How To Stop WorryingSample

What Is Fear?

Fear. Ugh. It’s the worst. You want to talk to someone new, but fear holds you back. It makes your stomach tense up, your palms get sweaty, you freeze, or you hide. You’re afraid they’ll think you’re dumb. You want to get a new haircut, but you’re afraid it won’t look cool. You want to go to sleep, but you’re still afraid of the dark—and then you’re embarrassed about it and start feeling afraid that you’re so much more babyish than all your friends. Fun times. Fun times.

But sometimes, fear is actually great! Fear can keep you out of a lot of trouble, right? A healthy fear of being hurt keeps you from placing your hand on a hot stove. Fantastic! Helpful fears help us recognize our limitations. “I am breakable.” Therefore, “I shouldn’t jump off this roof.” 

Where is God in the middle of fear? It seems like He gave us the ability to stay safe with reasonable, healthy fears. But what do we do with the unhealthy fears? The fears we have for no good reason? The fears that want to keep us from doing everything we know God wants us to do? 

Courage beats nerves! Spend some time asking yourself the questions below, doing the challenge, and reading the Bible verses for today. In this Bible Plan, we’re going to take a look at Psalm 55:22 every day. If you’re looking for a version, try reading it in the NIV. We’ll get into it more tomorrow! 

Ask yourself: Why am I afraid of what I’m afraid of? Is it a healthy fear—or a fear that could hold me back? 

Challenge yourself: Identify one unhealthy fear of yours. Write it on a piece of paper. Fold it up, and put it into an empty jar, box, or envelope that you’ve labeled with “To God.” If you feel that fear creeping back in, take it out, pray about it, and put it back into its container to show that you’re giving that fear to God. 

Pray: God, I don’t want to live a life that’s held back by fear. When I’m afraid, I want to do what I need to do anyway, with Your help. Thank You for being with me and loving me completely even when I’m scared. In Jesus’ name, amen.