When Fear Speaks, Let Faith Answer

Fear often arises from a feeling of losing control. It’s something we’ve all experienced, and it highlights our humanity–showing us where we truly lack or what we believe we lack. Whether it’s fear of losing something or someone, being rejected or abandoned, public speaking, or the jaw-clenching uncertainty of what’s to come? We can’t deny that fear can be crippling.

Personally, I haven’t just struggled with fear, I’ve allowed it to take over and keep me STUCK. If I’m being completely honest, even as I write this devotional, I’m reminded of when God first gave me the vision to start a blog. That was almost five years ago, and I’m a little embarrassed to admit that I’m only now beginning to share my writing. I had countless drafts saved on my computer, but fear kept me procrastinating and afraid to hit the ‘publish’ button.

Sure, part of the delay came from finishing grad school, coping with grief and heartbreak, and of course distractions from the enemy along the way. But if I’m really honest? A good portion of the delay was fear. Fear of making mistakes. Fear of the unknown. Fear of the work it would take. And the biggest one—fear of failing.

That’s just one example from my life, but the truth is, there are many areas where I’ve allowed fear to rule instead of letting my faith lead. And that brings me to a word we often toss around: FAITH.

What does it really mean to walk in faith?

To me, faith means trust. Not trust in what the world has to offer. Not trust in money. Not even trust in our own abilities, because we are only human. Faith is trusting in the One who created us. Trusting that even when we can’t see the way forward, He does. It’s believing that the hope buried deep in our spirit can be activated to see beyond what the human eye and mind perceive.

How does this look practically?

The first step is to acknowledge the fear you’re experiencing. What does fear feel like in your body? Headaches? Nausea? Jitters or trembling?

Then ask: what does fear look like in your life? Is it procrastination? Irritability? Isolation or shutting down? These are important questions. When we become more self-aware, fear begins to lose its grip. It can no longer keep us stuck.

Another practical step: write down the specific things that are making you feel anxious or fearful. Be honest. Then ask yourself: What is it about this that’s making me so afraid? I won’t bet on it—but chances are, the answer has something to do with how much you’re relying on your own strength.

You might find yourself thinking:

• How am I going to do this?

• What am I going to do next?

• I can’t handle this.

• I’m not good enough or worthy of this.

But here’s the shift: move the focus from yourself to God.

Because the truth is:

• He is going to do this and will never leave me (Joshua 1:5).

• He is ahead of me and already knows what plans are next for my life (Jeremiah 29:11).

• He can handle this and He makes my burdens light (Matthew 11:28-30).

• He is good, and He is worthy (2 Samuel 22:4).

That’s what faith sounds like. Faith is trusting. Faith is believing. Faith is certainty. Not in you, but in Him. The One who takes care of the little birds in the air! So how much more will He take care of you? Whatever fear you’re facing, I challenge you to face it head-on with faith. Acknowledge it. Examine it. Surrender it. And then walk forward. Not in your own strength, but in the strength of the One who called you.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, My God in Heaven, I just thank you for reminding me today that it is you that has all might and all power. Before every step I take, I know that you have already gone ahead of me. It is you that keeps me surrounded with abundant grace, love, and protection. Therefore, I will not be anxious or afraid of (enter the fear). I will walk in faith, trusting in you and the plans you have for my life. I will not focus on my own strengths and abilities but instead I will keep my mind stayed on you. Father your word, in Isaiah 26:3, says that, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” So, I speak peace over my mind, peace over my body, and peace in every area of my life right now Lord. I shall not and will not fear, for it is You Lord who fights on my behalf. Increase my faith Father so that I can walk freely and fully into what it is you have for me in this season. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scriptures to meditate on:

“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” (Matthew 6:26)

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” (Isaiah 26:3)