Fear

Fear. What do you know about it? Have you felt it’s crippling power? Have you ever allowed it to take over your life? Fear attacks from all sorts of angles. Fear even (or especially) attacks us in places we don’t ever really expect it. For example; you dream of doing something or you aspire to reach a certain goal, you work hard and prepare yourself for the defining moment that you’ve dreamt of, and then you can’t quite take the final step. Thoughts of insecurities and negative things people have told you over the years creep into your mind. Lies like “you can’t actually expect to succeed” and “you’re not nearly as talented or as skilled as those people who are successful”, they take the place of those dreams and aspirations. Fear; I think we’ve all felt it. As children we understand fear as the monster under the bed, or the intensity of the thunder and lightning. That fear used to stop us in our tracks. We would hide under the covers or run to Mom and Dad’s bed. As we mature and grow older, our fears can grow with us. They transform and adapt to our various situations. All of our insecurities, all of our baggage, if we allow them, they’ll hop along for the ride as well. Suddenly the rain storm doesn’t seem so bad does it? Now instead of hiding under covers, you hide behind the excuses that you allow yourself to believe. The lies, though you view them as true. So you go through each day with a paralyzing and relentless fear that keeps you in the realm of mediocrity. Fear inspires mediocrity.  

Where do we go from here? I can think of lots of good words that have meanings holding potential answers to the problem of fear. Words like determination, persistence, fortitude, self-confidence and so on…. Those are all reasonable options. Actually, those are all excellent options. However, if you are aware that you are currently being crippled by your fear, I’m guessing you’ve tried a few times to be determined or persistent. So what’s missing?

Personally, I am aware that I am a mediocre man. I’m a mediocre husband, I’m a mediocre musician, I’m a mediocre everything. Fear certainly helps me attain those levels of incredible mediocrity. However, I have the ability (as do you) to ignore those lies when they creep in. I can make the decision to refuse to hide behind all the excuses that I’ve been able to conjure up for years. I think it’s important to substitute some truth in place of where those lies and excuses used to reside. The truth is what's missing. For me, it’s a challenge of believing in what God has called me to. So instead of believing that I don’t have what it takes, I can trust that I’m not doing it alone. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”  It becomes entirely not about me. That’s the way it should be! Instead of believing that I’m not equipped or talented enough, I’ll remember that God has gifted and called me for this purpose. “We have different gifts, according to the grace given us… use it in proportion to your faith.” “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Earlier, I asked the question, “Have you ever allowed fear to take over your life?”

Think about it.

Fear didn’t force itself upon you. You let fear in the front door. You and I have allowed fear to be a part of our lives. It’s a choice. I’m done being crippled by fear. I hope you are too.