Fear(less)

Fear is a subtle anesthetic.  Often times we don't even realize how much power we've lost to it until we're almost completely numb.  I'm not talking about a fear of spiders or not knowing how to swim; I mean those deep fears of whether or not we'll be left alone, whether things will ever get better, or whether we're good enough.  I have come to realize through my own experience and conversations with other women that most of us ladies experience fear emotionally and socially, and our emotions tend to run over into the other facets of our lives.  Even the most logical of us can be fettered by  fear! It's destructive and hurtful to ourselves, to those around us, and to our relationship with God.  Why can't we just brush the fear off our shoulders and get rid of that extra weight?  It's just never that easy, is it?
I've had a hard time writing even what I have down so far because fear is a big problem for me, but I think that the topic of fear is so important!  Ladies, do not let your fears consume you!  I have a habit of dwelling on negative things that happen to me, especially in my relationship with Ben.  When I spend ninety percent of my time focused on what has happened, what might've happened, and what could happen in the future, I leave very little time for God.  And I show God that I have no trust in him.  1 Peter 4:12 says "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trail when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you."  Each time my fears take over I forget how many times in the past that God has brought me through things.  Especially as Christians, Satan will do everything in his power to withdraw our attention from glorifying God.  The stronger we are as Christians, the stronger Satan's attacks come.  We are also told again and again how God will protect us, how he cares for us, how he saves us...The fact is that when our mind is filled with our fears, there is no room to remember his promises to us.  We block him out and replace him with falsities and untruths.  We have to remember to "Consider it pure joy, my [sisters] when you are faced with trials of many kinds for you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance" (James 1:2).  That doesn't mean it's easy, but our Joy comes from the contentment and satisfaction that God is in control and has providential power over everything.  Remember to set your mind on "...whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy..." (Phil. 4:8).
Something I need to do more frequently and I suggest others do as well is to consume your mind with Biblical scripture to fight these fears.  If our mind is already full, nothing else can fill it.  To start each day full of truth and goodness makes a lot more sense than allowing fears and failures to creep in instead. We need to become fearless, not fear-full.