Day 171 - Fear

It was always in my nature to be a fearful person and I carried it with me to college, living in our first home and having children. I was mostly scared for the things that could potentially happen; like someone hurting me or something bad happening to someone in my family. At times I let fear paralyze me and take away my joy. I was already fearful for my children's' future and all of the possible situations that they could face. Fear is an interesting place to live in, and I cohabited with it for a long time.

I was surprised when I first read that living in true faith means we are supposed to completely let go of our fear. I was more than surprised, I was shocked. How could someone like me live like that?

"I will fear no evil, for you are with me." - Psalm 23:4

"For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." -Isaiah 41:13

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." -Deuteronomy 31:6

"The Lord gives me light and saves me. Why should I fear anyone? The Lord is my place of safety. Why should I be afraid?" -Psalm 27:1

"I leave my peace with you. I give my peace to you. I do not give it to you as the world does. Do not let your hearts be troubled. And do not be afraid." - John 14:27

"Casting all your anxiety upon him, because he cares for you." -1 Peter 5:7

"Even when I'm afraid, I keep on trusting you." Psalms 56:3

Over the last 170 days it has been clear that I need to let go of my fear to live a life of faith. It is a topic that has come up over and over again and I can feel myself slowly letting go of the fear that has been gripping me most of my life and living a life with confidence and trust. I can't explain what that feels like, but it's a huge weight lifted off my shoulders. It also helps us in our financial stress because I don't have to constantly be afraid of the worse case scenario.... I just have to trust. Trust is so much better than fear. Living life is so much better than being stuck in worry and doubt. I don't know what kind of fear you are holding onto, maybe it is fear of living your life to the fullest or letting go of what is comfortable, but true faith requires you to let it go. Just like that.