Freedom from Fear

            I recently realized that I am a fearful person. I’ve been afraid of losing loved ones, afraid of natural disaster, afraid of yesterday’s election, afraid of where our country is headed… Everything kept piling up, until I realized that I was living in constant fear.

            Fear is a lack of trust in God. I’m sure we all know this simple truth, but have you ever really thought about it? That when we are fearful, we aren’t trusting fully in God?

            I’m not saying that you’ll never be afraid. Life is frightening sometimes, and we can’t help but be fearful. But if we continue to live in fear, then it shows that we aren’t willing to trust God.

            Everything that happens in life is according to God’s plan and will. Shouldn’t we be content to let it all rest in His hands? Even if we worry, He’s still in control. So by living in fear, all we’re doing is missing out. Missing out on the blessings and gifts He has planned for us along the way.

I love the song Believe Me Now by Steven Curtis Chapman. This line has always stood out to me:

I am the God who never wastes a single hurt that you endure. My words are true, and all My promises are sure, so believe Me now.

            That first part just gets me. I am the God who never wastes a single hurt. Wow. All the pain that I have endured, all the hardships I’ve faced, it’s all for a reason. God is going to use every little hurt to create His beautiful masterpiece.

            God is the Grand Author. As a writer myself, that just makes everything so much clearer. I know what it’s like to have stubborn characters. I know that sometimes you have to hurt them to help them grow. And I know that the end result will be a complete, beautiful story. Hopefully, one that honors and glorifies God.

            In closing, I would like to share some verses with you that have blessed me. The first verse I read for the first time exactly six months ago – two days after Josh drowned. I found Isaiah 12 to be a huge comfort, but this verse in particular stuck with me.

            Accept the comfort that God offers, and let go of your fears. It will be worth it.

Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid, for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation. -Isaiah 12:2

And those who know your name put their trust in you,

for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you -Psalm 9:10

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you -Psalm 56:3

In God I trust; I shall be not be afraid. What can man do to me? -Psalm 56:11

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. -John 14:27

And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God.” -Mark 11:22