Do you ever get paralyzed by fear?
As the internet and news are flooded with images of the mass devastation from Hurricane Helene and Milton, I've been filled with anxiety and fear. While I know I'm very safe up here in Minnesota, I cannot fathom what the people that live in those areas must feel like knowing that was coming…or having to deal with the loss of EVERYTHING they know. Their homes, loved ones, pets, jobs… I know many of you are in those areas and my heart and prayers go out to you.
Anxiety is something I deal with on a regular basis. Huge events like this definitely make it worse. Writing is something else I tend to get really anxious about. It may seem funny to hear that from a multi-published author. Having taken a lot of time off from writing over the past nearly two years has only exacerbated the anxiety. Anxiety over my plot - is it good/interesting enough, word choices - oh my goodness how I overthink the words. I think the older I get, the more fearful/anxious I become. It's then that I need to remember fear does not come from God. In fact, God wants us to walk by faith, Satan wants us to walk in fear.
Fear is a powerful emotion, often sneaking up on us when we least expect it. It can cloud our thoughts, paralyze us with doubt, and make it difficult to move forward. It thrives in uncertainty and isolation. When we dwell on the unknown, fear grows, taking root in our hearts and minds. It convinces us that we're alone in our struggles or that the situation is out of control. But the reality is that God is always in control, even when we can’t see it. His love, power, and presence never waver.
Faith is not the absence of fear. Instead, faith is choosing to trust God in the face of fear. When fear tries to tell us we’re not enough, God’s Word reassures us that He is more than enough. When we focus on His promises rather than the problem, we shift our perspective from fear to faith. He promises to never leave us, to be our strength in times of weakness, and to walk with us through every trial. By filling our hearts and minds with His truth, we replace fear with faith. And that trust gives us the courage to take the next step, even if it’s uncertain.
We must remember that faith is active. It’s not just something we talk about; it’s something we need to live out daily. Faith requires us to take action, even when we’re afraid. This might mean praying for courage, stepping out in obedience, or trusting God’s timing when things feel uncertain. The more we exercise our faith, the stronger it becomes, and the less power fear has over us.
I've included a few verses below that I hope are helpful. If you know someone that you think might need to hear this, please feel free to send them the link to this post. And please don't hesitate to comment or email me to ask for prayers. I am happy to pray for/with you.
In faith,
Laura
Bible Verses for you…
“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
“…For he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we can confidently say, ’The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?’” Hebrews 13:5b-6
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4
“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27
“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.” Psalm 46:1-3
“Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.” Psalm 55:22
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’” Psalm 91:1-2
(This originally appeared in the October 9, 2024 edition of my newsletter)
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