I was clouded with so many fearful thoughts of the future, the what-ifs and I can’ts and worry-mixed-with-doubt. It was hard to gain clarity and even find out the truth in God’s sight: what is the best decision and next-right-thing? If only I could see through the fear, I pondered; what would that feel like? A sigh of relief, a breath of fresh air, and peace? Likely all of the above.
I found it hard to figure out my next career move because of this cloudy structure of thinking—all so fear-based and doubtful and confused. I decided to turn the fear over to God, realizing I couldn’t figure out the truth when focused on fear.
See, I didn’t want to come back to my job for another tough year; I didn’t want to trust in God’s plans or His power to see me through (as He faithfully did this year). I was living in my head—a swirl of fear, a dust Devil that Satan had created to build upon my-already-confused and fearful state.
I was so busy living in the future—doubting if I could do it again, coming up with a far-greater-plan than the Almighty created, the God who knows all, has seen the future, is in control of it and ensures my success when He calls me to anything.
I prayed and prayed for help to determine how I could come back (and if I should); my prayer was answered with a prompting to take action. I decided to listen to God’s answer by talking to my boss about my qualms, doubts and fears —knowing He’d use her to help me see through the dust.
The Truth
God doesn’t want us to live in fear of the future or allow fear to determine our decision-making in the present. The present comes with the satisfaction God gives us in His word: He will be with us every step of the way when that future arrives and reminds us of this by reminding us of every single time he has faithfully come through in the past.
Had fear caused me to be too afraid to take a risk all those times before today, I wouldn’t have had any of the beautiful opportunities that God granted me to have since I walked through His doors. With faith anything is possible. If not for God and my faith in how he comes through and always has, I wouldn’t have the dream job (or jobs) I have now. I’d simply be doing the safe, comfortable things I stuck with for so long in frustration.
ANTIDOTE to fear
To remedy the constant fear-mongering in our minds, we have to continuously come back to the present. Fear robs us of the perfect peace God provides in the present, reminding us of His providence over our lives (future included).
The mind doesn’t rest easily, which is why God reminds us in the Bible to give our worries to Him and focus on the pleasing, helpful things (Romans 12:2 and Philippians 4:8), which comes from living in the present. The present is an opportunity to do those action-oriented items that address our worries and help us move through fear.
how to combat fear
Take Action that Addresses Fear:
Once I spoke to my boss, I was able to take the action that allowed me to move forward without so much worry over the future. I decided to let go of how next year would go and suggest changes that make my job more manageable—all while trusting in God as I said yes to returning to my current school in the Fall.
Take Action that brings you into present:
Fear doesn’t evaporate once we address some of its causes. While it diminishes, it will revisit us again or show up regarding another issue. A good way to bring ourselves out of fear-mode is to move our bodies, keep ourselves occupied by something (if not movement then reading, calling a friend or convening with community). These tactics settle our minds and remove the opportunity to fixate on the future.
When I am struggling to let go of my fear, I say a short prayer:
Jesus, I love you and I trust you.
It is easy enough to repeat again and again, reminding my overwhelm that God is in control and I can trust Him with my future.