There is a song I love called “The Breakup Song” by Francesca Battistelli. In this composition she personifies fear and tells it that it no longer owns her and that it must leave because there is no room for fear in her life. She kicks fear out and puts a “No Vacancy” sign on her heart. Fear is defined as an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat.
Studies say that humans are born with two natural fears: the fear of falling and the fear of loud noises. So where do we get all our other fears? The rest are believed to be learned behavior brought about by our culture and environment. When I was a child I was fearless. I would be willing do or try just about anything. But as an adult and as I grow older, I find myself developing even more fears.
The word anxiety and fear can be used interchangeably. In my adult life, I have dealt much with anxiety which has brought on panic attacks. For example, even though I love to travel to other countries, I have a great fear of flying. I get very anxious when I am about to fly. I have become ill on several plane rides due to this fear. On one occasion, I found myself walking back and forth on the gangplank trying to convince myself to get on the plane.
Fear assails us when we feel uncertain of what is going to happen. Most times we imagine the worst possible scenario. Fear keeps us up at night worrying about the unknown. When fear overtakes you, it will paralyze you and keep you from moving forward. You’ll feel stuck, as if you have cement blocks around your feet, and it takes much effort to even move through your daily activities. This fear is what the Bible refers to as the “spirit of fear” (2 Timothy 1:7). Fear lurks around corners constantly making you second guess everything you do and decisions you make. It paints a grim picture of things headed your way no matter what decision you make.
About a year ago, I found myself in a great battle with fear. It had me afraid to make even very basic decisions such as to what color to wear or even what I would eat. Every time I would decide to do something, it was like I could hear a voice in my head telling me how dreadful the results would be if I made that decision. I felt like I had sunk deep into a dark pit with no way of getting out. So, I went about my day trying to make as little decisions as possible. I remained rather quiet and kept to myself. About a month later during a prayer service, I heard a loud voice emanating from someone during the prayer. It took me a moment to realize that the sound was coming from me. As I yelled, I felt that spirit of fear break and release me from its grip.
Fear is a powerful tool the Enemy uses to hinder our progress in the work of the Lord. It wants to stop us, stagnate us, and have us revert to that which is familiar to us. But, the Lord has also given us tools to combat fear. Psalm 46:1 says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in the time of trouble.” When we have difficulties facing us, we can look to the Lord who is always there to help us go through our difficulties and bring us out of them. The Lord is not the author of fear and anxiety, He is the finisher of them. He tells us to “be anxious for nothing” (Philippians 4:6a). He even gives us things to focus on, so we won’t be anxious in Philippians 4:8. So let us work through our fears and anxiety and seek the Lord to take us through the rough patches in life. Kick fear out and put a “No Vacancy” sign on your heart!
Mother Pruitte you are so right. I have been dealing with fear and anxiety for a long time. Being stuck wanting to go forward but just couldn’t no possible way. In my home, my job, and even in ministry.