Lessons From Ezraಮಾದರಿ

Overcoming Fear

Have you ever been scared?

Not worried or anxious, but really scared?

Not a jump scare from a sudden surprise, but chest-gripping, breath-stealing afraid?

I was one time.

In college, a group of us decided we wanted to see the sunrise from the top of a mountain. So, we woke at about 1 AM, packed some hot chocolate, and drove to a mountain called Haystack, just off campus.

With headlamps firmly affixed, we set off. It was supposed to be an easy climb/hike.

Long story short, I found myself alone on the mountain in the dark, trying to bushwhack my way to the top. At one point, I found myself stuck and needed to climb. It was steep and icy, and I was truly scared. I thought I was going to slip and fall.

Fear is a difficult thing for men to overcome.

Rightly or wrongly, we don’t like to be afraid. Fear is certainly a result of the sinful state of our world. God did not design our world to be a fearful place. Fear is an interloper, an intruder on our experience of life. When our expectation of safety and security is disrupted, it is an unsettling experience.

The Israelites in Ezra’s time were afraid. They had enemies who opposed them and their work of rebuilding the Temple. But despite their fear, they pressed on with their work. Knowing that God was behind them and their circumstances, the returning exiles determined to continue their efforts at rebuilding and restoring the Temple.

Facing fear, whether from an external threat or even an internal insecurity, isn’t about finding some inner strength to be brave. Facing our fears requires being able to see past our immediate circumstances to the God who is with us. Jesus encouraged us that there are few things to fear in this life, even when there is a legitimate threat (see Luke 12:5).

As we face the threats and circumstances of life, let’s be men who take a deep breath and a step back to make sure our assessment includes seeing the God who is with us in our struggles.

Prayer: God in Heaven, thank You for Your presence in my life and the events I encounter. Help me to remember that in times of fear, You are still there with me. Amen.

Reflection: What circumstances typically cause you fear? How can you give those situations to God by remembering He is there with you?