Monday Musings: What Are You Afraid Of?

I'm blessed to work in youth ministry, and this past weekend, I got to speak for the weekend services about facing our fears. It's something that affects all of us, whether we are in middle school or are middle aged. Life can bring some tough things our way, but if we are prepared, we can overcome that fear and move ahead towards greatness. So, I thought I'd share a little of what we discussed this past weekend, here on the blog!

What are you afraid of? It can be something silly like a scary movie, or it can be something that paralyzes you enough to keep you from moving forward. Like an opponent we fight, fear is tricky and takes different forms to invade your life, so in order to overcome it effectively, let's recognize its work and then rid our lives of it.

Fear comes in the form of circumstances. Often we find ourselves faced with a situation that at the time seems very overwhelming, intrusive and almost like a blockade. Have you noticed that when you think about a challenging situation, focusing on how big and overwhelming it is, the bigger it seems to get? Fear finds strongholds in us one bit at a time, but if you realize this, you can begin to block that process.

Fear comes in the form of doubt. Have you ever been given an incredible opportunity, but you felt totally inadequate and unable to seize it? Doubt starts as those small, nagging questions in your mind but can easily shackle us, keeping you from your potential. No matter what people may say about you, or what you feel, know that you have been created to accomplish much in your life, and there's no room for doubts to keep you from that. When you begin to doubt yourself and your abilities, know that you can do all things through God who gives you strength!

Fear comes in the form of excuses. Alright, let's be honest here, we've all made excuses at one point or another, from the time we were little and argued with our siblings, it's easy to blame things on others or to give reasons why we did or didn't do something. Fear can cause us to make excuses so we stay away from the good things, or we continue heading towards the things we know we shouldn't be doing. When we are faced with a decision or confronted with the choice to evaluate ourselves, don't make excuses. Instead, find the areas in your life where you can grow, create an action plan for moving forward, and begin! This will eliminate fear in that area.

Now that we've uncovered fear's tactics, how do we defeat it? Well, I'm glad you asked.

1. Understand that fear is really False Evidence Appearing Real

Many times the things that we allow ourselves to worry and fret about are creations of our own mind. Here's a quick example: remember being afraid of monsters in your closet or under your bed when you were little? All you had to do was to flip on the light to see that there's nothing there; it was a creation of your imagination. While we may not fear monsters at this point in life, often the things we fear are really created in our minds; we allow them to seem far worse and more dominating than they are. Remember, the things we think about become a bigger presence in our lives, so watch your thought life, and think on the positive!

2. Know what God says about overcoming fear.
There are so many verses in God's word that talk about overcoming fear, and I just wanted to share a few.


I will go with you.

Deut 31:6 “Be strong and courageous. Don’t tremble. Don’t be afraid of them! The Lord your God is the one who is going with you. He won’t abandon you or leave you.”

I will help you. 

Isaiah 41: 13 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.”

I have given you power.

2 Tim 1:7 “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and of a sound mind.”

I am your light & stronghold.

Psalm 27:1 “The Lord is my light & my salvation--whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life--of who shall I be afraid?
Remember, perfect love casts out all fear. When we see fears for what they really are, and align our lives to God's purpose, we can live free of fear. We can become great and accomplish much. My prayer for you is that you take hold of the calling God has placed on your life, and you allow his power & love to work through you, casting out any shadow of fear. You can be victorious.
 Live life the way it was meant to be lived: fearlessly
So, can I ask you again, What are you so afraid of??

7 comments

Unknown said...

I love this... such a wonderful promise, and a good reminder. Wish we lived closer.. I have a feeling we'd be wonderful friends. Hope you have a lovely week!

Lauren said...

Great message!! Fabulous as always!

Sara said...

gahhh this post is so amazing! I enjoyed reading it and it has inspired me! keep up the great work!

http://sarassweetstyle.blogspot.com/

Julia D. said...

I love all of the verses you shared. Such powerful reminders of the strength we have in Christ.

jbruner said...

A wonderful post! I especially love the Bible verses.

Emily said...

This is so encouraging. Definitely needed to read this today.

Elizabeth said...

i love this! and i love that you work with a youth group! i just found your blog and i am so glad i did! i am your newest follower!

Back to Top