Fear

My childhood was less than idyllic. The details aren’t important, but the legacy it left behind was fear. I am often afraid for no obvious reason. I may be cooking or writing or praying or riding in the car, and suddenly I find my heart racing in abject fear. Or sometimes I’m afraid for a much more obvious reason. Perhaps my teen was supposed to be home by 11 p.m., and it’s now nearly midnight, and they’re not home, and they’re not answering their phone.

In all my years of struggling with fear, my biggest breakthrough came when a friend pointed out that fear is a spiritual response. Both rational and irrational fear are driven by spiritual forces, and I can either succumb to them or resist them. God’s Word carries great power over the spirit of fear. The next time you find yourself doing battle with the spirit of fear, try some of these: speak God’s Word, pray, listen to worship music, and declare what you know to be true. It may not happen all at once, this victory over fear. It may not be complete victory the first time, or perhaps anytime. But our victory is always found not in who we are, but in who God is. Recognize fear for what it is: an assault against a daughter of the King. Speak truth, precious mom! Let your children see you praising God in the midst of your struggle. God is by your side. He will help you.

WHEN YOU ARE TEMPTED TO GIVE IN TO A SPIRIT OF FEAR . . .

God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

WHEN YOUR MOTHER’S HEART IS TEMPTED TO PANIC . . .

Be still, and know that I am God!

I will be honored by every nation.

I will be honored throughout the world.

WHEN YOUR FEAR CAUSES YOU TO FORGET ABOUT PRAYER . . .

In my distress I prayed to the LORD,

and the LORD answered me and set me free.

The LORD is for me, so I will have no fear.

What can mere people do to me?

WHEN YOUR CHILD NEEDS REASSURANCE THAT GOD IS THEIR HELPER . . .

See, God has come to save me.

I will trust in him and not be afraid.

The LORD GOD is my strength and my song;

he has given me victory.