From Fear To Freedom

Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name.

Psalm 142:7

It was easier to help my daughter Catherine face her fear of rainstorms than for me to face my fear of flying, but I learned a lot by helping Catherine. Namely, you can’t run from fear, because fear is inside you. The only way to deal with fear is to face it head-on before it takes over your life.

Catherine’s fear started when we were once caught outside in a violent storm. It wasn’t long before I saw that she feared storms so much she was willing to forsake opportunities for fun and friends to avoid storms. I knew that if she didn’t conquer her fear, it would become more entrenched.

So on the next rainy day, I scooped up Catherine, and we headed outside. At first she cried, but then I began to jump and stomp in the puddles. I laughed at the sky and rejoiced in the rain. Surprised by my complete absence of fear, Catherine stopped crying and began to laugh. Soon she was stomping in the puddles with me.

Now I can’t keep Catherine inside when it rains. She grabs her sister, and they put on their rubber boots to run into the puddles.

And me? I faced my fear, too, and today I fly almost every week—fearlessly.

Lord, please give me wisdom to know how best to face my fears so I can experience the grace of Your deliverance and freedom.