Hope for the IncarceratedSample

(Today’s story of hope comes from Angi, a Program Manager for HIA.)

I struggle with fear on a daily basis. Fear of failure, fear of going after my goals, fear that the bottom is going to fall out after I start accomplishing those goals.

But most of the things we worry about and have fear over never happen. Fear can cripple you if you let it… or you can pray because God did not give us a spirit of fear. Most things we fear are not real. It’s our imagination. When we pray we can overcome it because God’s word is truth. When we spend time in prayer and in scripture, it is like a lamp to our feet.

How do you train your brain to stop fear responses?

1. Reduce anxiety by teaching your brain new things
2. Start small and be brave
3. Acknowledge the fear but put it into perspective
4. Shift the fear pattern by directing your attention to good things
5. Reword your brain with the Truth in God’s word

Try these steps, face your fears, and live a life of prayer. In fact, we can start praying right now, together. Try this:

“Father God, please grant me peace of mind. Help me through all my days. Remind me not to be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with Thanksgiving let my request be made to you. Thank you, Father, that I can have victory over my fears because of who you are and what you have promised. You said I can have confidence because you will be my God, you will always be with me, and you will protect me with your righteous right hand. You are the all-powerful and all-wise God who defends me. Lord, I rebuke any feelings of inadequacy the enemy tries to attack me with. I give this stronghold to you, Father. I pray this in your heavenly name. AMEN!”