Not long ago I was lying in bed envisioning an upcoming situation with one of our children and letting myself imagine how badly it might turn out. "What if this happens?" or "What if a person responds to her this way?" or "How will we handle this particular outcome?"
I tossed and turned as the possibilities went from bad to worse. Pretty soon I was practically panicking, allowing fear of what might happen to make me a nervous wreck.
A couple of days later, I read these words in Melanie Shankle's book, The Antelope in the Living Room.
"Isn't that what fear does? It grows and magnifies everything to the point where all rational thought is lost and we can only see the city limits of Worst Case Scenario, which borders Crazy Town."I realized that was exactly what had happened to me. Fear had overtaken me and I allowed it to totally blow things out of proportion. Not only that, but I was fearful of events and reactions that might not even occur.
One of my favorite Bible verses on fear is II Timothy 1:7, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." God certainly doesn't want us living in fear, but rather resting and trusting in Him.
If something goes "wrong" (in my eyes), I can trust that He is able to work it for good. My fear will not accomplish anything positive; it will only make me a citizen of Crazy Town!
Have you struggled with fear? What helps you get through those times?
Oh, I can be such a worrywart! I know exactly what you're talking about, and I use the same verse. I also like Matthew 6:34, "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about it's own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." Or something like that.
ReplyDeleteYes!! There are times when I drive myself into a tizzy, only to realize that I'm worrying over nothing. Sigh.
ReplyDeleteThank you for being willing to say this! I think sometimes that as Christians we feel it is somehow unspiritual to admit we are afraid. But we are still human, and I thank the Lord He accepts that! Such a good reminder, Tracey! Thanks so much for sharing!
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