Three Steps to Overcoming Fear
When Fear Crowds Your Thoughts
Six months into the year and I wait in another doctor’s office. The muted tones on the walls fail to calm my anxious heart; instead, I perch near the large picture window on a stiff plastic chair, my fingers drumming the laminate table. I murmur something unintelligible in response to my husband’s question, “What will this test tell us?”
I shrug, anxiety registering as impatience in my tight movements. The bone-deep discomfort I’d felt in early summer has waned, but poking, prodding, and prescriptive tests seem endless.
A technician in blue scrubs introduces herself, but I forget her name as I pass beneath a sign that reads ‘Noninvasive Heart Procedures’. An inappropriate giggle threatens to bubble up and I fight the urge to run.
A few minutes later, I’m on my side.
“This will be cold,” the woman says as a baton presses into tender flesh
With a flip of a switch, I hear the “thrum, thrum, thrum” of my heart. I breathe in and then out, but emotion replaces air. Suddenly, the room feels crowded. Hot. Sounds are indistinct and indistinct, and I recognize panic pulling me toward the corners of my mind.
Peace in the Space of Panic
It makes itself known through different avenues, but each of us is familiar with fear. Some of us battle with it because of health issues, death and loss, or financial instability. Many of us confront fear as a result of unpredictable circumstances—abandonment, abuse, or a loved one’s substance abuse.
You, too, might be pressed by fear--pushed into a corner. Trapped. Gasping for air. Dear one, God is with you. #donotfear #overcomer Click To Tweet
You, too, might be pressed by fear–pushed into a corner. Trapped. Gasping for air. Dear one, God is with you.
How do I know? Because He was with me.
As I lay with my back to the wall, my gaze fixed on the black and white medical monitor, I had a Peter-walking-on-the-water-moment. Instead of fixing my eyes on Christ, I was focused on the possibility of what might be wrong.
I knew I had a choice. Would I reach for Him or allow the threatening storm of worry to overwhelm my heart? Click To TweetLord, help me.
Peace ebbed and flowed as prayer filled the space where panic had found its place and God reminded me of these words from scripture, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John… Click To TweetWithin seconds, my inner squall calmed. Peace ebbed and flowed as prayer filled the space where panic had found its place and God reminded me of these words from scripture, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NIV)
Three Simple Ways to Overcome Fear
As a result of this doctor’s visit, I learned three simple ways to overcome fear. They are to:
- Close My Eyes to What I See If you’re at all like me, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by circumstances; by what we see happening. God’s people struggled in the same way throughout scripture.
The Israelites prepared to cross into the promised land until they saw the giants. Elijah remained bold until he saw the message from Jezebel. Peter walked on water until He saw the storm.
Often, we need to close our eyes to what we see in the natural world in order to hear the input of the Spirit. Click To TweetOften, we need to close our eyes to what we see in the natural world in order to hear the input of the Spirit.
- Call Out to Christ Although I wasn’t in a life-or-death situation, I worried that I might be. Would surgery be necessary? Would a scar soon bear witness to an overworked heart? Thoughts swirled in the same way the water once lashed at Peter’s feet, causing doubt to rise.
Like the disciple, I called out–surrendering my life and concerns into His care through silent, earnest prayer.
Jesus reassures that he will never leave us nor forsake us. Just as He pulled Peter from the depths at the words, “Lord, save me!”, Christ also responds to our prayers.
- Change My Focus When I re-opened my eyes, grainy photos of my heart were still on the screen, but the images no longer consumed my thoughts. Instead, I shifted my attention to my husband. His quiet presence comforted me, and I continued to pray.
Lord, teach me to number my days. Fill me with gratitude for the gifts of family and medical care. Thank you for knowing the beginning from the end. I know you, God, are my Rock and my hiding place.
When we direct our eyes heavenward, God reminds us of His presence and steadfast provision. Fear loses its position and Jesus demonstrates His power.
Invitation to Action
If fear is part of your struggle, I invite you to follow the steps above by:
- Telling God what you see that is causing your fear (i.e. health struggles, pandemic, concerns for children, etc.)
