I am not one that is naturally fearless, but oh I want to be! I don’t want to be afraid of people yet, I still am at times. I want to walk in the truth that I am ‘fearfully and wonderfully made’ and if you don’t like me – that’s ok, because I’m not everyone’s ‘cuppa of tea’.. but it’s also, not my problem.
I want to be fearless because I know my worth and value.
I want to walk in the reality of Psalm 34:4 – “I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears”. Now THAT is my goal, I believe it’s God’s goal FOR me! to be ‘fear-less’.. ‘fear-free’.. . I don’t want to be afraid to travel but I still am sometimes AND YET, I travel. Everytime I get in a car or plane it reminds me that I am brave.. and ‘fearless’.
I fight ‘fear’ when it comes to my recovery from my recent surgery – an ankle replacement. Fear is mixed in with the unknown, ‘Will I ever walk normally again?’…’Is it always going to hurt like this?’ Fear about the future is a daily battle, and then I remember Jer.29: 11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
I take great comfort in knowing that God did not design me to be fearful – that it’s something I’ve learned through life, and if it’s a learned response, it can be ‘un-learned’. But oh, the process to ‘unlearn’ a fear response! In my case, that usually means having to face fear and yes, fearful moments.
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7
I’ve learned that when I feel fearful, that it’s usually an indication that I am not feeling ‘loved’. Why?
Well…when I feel loved, I feel safe. I feel confident. I feel at peace. I’ve learned that when fear is creeping in – or coming in on a rampage – to stop and ask God to remind me how loved I am – to wash me, fill me, with His love. It’s amazing really! ‘Love’ is my superpower!
“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.” 1 John 4:18
In truth I can tend to be timid. and yes, even fearful – although all my friends would probably be shocked to read this. BUT the reality is I have fears that I have to overcome. Fears that make me want to change my mind, after I’ve said ‘yes’ to something. Fears that keep me up at night worrying about how I’m going to pull off an event or if I’ll give a message the way I should or could. Fears that I’ll make the wrong choice or say the wrong thing.
Anyone relate? The number of decisions I make every day or ever week that involve me having to discipline myself to not give in to fear, would probably shock and amaze some people!–
I’m not yet ‘fear-free’, but I want to be and so I keep working on exchanging my fearful responses – which are often unbalanced thoughts or untruths I am believing – with Truth! Plain and simple truth.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1: 9
I will overcome fear – you will too. It’s a matter of learning that I can do whatever He asks of me, go wherever He sends me and say whatever He tells me to say – because He IS with me. I can stand my ground. I can persevere. I can face fear and overcome!
Feeling fear is not an indication that God is not with me, or that I shouldn’t do something. Fear is simply a spirit – an enemy to overcome with the power of God’s love . So I’m working on being so filled with love, HIS love, that there’s no fear in me.
Some days that’s easier than others… but I press on.