Overcoming Fear

On a recent sleepover, my three-year-old grandson Harrisen and I went outside early one morning to gather the eggs. Unfortunately, a stray dog showed up just as we finished, which sent Harrisen into a panic attack, complete with tears and screaming. I finally managed to balance him in one arm and the basket of eggs in the other as I attempted to shoo the over-friendly dog away and make it inside the house.



A little while later, after several unsuccessful attempts to get Harrisen to come outside and enjoy the beautiful fall day, I had to basically force him to get over his irrational fear. I picked him up and carried him outside in spite of his protests, explaining that Nana had shooed the dog away and that even if he came back, I would protect him.



As I tried to encourage him and help him get over his fears, I realized that I am sometimes very much like my grandson, even though I'm fifty-something. No matter our age, we all experience fear, and our fears are often irrational. Because of prior bad experiences, we're afraid to "get back on the horse" again, fearful of a repeat experience.



But the Bible clearly admonishes us in several places to not be afraid and informs us that God hasn't given us a spirit of fear. Fear reveals a lack of trust in our heavenly Father, who has promised to always be with us, has proved His love for us, has cared and provided for us over and over again.



I can almost picture Jesus gathering me into His arms, telling me that He will protect me so I have no reason to be afraid. I can hear Him telling me that He's shooed the source of my fear away and that even if it returns He'll be right beside me. I feel the encouragement as He helps me move past my fear. Hallelujah that we serve such a wonderful Savior!



Thank You, Lord Jesus, that we have no reason to be afraid because of Your presence, guidance, and help. Teach us to trust You more so that we might overcome our fears. In Jesus' name, Amen.