When we look into the face of fear, the hours seem eternal. The days ahead might seem nearly impossible to accomplish with their daunting tasks as they overflow with “what if” questions. The night might so easily seem to overtake the day; the uncertainties that lie ahead may seem unbearable for any human to handle alone.
Described in Miriam Webster’s dictionary as “concern about what may happen: worry.” I might describe fear as the pesky emotion who’s agenda consists of attempting to consume. Fear seeks to destroy the somber peace we crave, and to steal the joy we know was created for us.
What do we do when life throws the curve ball? As the moments that we thought “were never going to be me..” become the very moments that will define who we are to become?
The answer is clear. Fear is a liar. A disease that is undiagnosed. A sickness that no one will escape. But don’t be fooled, my friends. Remember this: Fear is not in the business of winning. We will all have moments that hurt us, that scare us, that send us into fight or flight or panic mode. But at the end of the day?…Fear is not getting that big trophy in the glass case in the hallway that everyone will walk past and admire for years to come.
Fear can be cultivated. It can be groomed and given a cot to sleep on. Fear is looking for a place to crash, and if you give him a room? He will overtake the whole house.
So how do we kick him out? How do we look bravely into the face of worry and doubt and anxiety? What can possibly be done to exterminate this rodent that seeks to destroy the inner peace that God desires for us?
We prepare for the battle. We suit ourselves with the armor that has been laid out for us. And then? We Pray.
Pray for strength to face the dark, unknown clouds rolling in overhead. Pray for the courage to get through the hard things that you’re facing head-on; and pray to find the joy that is waiting for you both inside your struggle and on the other side.
Fear will always be part of this life, my friend, but that doesn’t mean that it has to consume yours.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.
Isaiah 43:2
Author: Mackenzie // 2019 // Fire to Flourishing