Alive | Afraid

A friend was recently talking to me about being afraid for our world.  I thought... who did you think you called?!  I am legit afraid all the time about what's coming next!  I mean I'm still afraid of the dark even at my age.  (I know. Don't judge me.)  I'm alive, so I'm definitely afraid. 

We talked about all that's gone on lately.  The shootings.  Ukraine.  Any given day on the news.  It's a lot and it can become overwhelming very quickly. 

We also talked about how dismissive people can be, especially Christians.  About the guilt we feel when we're afraid because we've been taught that being afraid means we're not trusting God enough. 

Don't get me wrong.  All 365 verses telling us to not be afraid are absolutely important.  

But why are there 365 verses?  I mean couldn't God have just told David and Paul to each say something like "Don't be afraid and that goes for every single day"?  

He could have. 

But I think it's because of a few things.  

First,  we're stupid and stubborn.  Even with hundreds of reminders, I still forget and get all afraid when even the slightest thing goes wrong or is out of my control.  

Second, Him telling us only works if we're listening.  We're required to take on a posture of humility and obedience for those reminders to actually work.  We have to rely on His truth. 

He didn't say we won't ever be afraid.  He didn't tell us we're stupid.   Fear is a real feeling, but we can't hear him telling us to not be afraid if we never fear. It's all about that listening. He's not saying never be afraid. I think He's just saying "Hey now that you've brought it to me, I'm telling you it's going to be okay.  You don't have to keep being afraid."  We see time and time again that people in the Bible who walk closely with the Lord call to him and utter reassurances whenever they face the impossible or are anxious.  

My favorite verse to recite when I'm scared I learned when reading one of those old Mandi books.  (Of course it's in the King James because for awhile there no one could learn about Jesus if it wasn't KJV.)  "What time I am afraid I will trust in Thee." Psalm 56:3  

I loved it first because it rhymed so it was easy to remember.  Now, it reminds me that even as a grown woman, I'm still just a child that needs her Heavenly Father's protection. It reminds me that I don't have to be a baddie all the time and that WHEN (not if!) I am afraid I know I can trust in Him.  

Today, write out three things that are bringing you anxiety or fear.  Don't just name the little stuff that sounds good.  Name the ones that impact you the most, even if they seem dumb.  (Girl- how stupid do you think I feel every time I say I'm afraid of the dark!?) 

-Pray over each one.  

-Do a quick Google search for verses on fear.  Find one that fits each of your fears you wrote out.  Write them out, post them on your mirror, set a reminder on your phone for it to tell you to read it daily.  Work to memorize each so that WHEN your fears arise, you have the power of God's word to say aloud. 

-Focus on maintaining a posture of child-like humility, especially when feeling afraid.  Breathe your scriptures as you face each fear with Him by your side. 

You will still face hard times, fears, pain.  Loving Jesus doesn't stop those things. *ahem-- He didn't get to avoid the cross*  But it does give us the hope and promise of a perfect eternity worshiping the One who walks beside us in all our moments.