Breaking The Fear CyclePrimjer

Letting Fear In Is a Choice

Since Jesus does not give to us as the world gives, our reaction to fear must not be of this world either. 

Jesus told his disciples not to let their hearts be troubled. But how can this be, Jesus? I don’t “let” my heart fear, I don’t “let” my mind worry, I don’t “let” my spirit doubt. They just do! 

We have given in to the lie that our fearful and anxious thoughts are more powerful than we are. We have bought into the falsity that what the world has to give is more reliable and trustworthy than what God has to give. Our thoughts do not need to rule us. We have a Savior, a holy Counselor, and a good Father who wants to do the job of being our most reliable and trustworthy source. 

May you allow God to whisper to you the sweet words he whispered to me as I studied these verses: “No, child, you cannot stop fear from coming, but it is your choice whether you are going to let it in.” A choice? It’s never felt like a choice, so how is that at all possible? 

It is a part of being human (not of God) that our bodies fear the unknown, the painful, and the scary things of this world. But it is our choice how much dominion we allow fear to have over our lives. It is our choice whether we will rule over our fear or we will let our fear rule over us. 

God frequently tells his children in the Bible not to be afraid. To instead be strong and courageous, for the Lord your God will be with you. But what does this look like? What does this mean for our everyday lives and the choices we face? I believe God gives us examples, glimpses that reveal that, yes, it is possible to be strong and courageous in the face of our fears. He uses his Word and his people to show us what it looks like when his commands are lived out and believed in. He does this to encourage and remind us that we are never alone.

What are some times in your life when you made decisions based on your fears? 

What were the results of those decisions?