Dealing with hidden fear

When you get a deadly diagnosis, or find out that you lose your job, fear is more obvious.

But the anxiety we might feel when we have to get on an airplane, or give an important speech isn’t always as recognizable.

It’s harder to detect the root of fear hiding behind anxiety.

Years ago, after going through so much pain and abuse from my past (and before I met my husband), there was a moment I thought my daughter and I would have to live in our car. That brought fear, but thankfully and by the grace of God, I saw it rather quickly and was able to push it aside to do what had to be done.

Fear and anxiety can seem understandable, but it’s never God’s will…because it’s just not good for us.

Fear is often so ingrained in our way of thinking and culture that it feels like part of our personality.

But that’s the furthest thing from the truth. In each moment, we have to make a conscious decision. Will I allow fear to control me, or will I remind fear that I am in control, and more than that, God is in control?

Fear is a liar and it doesn’t let up in the face of adversity. If anything, fear takes a seat at our table during challenges to see if it can win our agreement.

But to me, fear stands for:

F-alse
E-vidence
A-ppearing
R-eal

This has helped me to realize we have a decision to make. Who are we going to listen to? Fear or faith?

Let’s choose faith.