365 Times
Fear can only grow in darkness. Once you face fear with light, you win. - Steve Maraboli
Fear is a liar.
Fear is a thief who robs our joy.
Fear is the opposite of love, which is what we are called to be.
I have plenty of reasons to live with fear. I live in a country that has earned the highest travel advisory warning possible, for crime/violence, unrest, and kidnapping. I have had enough near death experiences, that I now have more lives than a cat. My past traumas can create panic and irrational anxieties in me. Somedays my fear gets the best of me. Lately I have been learning that fear doesn’t stop death; it stops life. A couple weeks ago I wrote this in my prayer journal:
“I can be still.
I do not need to fear.
I have been given today.
I can release my anxiety.
I can make plans without clinging to worry.
I’ve got this because God’s got me.”
Fear is a spiritual power that can negatively affect our lives. It can only be conquered by a greater spiritual power: faith in God. It’s no coincidence Jesus frequently told people “fear not”. In fact, the words “fear not” or variations of “do not be afraid” are found 365 times throughout Scripture. That’s enough times for every day of the year! Scripture tells us that Jesus has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. I am choosing to put my faith in him. Therefore, I will not fear.
Trusting in the Lord with all of our hearts leaves no room for fear. If we do fear, we need to humble ourselves and ask God for forgiveness, because we can only have room for fear where we lack trust in Him.
“When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid.” Psalm 56:3-4
“I sought the Lord and he answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.” - Psalm 34:4
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27
I thought I was being brave or strong to go forth and do things even when I had fear in my heart about them. I thought I was acting in God’s strength and “sucking it up” for the Lord, but recently God spoke “fear not” into my heart. He didn’t say, “Be strong and live with fear”. He didn’t say, “Be brave while you stay afraid”. He said, “Fear not”.
1 Thessalonians 4 says we are called to live life like it is a spirited dance. We are Sons of Light and Daughters of Day. We live under wide open skies and know where we stand. (Insert image of the cover of The Sound of Music.) I just love this imagery. Our gift of salvation and relationship to our Father is not some droning ritual or bondage, it is full of the freshness of life! It is alive and light and free! The chapter goes on to say: “Be cheerful, no matter what, pray all the time, and thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.” God wants us to live with cheer as we communicate with Him!
Worry and fear may continue to be a thorn in my flesh, but this is something I am working on. This revelation of “fear not” was so freeing to me! I would much rather live in love and light than in fear. Today is my birthday, and as a gift to myself, I am exchanging my fear, and opening gifts of trust, love, and life under wide open skies. I am going to live this next year conquering fear and learning what it means to trust God with all of my heart. I am going to fly. I am going to travel. I am going to write. I am going to live boldly with purpose and power to reach the lost, make His Name even more famous, and protect lives of people I know Jesus would have eaten dinner with. I am going to have victory over fear! As we know, perfect love casts out fear. I am giving this year to fearless love.
It would be impossible for anyone to live up to their full potential, power, or purpose with fear in their life. It is God’s will for us to live free of fear and full of faith!
Create in me a clean heart, Oh God.
Forgive me for my pride, my fears, and my worry.
I release these burdens and sins to you.
I lay them at the foot of the cross.
Clothe me with your love, peace, and wisdom.
My heart desires to serve you and make your name even more famous.
I long to see your Kingdom come, on earth as it is in heaven.
