I’ve consistently allowed fear to rule my life throughout the years. Whenever I was to try something new I think about all the ways things could go wrong to the point where I’d give up on that idea. As a result of this fear, I’ve also struggled with anxiety.
Governed by what we see
Fear is a prominent cause of anxiety. Many of us are consistently anxious, worrying about what will happen next or wondering when things will change for us. Each stage of our lives comes with various worries and every time we pray and receive a breakthrough another worry arises. It’s a consistent cycle and sometimes hard to control.
Fear of the unknown causes us to stay in our comfort zone. Many of us are afraid of reaching out, trying something new or even going after our dream. We are so consumed with the presumed negative outcomes to the point where we don’t consider the positive ones. Instead of what if it doesn’t work out, let’s consider what if it does.
We are a people who are governed by what we can see. Currently, many people are dying from the pandemic, many have lost their jobs or a portion of their income while others feel stuck, especially those in lockdown.
Walk in faith
There are crises arising in different countries where people fear for their lives. It’s hard not to be consumed by all that’s going on around us but today God is saying “Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious hand (Isaiah chapter 41, verse 10).
Regardless of all that’s happening around us remember “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in the time of trouble (Psalm chapter 46, verse 1).
Let us walk in faith. God told Joshua to be strong and courageous preparing him for the battles they’ll engage in. We are also expected to be strong and courageous. We may not be engaging in physical battles but every day we’re faced with spiritual ones especially against our mentality. Fear cripples us in these battles and prevents us from overcoming the trials we face.
If we recognize that our actions are being led by fear let’s go to God in prayer. “I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.” (Psalm chapter 34, verses 4-5).
Fear means there’s an absence of faith. Ask God to strengthen our faith so that like the Psalmist we can say “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadows of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me” (Psalm chapter 23 verse 4). We can also confidently say, “The Lord is my light and my salvation whom shall I fear? (Psalm chapter 27, verse 1).
Throughout periods of uncertainty, do not allow fear to rule your decisions. We are a people of the omniscient God. Pray with an open heart and mind and ask God to lead you in all your decision making. So, whatever you decide to do, it’s done with confidence in him not out of fear.
Jesus is the answer
The answer to overcoming all our worries and fears is in our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ. All that’s happening should not be a surprise to us - it was already shown to us through the word of God.
Jesus stated “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John chapter 16, verse 33). He told us what will happen and reassured us.
We also have a part to play, while others are living in fear. Let’s show them through the way we live that God is able to give them peace even in midst of despair. Let’s live a life that ministers to the needs of others to the point where they want what we have and come to know Christ as their Lord and saviour.
Latanya Fraser Cato is an elementary school teacher who enjoys reading and writing poetry. She is currently a Sunday school teacher at her church in Japan and has served on various youth-related ministries both in church and school in her home country Jamaica. She has a passion for counseling and helping others. She has published a book of poems entitled Soul’s Inspiration which she hopes will assist individuals facing various challenges..