“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
I once learned an acronym about fear: FEAR: False Evidence Appearing Real. I can understand how anxiety about the future could be called false evidence. But I am not sure I agree 100% with this acronym. I think the word fear is better represented by an acrostic: Forgetting God’s got you, Expecting the worst, Anxiety, Relying on Self.
You see, the one thing I am battling with right now is the fear of driving. This is because I had a serious car accident about seven months ago. I totaled my car and broke a vertebra in my back. So now, when my blood pumps and my stomach turns as I grip the steering wheel, I do not believe I am afraid of something false. Accidents happen and people get hurt. Sometimes careful driving can prevent them, but not always.
Life is the same way. People experience actual trials and difficult times in life. And we have no choice but to walk through them. Even Jesus said we would have trouble in this world. (John 16:33) But, the thing I learned through my car accident is, despite my difficult situation, God walked with me every day of my recovery. In fact, during my time at home, I didn’t just heal physically, but I healed spiritually. I grew closer to God. My life is so much better today than it was before my car accident. So I am thankful it became a turning point in my life.
However, my fear of driving still prevents me from driving on the freeway to visit friends and family. Thus, I have become a burden to my husband because he feels compelled to drive me. I am now heaping guilt upon myself in addition to my fear. This feels unbearable.
But I know I am not alone in my struggle with fear. Fear can be debilitating. Fear robs us of joy, keeps us from sleep, and makes life miserable. Perhaps this is why the bible tells us not to fear 365 times. But, of all the verses I have read, this one speaks to my heart. “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10, NIV)
I experienced this after my car accident. When I really sought God, I found him. He not only encouraged me but also gave me the courage to make some hard choices, which changed my life in a positive way. I have now retired from full-time teaching and am working part-time teaching special needs children. This leaves me more time to spend with my family. But more importantly, I now have more time to dedicate to writing, which I believe God is calling me to do.
So how do we combat our fears?
- Pray:
Be real with God. Don’t be afraid to whine and complain. After all, He knows how you feel anyway. “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” God will give you peace, protection, and comfort because He loves you.
- Take baby steps:
I started by driving a half-mile to the grocery store. Trust me, I was literally shaking when I arrived. But I did it! Next, I tried driving 4 – 5 miles on surface streets. Now, I am up to driving about 7 miles on the freeway, but without traffic. Next, I want to make it all the way across town to visit my daughter and mom.
Figuring out your baby steps may take some prayer and planning. But God will guide you to and through each step. “”Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.” (Zechariah 4:10, NLT)
- And remember, you won’t be alone. God will be with you!
Even if the worst-case scenario happens and the thing you are afraid of comes to pass, you will not be alone. God will be with you, walking with you, helping you, and lifting you up.
I know this to be true because I’ve experienced it. Sometimes we devise what we think is a good plan. But God takes us down another path. “The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9, ESV)
You see, God may redirect our steps in ways we don’t understand, but His plans are always good. God used both good and bad times for our benefit. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.: (Romans 8:28, NIV)
Dear Father God, Your Word repeatedly says, “Do not fear.” Help me trust you have me, no matter what happens. Help me remember what Psalm 112:1 says: Blessed are those who fear the LORD, who find great delight in his commands”. May the only thing I fear or reverence be You. In Jesus’ Name Amen