God didn’t give us spirits of fear, nor does He want us to live wrapped up in frantic emotion. Increased heart rate, sweating, trembling, and nausea, all symptoms of the primal emotion that can grip us. The powerful feeling varies for different people, but we all experience it in one way or another.
Years ago, I took my niece and nephew to Water Country amusement park. As soon as we arrived, we hustled to their favorite ride, a tall, towering water slide that used inflated tubes to whisk people around its curves. Excited, the kids ran ahead of me, not waiting to board their tubes and spiral away from me.
Fear gripped me. My mind filled with all the things that could happen before we reconnected. Their innocent action impacted me negatively and caused us to go home early. They didn’t realize the potential danger that awaited kids, separated from guardians, in a public situation where predators lurked. But I did. And my fear controlled my actions, ruining the day for the kids.
Decades later, I still regret my overreaction to that event. Allowing the fear to dictate my response, I lost out on making precious memories with my two favorite kids. Now that one of them resides in heaven, I regret it even more.
Trusting God and accessing His power, self-control, and love allows us to tame the beast of fear and not allow it to dictate our actions. Tap into the Savior’s strength and put fear in its place. Don’t let the emotion steal your joy. Live abundantly with Christ.
Prayer:
Lord,
Thank You for giving us Your Spirit to strengthen and guide us. Please help us tame the fear that tries to overtake us and live boldly for You instead. Let us experience freedom in Christ as You desire.
IJNIP. Amen
