Recently I’ve had several conversations with women who feel stuck in some area of their life due to fear. I’ve heard them say things like…
I’m afraid I’ll make the wrong decision.
I’m afraid I’ll mess up my kids.
I’m afraid things will never change.
I’m afraid I’ll be single forever.
I’m afraid to speak up.
I’m afraid things won’t work out.
I’m afraid of what people will think.
I’m afraid of the future.
I’m afraid I’ll look stupid.
I’m afraid I’ll fail.
And the list could go on…..
Fear. It’s the biggest issue women face. No matter what our age or stage of life, we all battle fear.
I know I do.
Fear prevents us from making wise decisions. Fear stifles our emotional, relational, and spiritual health. Fear robs us of joy. Of our destiny. Of our contentment.
Fear just plain stinks.
So why do we let fear rule us?
Fear is an emotional response to real or perceived threat. Like a frightened puppy, fear causes us to cower in the corner, or frantically yelp. Either way, fear leaves us all bark and no bite, because it stops us in our tracks.
Often we’re keenly aware of our fears. Sometimes, though, we’re not.
We just know we feel STUCK and we’re not sure why.
Recently I wrote a new lesson in the Get Healthy Bible Study series. As I studied, I had an “ah-ha” moment: fear, confidence, and discontent are linked.
Hebrews 13:5-6 says,
…be content with what you have, because God has said,
“Never will I leave you;
never will I forsake you.”
So we say with confidence,
“The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?”
Look at the scriptures closely. Do you see the emotions? Contentment. Confidence. Fear.
Fear affects my confidence, which keeps me stuck. Being stuck makes me discontent with my circumstances. My options. My choices. My life.
If you’re scratching your head, trying to figure out how your fear and your discontent go hand in hand, try this exercise:
Fill in the blanks. “I’m discontent with _______________________ because I’m afraid that ____________________________.”
For example, “I’m discontent with being single because I’m afraid I’ll never meet someone” or “I’m discontent in my role as a stay-at-home mom because I’m afraid I’ll never get back to the career I had before kids” or “I’m discontent with aging because I’m afraid I’ll become irrelevant”. See what I mean?
Even if you have to think a few minutes, I’ll bet you can pinpoint the fear driving your discontent.
Realistically, this world is a pretty scary place. So it makes sense to live in fear, right?
It makes sense if you’re trying to face this life alone.
But the believer never faces life alone. Never.
God whispers a life-altering truth into your ear: “I will never leave you. I will never forsake you.”
So you can say with confidence, “God will be my helper”.
God will be my helper.
God will be my helper.
God will be my helper.
[bctt tweet=”God will be my helper. ” username=”donnajonesspeak”]When we remember God’s continual presence, we’re emboldened with confidence, and calmed with contentment.
We can be content with what we have, because what we have is nothing less than God Himself.
It’s time we say with confidence “The Lord is my helper.” Then live like we believe it.
Our fears won’t fade until we take the step we think we can’t.
[bctt tweet=”Our fears won’t fade until we take the step we think we can’t.” username=”donnajonesspeak”]For further thought…
- What is the one step you’d like to take, but fear is holding you back? Write it out.
- Spend time with God talking to Him about your fear. Thank him for never leaving you.
- Re-read Hebrews 13:5-6. Memorize it for extra help. Say verse 6 out loud (and with confidence!) “So I say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper. I will not be afraid’.” (note: this is a great verse to teach your children or grand-children)
For more help overcoming fear and gaining confidence, check out Donna’s new Bible study and videos at www.crosslinechurch.com or click here.
