyzed by fear and insecurity at times, and I love this encouragement to remember God’s truths and promises over me. Have a great weekend!
Thanks for stopping by, Lauren. His promises never fail us!
Every night when I went to bed growing up, I feared for the lions and tigers coming out of the woods to get me. My dad would have the same talk with me, sitting on my bed, night after night. He finally got through to me that I did not live in Africa.
But as we grow, our fears take different shapes and sizes, just like you so aptly put it, “Fear comes from our enemy. Satan wants to tear us down, disable us, and stop us in our tracks, so he shoots darts of fear into our hearts”. Love that.
We must surround ourselves, soak ourselves in the TRUTH of the gospel and the comfort of God’s Word.
Profound and honest, as always, Betsy!
That’s pretty funny about the lions and tigers. (Of course it’s funny NOW, but 30 or so years ago, it wasn’t that funny, I bet.) I like that Ruthie: We must surround ourselves, soak ourselves in the truth of the gospel.
Betsy I have struggled with fear most of my life. When I’m not fearful, worried or anxious, I think I have missed something! Thanks for these truths. May we all tuck them in our hearts to pull out to use as daggers on our fears. Blessings friend!
Ha! I know what you mean, Carmen! We think we’re missing something if we’re not worrying…I’m gonna try to stick closer by my Shepherd.
Oh yes, fear is so hard to deal with at times. So much is out there to be fearful over. We would be frozen in our tracks if we didn’t trust. Only God is in control and when I release and understand that, then the fear is not so high.
Yes, Sharon, only God is in control. (Even thoughI sometimes try pretty hard myself to control things, but that never works. 🙂 )
I so enjoyed the direction you went with this word prompt, Betsy. So grateful for our Shepherd who is greater than any of our fears. Blessings!
Thanks Joanne. I’m grateful for our Shepherd too. 🙂
‘Fear not for I am with you. Be not dismayed, for I am your God.’
One of those verse that wends its way through my mind during the late night hours when sleep is hard to find. Thanks for your wisdom here, Betsy.
Sabbath blessings to you, to yours …
What a great verse to quote tonight. The only reason I can live life without cowering in fear is because I know Who holds the future, and He’s holds me in His hand as well.
I love that, Asheritah. We know Who holds the future. Thanks for stopping by today.
Betsy, I’ve lived too much of my life paralysed by fear and it’s taken many years to see it for what it really is:False Evidence Appearing Real. If we trust our feelings then fear will have a field day with us. Faith doesn’t rely on fluctuating feelings but on the rock-solid word of God. Little by little, as we feed our faith and starve the fears they do begin to recede and are less likely to impact so greatly on our daily lives. Thank you for the great insights shared here! Have a blessed weekend. 🙂
False. Evidence. Appearing. Real. is a great accronym, Joy. Such a good reminder of what our fears are based on. Thanks for visiting today.
Fear is such a awful companion – and one I frequently find taking up residence with me. I’ve had to get tough with it and kick it to the curb on numerous times. Love how many times God tells us in scripture, “Do not be afraid” – such a comfort and encouragement.
Kathryn, I think God knows how much we deal with fear. That’s why His word says “Do not be afraid” SO Many times. I still don’t learn trust easily though…
“God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.” I’ve had this verse on my mind lately as I have been studying about feelings of inferiority. By no means did He intend for us to live in fear. We are intended to walk in confidence. To walk boldly with our God.
I love that scripture, Debbie. Such a powerful word. We need love, power, and a sound mind!
So grateful for the reminder that we are indeed His prized possession. It helps me to remember that when I am the most afraid.
It’s amazing to think that God prizes us, isn’t it Holly? Hope you have a good weekend.
Beautiful, friend! So thankful we have nothing to fear when God is leading us. I was blessed by your words of encouragement for this particular time in my life. Much love to you, Betsy!
Julie, I’m praying for you when you come to mind. That God would open doors. You are a brave sister.
Great post! I am able to walk bravely because I am learning to face my fears. Until I have dug deeply into those things that hold me back I will not be able to fully follow God. Love that you are part of the FMF community and for sharing at The Weekend Brew. Happy weekend friend!
You are a BRAVE woman, Mary. I do enjoy the FMF community. Have missed it the past few weeks…
Betsy, fear can totally paralyze us if we let it. But indeed God is greater than our fears. So very true!! Visiting from FMF where I’m parked in the #8 spot!
Thanks for stopping by, Tara. Yes, GOD IS GREATER!
Hi Betsy! I had a time in my life when fear definitely changed how I lived. I didn’t really understand it at the time though, only in looking back do I see clearly how evil wanted to stop me in my tracks. Fear is a powerful motivator, but also a powerful way to stop.
Now I try to listen more to that still voice that tells me everything will be okay. Most of the time, my fear is fueled by ME!
God never stops trying to bring me His peace. Why do I keep doubting that? Sigh…
Blessings to you!
Ceil
Fear is subtle, isn’t it Ceil. Wears many masks. I think you’re right on when you say you’re trying to listen more for that still small voice! Thanks for sharing this.
I have definitely had times like this in my life. It’s been an ongoing challenge to get through those times, but God continues to be faithful and I grow through each struggle. Thank you for joining us at Grace & Truth!
He is faithful, Rebekah! Thanks for stopping by.