Fear: The Battle of the Mind

I’m just a big chicken! 

What am I afraid of? ….depends on the day.

Once fear takes hold, it free falls and mingles with every thought…every word…every situation.

I have discovered fear is a battle of the mind.

Most of my fears never come to pass. But, I build them up in my mind and they become an ogre hiding under the bed.

I do mental gymnastics to avoid anything that conjures up my fear’s reality. I avoid situations. Build walls around me. Make excuses. I pretend. Bring along a friend. I spiritualize.

I do whatever it takes to keep fear hidden.

Even stop living.

Fear is always bigger when we don't face it. Not talking about it causes the fear to grow in size, sprout claws and sharp fangs, enlarging its power over us.

 

Fear holds us captive with invisible chains that encircle and squeeze so our life is crippled. We cannot embrace or enjoy life when fear has tightened its grip.

It is only through the power of Jesus Christ that the chains are loosed.

Remembering that Perfect Love—God—casts out fear, will help us to know who is on our side. He is the one that fights the battle for us. The darkness of fear is exposed in His Light as the Truth sets us free from the powers that hold us captive.

I am not an expert on the subject of fear. I only know I have grappled with it for years. Sometimes it was winning. And others I gained glimpses into what was really going on to understand my reaction.

I do know I have wanted to understand more of what “perfect love casting out fear” means in my everyday life—to my fears—to my battles. Someone once said that fear is the absence of God. Something to think about.

God IS Love. So, He is the One who chases away fear. He is already victorious through the battle on the cross. His presence brings peace, because His name is Peace.

So, if I am fearful, I know I need more of Him. Lloyd John Oglivie says,

“We can’t evict fear on our own. Only Christ can do that. The secret is to focus on Him and not on our fears.”  

~ Facing the Future Without Fear (pg 47)

When we see God as Mighty, All powerful, Able…His power overrules our fear. And, the way we discover who God is, is to delve into His word and see how He met the needs of those who faced fears. He will meet us there and show us more about Himself.

Is fear reigning in your life? Do you need more of Him?

I would love to hear how He is delivering you,

 

Jeanne

 

* Lloyd John Oglivie's book is out of print but can be found on Amazon.com

 

 

Walk for Life : In support of crisis pregnancies

"Give us clear vision, that we may know where to stand and what to stand for - because unless we stand for something, we shall fall for anything."
~ Peter Marshall, US Senate Chaplain 1947

On May 18th I am standing with our local crisis pregnancy center by walking and gathering pledges to benefit their work.

All over the country there are Pro-Life crisis pregnancy centers working tirelessly behind the scenes to save the unborn. They also are extending grace and the love of God to those who enter.

These crisis pregnancy centers exist solely by the donations from those like you and I who commit to take a stand.

So, on May 18th, 2013 I will be joining those who are standing in the gap for these little ones who can't speak for themselves. We will be walking for life and collecting sponsor donations so that our local CareNet pregnancy center can perform pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, counsel young men and women with all the facts and provide for their practical needs....all at no cost.

The center does not receive any funding so donations from you and I provide what they need to touch lives and offer compassion and Truth to those who find themselves in an unplanned pregnancy.

If you would like to participate by sponsoring me as a walker you can donate online at: https://www.wepay.com/donations/2013-walk-for-life

Contact me or post a comment with questions. If you live in eastern Connecticut, come and join us. And, if you have a local pregnancy center near you, stop by and drop off a bag of diapers or other practical items to help meet their needs. Every little bit helps!

Standing (and walking) for life,

Jeanne