After The Work

Fear is a separator. It compels us to separate from a situation (fight or flight). It calls us to raise up boundaries between people. It separates us from the presence of God. Fear is the brain’s reaction that hijacks the mind from our higher functions. Fear separates us from reason and peace.

We need fear at times to survive a situation, compelling the body to react. It is a natural emotion, one of the most primal and powerful. God forbid someone pulls a gun on you, it is natural to be afraid. “Shall I run? What shall I say?” are thoughts that appear in an instant. The next few moments may change our life.

We need not feel ashamed of fear, but we must master it. We must condition the body to move in healthy directions when fear boils up from within. An athlete uses repetition to condition themselves against performance anxiety and doubt. A policeman trains themselves in crisis situations. Every human being experiences fear and every human being can condition their mind to move towards peace.

Do not fight the fear you feel, nor should you feel ashamed you are afraid. So what if you are shaking and your voice cracks? What you do next could change your life if you simply keep moving forward. Accept the fact you are afraid. Allow it to manifest before you. Ask yourself, “why am I afraid?” and “when have I been afraid like this before?”

Choosing to pause and acknowledge your fear is the first step towards overcoming it. Next, make a rational decision to move forward. Make your choice. Finally, as you move know that you are Watched over by God almighty, the giver of life and love. No matter the situation, no matter how bleak, you will be ok… even if it is your life at stake. We may grieve what we could lose or not experience, but that too can be acknowledged in the same way.

Fear is, without a doubt, the hardest thing we may have to face as it as primal and essential as the need to eat and reproduce. It may be the last thing we would like to consider–but consider what you could lose if you are afraid to act. 2 Timothy 1:7 – For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. Master yourself and Heaven will follow.