365 Times

Some years ago, I moved to what is dubbed a ‘hurricane state’. One of my biggest fear was driving in a thunderstorm. Torrential rains are very common here -any time day or night. Windshield wipers are of no help during these storms. I had been practicing the art of facing my fears at this time. Why? I HATE the crippling effect of fear. That rock above looks much more intimidating than it really is. I wouldn’t have discovered that if I hadn’t decided to climb it. Fear can magnify and distort tings in our lives.

One day there was thunderstorm warning for my area. This was the day I would face my fear. I waited until thunder and lightning started to shout and dance in the skies. I got in my car and drove – nowhere in particular. I drove until every ounce of anxiety and fear drained from my body. I looked up at the skies -‘How you like me now??’

365 times – the number of times it is said that ‘fear not’ is mentioned in scriptures. Why? One simple answer – there are many reasons to fear. Valid ones. I am sure you have a personal list. As many reasons as there are to fear, God gives us as many to NOT FEAR. When I was 16 years old and worried about my life, He gave me Isaiah 41:10 : ‘Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My right hand of righteousness. ‘ This has been one of my anchor scriptures for decades. It calms the chaos in my soul. It works!

What are your fears? I have had many over the years. Some I’m still walking through. Some manifests in my dreams. Over the years, I’ve had this recurring dream of getting married but never once was I excited. Sometimes I would be outside gardening or just minding my own business. Sometimes I looked at the guy and tell myself I would eventually love him. Nothing ever seemed right. This became real ‘tiring’ after a while. I don’t know if you’ve ever had that experience. You became so tired of a recurring dream year in year out. Finally, I had a one on one with God. What was this about?

Eventually I got some clarity or understanding. I had had a morbid fear of marrying the wrong person. This fear was so strong, it manifested in my dreams. I’ve noticed that I give very few men the chance to make a mistake with me twice. As soon as I sense unhealthy behaviors – I am gone. Gone emotionally, mentally and at times physically remove myself. Mind you – I have had my fair share of mistakes! While this helped me avoid a lot of heartaches, some fears can be toxic. Many times they can be symptoms of my lack of trust in my Father. While God may not come down hand pick a husband for me, process him, package him and deliver him at my door [I pray He would😎 ], He promises to guide me in all areas of my life. So, why the overwhelming fear? Maybe I’ve seen too much drama around me – maybe one too many Lifetime Movie [ don’t judge😂]. I don’t know. I’m not sure.

I did confess my fears. Acknowledged my inordinate desire to control the outcomes in my life. Faced my trust issues with my Father. Guess what? I no longer have those dreams. So, what fears do you need to confront and process? Your Father is waiting for that conversation. Caution!! He may take you to some messy places – some places of trauma. The end product, however, is beautiful. Don’t put off that conversation any longer. God did not give us a spirit of fear to torment and cripple us. Why do we accept things that He did not give us?

***Thanks for reading. Now chase that fear outta here! ‘Like’ and comment.