3 Ways to Kick Fear to the Curb
I was lost in the pages of a good book with highlighter in hand when suddenly an uncomfortable situation demanded my attention.
The medical secretary behind the window at the front of the waiting room was having an obviously heated conversation with someone on the phone, and her frustration mounted as she attempted to explain why a patient required an immediate intervention.
Her pleas for mercy were stonewalled by a pencil pushing shrew who refused to make an exception.
The frowning nurse shook her head in disbelief and responded by saying, “I am going to ask you to speak with the patient’s family member and explain to him.” A thin, balding man in his mid-50’s stood up, took firm steps toward his ally, and picked up the baton.
“No, that is unacceptable.” His resolute voice filled the room and refused to be ignored. I smiled as he volleyed back and forth with the insurance agent. He planted his fist down on the counter and widened his stance. “That is unacceptable. He did not know what He was agreeing to, and I am appointed to speak on his behalf.”
I glanced at the confused elderly man sitting anxiously in the corner with fear written all over his face. You are in good hands, my friend.
I sighed as I picked up my book and flipped back to where I’d stopped reading. I remembered the last time I had an uncomfortable conversation with an unreasonable opponent, and I found myself wishing I could ask the guy at the window for some assistance. I could use a heavy hitter like him some days.
On days when darkness tips the scale, I feel the weight of my inadequacy. I can’t fight the forces that seek to swallow me whole. Fear wants to move in to my heart, and I can’t seem to find the courage to close the door and put up a “No admittance here” sign.
As I drove home from the doctor’s office, I couldn’t stop thinking about the passionate guy who refused to be silent on behalf of his loved one. And God reminded me I could rest easy because an Advocate greater than any adversary has promised to plead my cause.
Maybe like me you find yourself laying in bed at night having a one-sided conversation with your fears. Frankly, I am exhausted from having the same tired arguments. Why do I let fear torment me?
I don’t have to fend for myself. I have a Defender.
When fear comes calling, I need to invite God into the conversation.
Fear will fade as we stop listening to the lies and start looking to Jesus. He’s promised to never leave me nor forsake me. He will never tire of standing up on my behalf. He longs to shelter me in His strong embrace.
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3 Ways to Kick Fear to the Curb
Rehearse God’s Promises
We don’t need to fear today’s trials because the Truth transcends time.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10, NIV)
Remember God’s Provision
We will never lack what we need because God’s lavish love never runs out.
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” (II Timothy 1:7)
Rest in God’s Power
We can focus on God’s help in the midst of hurt and find safe haven.
“The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” (Proverbs 18:10)
Pausing at the end of each weekday to intentionally take note of God’s Providence at work will fuel your faith. We are so prone to forget, but our God is forever faithful.
One way I work on this every Fall is to create a list of what I am thankful for from A to Z as I prepare my heart for the holidays. It’s a super easy tradition that takes just a few minutes a day, but truly transforms my perspective. Bruce creates one as well, and we share our lists with each other on Thanksgiving morning at breakfast.
Friend, you can kick fear to the curb this Fall by choosing to cultivate a heart of gratitude rather than getting caught up in the chaos of life. To help you get started, I’ve created a one-page printable for you. Subscribe to the blog and grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library.
Don’t let fear be the boss of you. Press in to faith, and you will find God is fighting for you.
Fear is a bully trying to bring you down, but you can beat the fiend by focusing on God’s faithfulness.
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Where we focus is so important. It’s amazing to remember that God is powerful and he will fight for us and defend us even when we feel weak.
I have a terrible memory. He is so patient with me.
I heard someone say one time, “Fear knocked on my door, faith answered. No one was there”. I’ve proved this and found it to be true. Thanks for the reminder.
Love that!
Amen, God is our defender. Thanks for the reminder today! And the A-Z thankfulness activity sounds fun!
I used to do it with my students when I taught high school, but have kept up the practice. 🙂
LOVE this! So much good stuff here!
Aw, thanks Liz! I am trying to be a good listener and tune in to the Spirit during my week. This week — it was the doctor’s waiting room.
Yes, we’ve encountered some of those pencil-pushing shrews at times, and I am so glad my husband advocated for me – and even more thankful that my Lord does as well in a much bigger way. One of the best books dealing with fear that I have found is Running Scared by Ed Welch.
Thanks for sharing that resource, Barbara!
Love the idea of your printable, Lyli. The Holy Spirit has been putting his finger on fear in my own life lately. And it’s funny because it’s small, seemingly inconsequential areas. Yes, my eyes widen a bit when He shows me the picture. Fear reallly is a booger. Oh to live in trust, tossing fear out the window. Happy Friday, friend.
It hits me the most when I put my head on the pillow I’ve started just playing worship music quietly when I turn in for the night.
Thanks, Lyli. We do forget that we have all the power of heaven and earth in our corner, fighting for us and defending us.
I think our enemy works overtime to keep us distracted and defeated.
Love this post. The 3 tips to kick fear to the curb are so good. Thanks for this reminder and for this: “Fearless people focus on God’s faithfulness.” Blessings!
I’m better at rehearsing and remembering than I am resting, but I tell everyone who asks. “memorize scripture, you never know when you will need it!”
We don’t need to fear today’s trials because Truth transcends time. Hallelujah! Our God is faithful and true. Always dependable.
Love that “fearless people focus on God’s faithfulness.” So true! Thanks for hosting!
Well, the Bible says so, perfect love casts out all fears. 🙂
Thanks for this wonderful reminder. Oh, do I need this reminder today.
What a wonderful reminder that I am always in good hands!
Nothing gets rid of fear but His love. For Isaiah 54’s promise of fear, terror, and torment being far from us it is necessary to confess that we are His righteousness. Not because of anything we do but because of what He did. I tell people this all the time because, I wish someone had told me. You can bind fear, ( not caution or common sense , but panic ) which is the enemy, and loose Jesus. Lyli, I pray Psalm 127:2 for you…He gives sleep to the beloved.