“Don’t be afraid. Just have faith.” Mark 5:36

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Fear.

It is something I have struggled with since I was a child. Some of my hears are rational, most are not.

Some of this, I am convinced, has to do with a chemical imbalance in my brain. I know this to be true because one minute I’m okay and the next, I am not. My mind is like a racetrack. There are at least two to eight lanes and there is a stream of at least five runners constantly sprinting toward the finish line that seems to move farther back with each turn. It looks like a plane radar. There is never really an end or beginning, just a spinning dial.

Other fears that plague me come from past trauma. Everyone deals with trauma differently. When we have lived in a constant state of panic for months and even years, this can cause us to fear later on in similar situations or when we remember the abuse, neglect and shame we felt and endured.

Expectations also bring fear. I work okay under pressure, but not under scrutiny. I can handle constructive criticism, but handling the negative opinions of others about my character or my choices is hard, and I think that is true for most people. Always try to evaluate if someone’s correction has any basis of truth. If it does, we can work on that. If it does not, we go on. Still, I know in my heart that I must please and serve God above all else. Trying to meet the expectations of others leaves me feeling unsatisfied, anxiety ridden and hopeless.

All three of these components aid in developing and producing fear.

That feeling in your chest. The tightness. 

Stammering in your voice… the words won’t come out. 

The blank drawn in your mind. What did they say? 

Your palms are sweaty. It’s hot in here. 

Fear.

So, now that we know some elements of fear, what can we do to combat fear?

What if I told you the only way I can feel any peace lately at all is by enveloping myself fully and completely in Jesus?

I’m not talking about being distracted; although keeping your mind busy is a great way to fight fear. I am talking about literally immersing myself in Christ and feeling His presence.

Christian music, devotional-reading, scripture-speaking time with God that makes my heart still and my time on earth more bearable.

I’m not talking about one quiet time a day, even though this is great!

I am talking about all throughout my day.

Looking to Christ for answers, peace, joy and love throughout my day so the nights are not so dark and the mornings so dim. Holding onto Him like a lifeline, like a stream in the desert.
Craving every drop of mercy.
Every sliver of wisdom.
Every graceful breeze.
Every single moment.

Sometimes I want to give up, even as good as my life is.

But I can’t.

And neither can you.

The world needs you.

Jesus can use you.

We repent, go forward and impact the world for Christ!

We reside in Him, even when we don’t feel like it.

Because Jesus is life.

Don’t let satan steal your peace, or your joy.

You are loved.
Valued.
Useful.