- Releasing your fear to His care through prayer and calling out to Him.
- When fear presses in, change your focus to what God has done and will do. Keeping a prayer journal like this one (affiliate link) and marking off answered prayer can be a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness.
Peace and grace,
Tammy
I often link up with the following wonderful bloggers:
Mondays Mandy and Michele/ Inspire Me Monday/Anita Ojeda
Tuesdays InstaEncouragements/Anchored Abode
Wednesdays Recharge Wednesday / Tell His Story/Sitting Among Friends Linkup/Let’s Have Coffee
Thursdays Heart Encouragement / Tune In Thursday /Salt and Light
Friday Blogger Voices Network // Five Minute Friday
Fear is a liar, He is always there, normal concern is one thing, but fear, terror, and torment are the unholy three, thank God He gave us grace and righteousness.
What a great way to phrase it–the “unholy three”. I’m grateful for
His comfort and tender presence in every situation.
Blessings to you,
Tammy
Thank you for reminding me where to keep my focus! Blessings!
Hi Pamela,
I hope it was helpful. I know I need the reminder!
Many blessings,
Tammy
Thank you, Pamela. Fear is what my post is on today. blessing to you, and His peace. 😊
Whatever “this” is, as with a “this” of my own lately, we know that God’s got us Ms. Tammy; and whatever our tomorrow brings, we know that it is nothing when compared to the eternity of joy, love, and worship that awaits us dear friend. Continuing to pray sweet girl, knowing that you have #FaithGreaterThanFear.
Your story reminds me of times when the Lord has sustained me and helped me through fear, and love your wise advice to just close our eyes to what we see. Thank you for strengthening my faith today. Praying for good health for you!
God’s got us. Thank you for those encouraging words! Our tomorrows are filled with promise because of Him. Praying for you, too, my friend.
Peace and grace,
Tammy
Your steps to overcome fear are so true. This is God’s instructions and we do need to change our focus. Focus on Christ and what He has provided instead of what we fear. Thanks for this post, Tammy!
You are so right, Barbara! Focusing on His provision helps us to remain strong when we face difficult circumstances.
Thanks for visiting!
Peace and grace,
Tammy
You have touched so beautifully on the “What If’s” that trouble us all at times. Thank you for sharing your experience and giving us some wise advice on how to handle these situations.
The “what if’s” seem to interfere in all of our lives. I’m grateful our God is bigger than anything we face.
Blessings to you,
Tammy
Thanks so for the encouragement that I can get through fears and for providing practical ways to overcome.
Hi Joanna,
Most of us probably need encouragement during these challenging times.
I’m glad I was able to offer some to you.
Blessings,
Tammy
Thank you. Such simple but profound steps to take when dealing with fear.
Hi Jen,
They are simple, but seem difficult to follow when fear rises strong.
Thanks for visiting!
Peace and grace,
Tammy
We all face moments of fear at times, even when our faith is strong. But when we take our eyes off Jesus, that enables the enemy to sneak into our sight. Thank you for reminding us of these strategies, “see Jesus, call out to Him, and change our focus.” These actions will help us when fear and doubt assail us. Wishing you healing and blessings.
Hi Katherine,
Fear is real, but He is far greater. We just need to be reminded sometimes, don’t we?
Thank you for your kind words.
Peace and grace,
Tammy
Love this article❤️. Got some helpful ideas😊.
Hi Olivia.
Thanks for visiting. I’m glad this was helpful to you!
Blessings,
Tammy
This is so true, Tammy, “When we direct our eyes heavenward, God reminds us of His presence and steadfast provision. Fear loses its position and Jesus demonstrates His power.”
Hi Lisa,
I’m thankful to serve such an amazing God!
Have a wonderful evening.
Blessings,
Tammy
We so often forget to remain focused on God in moments of fear, thanks for the awesome tips.
Hi Suzette,
I know I forget to keep my eyes on Him. I hope the tips are helpful!
Peace and grace,
Tammy