How should we respond when fear rears its ugly head? When we get that diagnosis? When there is more month than money? When friends walk away? When jobs are deleted? When hearts get broken and dreams get dashed?
We could lie.
“Everything is fine.”
“I can handle it.”
We could hide.
We could stay in our pajamas and binge-watch Parenthood on Netflix. We can skip church and cancel plans with friends.
Or we could take our cue from Scripture.
Let’s look at Genesis 32: 7-12. {Go ahead and read it; I’ll wait.}
In verse 7, we see that Jacob is greatly afraid. He’s not nervous or a little anxious. He isn’t uncomfortable. He is GREATLY AFRAID. Can you go there for a minute? Think of a time or situation that has had you feeling that way.
Now, watch Jacob’s response.
4 WAYS TO KICK FEAR TO THE CURB
- Turn to God. “And Jacob said, ‘O God…” (Genesis 32:9.) What if our first response to fear was prayer?
- Acknowledge your place before God. “I am not worthy…” (Genesis 32:10.) What if we didn’t try to solve our own problems and, instead, realized that we were never meant to go it alone?
- Confess your fear. “I fear him…” (Genesis 32:11.) What if we didn’t play the I’m-okay-you’re-okay game?
- Remember God’s promise. “But you said…” (Genesis 32:12.) What if we stopped focusing on our fears and, instead, pondered God’s promises?
Remember, sweet friends, that perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18.)
You are loved (with a perfect love.)
