We all have fears, don’t we? It’s part of being human. But the Bible has so much to say about not being afraid and I want to explore some of that with you, so this is Part 1 in a series on fear that I’ll be sharing over the next few weeks.
I was recently reminded of a quote by LysaTerkeurst that I read several years ago.
“Look on every fear not as a weakness on your part… but as a very real temptation to be attacked and overthrown.”
THAT is a powerful statement.
As I was contemplating this topic, I began reflecting on the fears that my children face. Over the next few weeks, we will explore some of their fears, as well as some of my own. And probably some that you face as well. I hope that this topic is something you can identify with and that we can learn together to be released from fear.
Recently, Jonah has been coming out of his room at night, telling us that he is scared of the dark. Scared of his room. Just scared. Mostly I think it’s just a ploy on his part so he can stay up later. Five-year olds…
Usually I make him get back in bed, but one night I decided to explore his “fears” a little more deeply. As I sat with him in the room, illuminated by the dim glow of his nightlight, he began describing his fear of being in his room alone at night.
We can all relate to this on some level, right? There have been nights when Peter was out of town and I felt vulnerable and afraid, fearful of what might happen without my protector by my side.
As I listened to Jonah, I reassured him, telling him that he was completely safe and secure in his room, in our home, and that God would help him when he was afraid.
“All you have to do is pray and ask Jesus to help you not be scared anymore,” I told him.
And then he said this:
“But God doesn’t take away my scared.”
Wow.
Isn’t this sometimes one of our biggest struggles? Not truly believing that God will “take away my scared?”
It’s so easy to talk in platitudes.
The Lord will protect us.
God is good all the time.
God has a bigger plan for you.
The Lord will remove all your fears.
But do we truly believe what we say? Do we truly believe what the Bible says?
I have a tendency to talk a good game. I can say all the right things, use all the right Christian lingo. But my heart doesn’t always jive with what my mouth says.
Here’s the truth, though. God really can take away our fears. He wants us to run to him when we are afraid, when we are hurting, when we are uncertain. His desire is for us to run to him first. Before we worry, before we fret, before we vent to our friend.
Psalm 34:4 says this:
“I sought the Lord and he answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.”
And Psalm 94:19 reminds us that “when anxiety was great within me, Your consolation bought me joy.”
At the end of my conversation with Jonah, I gave him his favorite stuffed puppy, prayed over him, and kissed his sweet blond head, his little fists curled up under his chin. Tucking him in, I reminded him that Jesus loves him, his daddy and I love him, and he has nothing to be afraid of. He seemed okay with that statement. At least for one more night.
Today, friend, as you struggle with fear or uncertainty, run to the One who wants to take it away. The One who will deliver you and bring you joy.
What is your biggest fear? I would love to hear how you are handling this struggle today.