Don't let fear cloud your faith

Do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. (Matthew 10:31) 

As he prepares to send his disciples out on their first missionary journey, Jesus breaks the news to them that they will face some hefty challenges. But he also reassures them that God is bigger than their troubles, so they don’t have to be afraid. He is their Father, and like any Father, he is watching over them.

Jesus’ words here make it clear that God is involved with all of his creatures, even to the point of feeding birds and dressing lilies. He doesn’t even mind counting hairs! So shouldn’t it follow that he is intimately involved in your life as well?

When Jesus talks about counting the hairs on our heads, he’s not talking about taking inventory. This is not a cold and businesslike action taken by some celestial clerk with a clipboard. It’s more like a mother stroking her baby’s head as she cradles him. It’s more like a father taking note of every one of his son’s features as he follows the boy’s growth into manhood. So if, in the back of your mind, you are hesitant to approach God, remember how precious you are to him. You are his pride and joy, and he has wonderful plans for you. 

This is the undeniable, at times unbelievable, truth at the foundation of our Christian faith: God treasures you. He cares about what keeps you up at night. He cares about the concerns in your heart. He rejoices in your successes, and he grieves over your sorrows. 

So don’t be afraid of the challenges or the challengers that this day will bring. Don’t let fear cloud your faith. Draw near to God instead, and have faith in his care for you. If you are hurting, show him your wounds. Remember, his Son, Jesus, has wounds as well—wounds he received in order to rescue you from sin. God is your Father. He is your provider and your protector, and he is involved in your life. He may work in ways you least expect, but he will always act with your best interest at heart.

“Father, nothing is too small that it escapes your notice or too big that it is beyond your power. With you at my side, what is there to fear?”

from wau.org

Remember

Do not be afraid. (Matthew 10:26)

Psychologists tell us about the three common reactions to a frightening situation. We will (a) choose to face the situation and work through it, (b) shut down and do nothing at all, or (c) run away from the problem. In other words, fight, freeze, or flee.

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus tells his disciples three times, “Do not be afraid.” Each time, he addresses the fears that could cause them to give up on their very first preaching mission. First, he tells them to be persistent in announcing the “secret” of the kingdom despite opposition (Matthew 10:26). Then he reassures them that his Father is the One with ultimate power, so they shouldn’t worry about detractors (10:28). Then he tells them that his Father knows every intimate detail of their lives and that he’ll never abandon them (10:29-31). 

Jesus isn’t just comforting his disciples here. He’s giving them truths that they can fall back on whenever fear rises up and tries to convince them to give up on their mission. He’s filling their memories with foundational truths about who he is and how much his Father cares for them—truths that they can use as weapons to defend themselves and as engines to propel them forward in faith.

We have all encountered fears that have threatened to paralyze us or tempted us to run and hide. Fear is a normal part of our lives, and there are times when it’s a healthy emotional reaction. But we should never let fear keep us from moving forward with the Lord.

Whenever you find yourself in a fearful situation, try your best to step back, take a few deep breaths, and remember the truths of your faith. Remember Jesus’ cross and resurrection. Remember your Father’s love and protection. Remember that the Holy Spirit lives in you. Remember that you belong to Christ and he will never abandon you. Remember, remember, remember!

As you practice this holy remembering, you’ll feel the Lord standing right beside you. You’ll find the courage to fight your fears and to take the next step forward, whatever your situation. God doesn’t want you to be afraid. He wants you to find all your confidence in him!

“Jesus, help me to hold onto my faith when I am afraid. Lord, I trust in your unending love!”

from wau.org

Victory over fear

Did you know that fear is a gift from God? It helps us protect ourselves and our loved ones when danger arises. The problem is that our inner gift of fear can become too powerful and cause us to exaggerate the external threats that have given rise to fear in the first place. How many times has a fearful situation caused your mind to race uncontrollably? When we exaggerate the actual cause of fear in our minds, we risk losing our peace, compromising our sense of judgment, and, in some extreme cases, even becoming sick. 

In today’s first reading, we see St. Paul urging Timothy to overcome his fears as he leads the Church at Ephesus. Can this be true? Is this the same Timothy whom Paul sent to build the church at Ephesus in the first place (1 Timothy 1:3)? Is this the Timothy whom Paul sent to Thessalonica to strengthen the Church during a time of persecution? (1 Thessalonians 1:3)? Didn’t Paul say that no one was comparable to Timothy (Philippians 2:20)? Whatever challenge Timothy was facing, it must have been significant.

Most of us become fearful when a significant hardship comes our way. That is a blessing. But we cannot allow these fears to control us. Instead, let’s remind ourselves that God is with us, and he is for us. Let’s believe that nothing stands against us (Romans 8:31). And let’s never forget that we can do all things in Christ who gives us strength (Philippians 4:13).

When we place our faith in Scripture passages like these, grace and power are stirred up in us. So pray the prayer below each day to overcome your timidity. Then, when you face some fearful situation, try to keep it in the right perspective. Don’t let fear be your master!

“Lord, help me overcome my timidity. In your name, I command any spirit of fear to go to the foot of the cross where you died, so that I will not be controlled by it. Jesus, fill me with your spirit of power and love and self-control (2 Timothy 1:7).”

taken from wau.org.