When My Fears Meet My God

I may have snoozed my alarm more than once this morning. I set it intentionally early so I can be awake before my son, Thomas. He’s an early riser most days and I am not a morning person. When I can be up with my coffee and spend a few minutes with Jesus before Thomas is awake, I’m better equipped to deal with what the day brings. I know I need this time and though it’s hard to drag myself out of bed, I choose to arm myself against the enemy’s scare tactics.

Fear, “an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat,” is a common feeling experienced by every person on a daily basis. Since becoming a mom, it seems amplified. No matter your wealth, status, physical strength, or mental state, fear is human nature and can quickly lead us to doubt ourselves and those around us. The only way to eliminate fear is by making a choice to trust in One who is beyond human, sovereign over everything- the Creator of our universe, God.

Our culture connects fear and God most notably with the phrase “to put the fear of God into someone,” meaning to scare them into submission. This is definitely not the fear of God referred to in the Bible. Among the many definitions of fear, I find the old-fashioned verb form meaning “regard (God) with reverence and awe” to be most accurate.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

Proverbs 1:7 ESV

https://bible.com/bible/59/pro.1.7.ESV

When we properly fear God, it’s not the same emotion that a godless world feels. Instead, it’s a deep sense of respect and amazement that the God of all creation knows my name, He loves me and has a purpose for my life. His purpose will not be thwarted because God is bigger than all my fears.

“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 ESV

https://bible.com/bible/59/isa.41.10.ESV

In my own strength, I may not choose to even crawl out of the bed most mornings, but when I choose to put my focus on God and remember that he is in control of everything, I know I have nothing to fear. It’s not an easy choice to make everyday, choosing faith over fear, but knowing I’m not alone gives me such comfort and peace.

Josh Wilson’s new song, Things That I’m Afraid Of, expresses this struggle perfectly.

When I am shaking

And my heart’s pounding

You always take me

Make me lie down in

Peaceful fields where

I can clear my head

‘Cause I get so overcome with anxiety

That there’s an enemy living inside of me

Like a mocker yelling out telling lies to me

And I don’t feel brave but I don’t have to be

‘Cause

I walked through the valley of shadows

And it scared me half to death

But You’re with me ev’rywhere I go

So I won’t give up yet

My fears would surely kill me

If I didn’t know the truth

The things that I’m afraid of

Are afraid of You

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”

Psalm 56:3 ESV

https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.56.3.ESV

Fear is simply an emotion that clouds our thoughts and reminds us that we’re not enough or not good enough, but thank God, I don’t have to be. He is!

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV

https://bible.com/bible/59/2co.12.9.ESV

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

Philippians 4:7, 13 ESV

https://bible.com/bible/59/php.4.7-13.ESV

Thank You, God, for being with me always!

Thank you that I don’t have to be afraid because you are with me!

Help me to share your love boldly so that those around me can experience your peace in the face of fear.

In Jesus’s name I pray.

Amen

Special thanks to my daughter, Caroline Bulman, for once again sharing her heart for Jesus and allowing me to use her words to encourage you today. Through my family, I have learned so much about God’s faithfulness, and I’m grateful to see they’re learning to depend on Him too.