2 Keys For Dealing With Fear
There’s a lot in our world right now to feel fearful about!
From the ongoing coronavirus threat, to the uncertainty of our economy, to the direct impact it may have on all of us. So, dealing with fear is a real challenge for many of us.
But how do we properly deal with our fear? Let me offer two keys.
Key Number One: You have to name it
Fear can be like a ball of string all knotted up. You’re not exactly sure what you’re worried about, what you’re anxious about, or what you’re fearful about, but you know you are. To start unraveling that knotted ball, and to start dealing with fear, you have to first name it.
One of my favorite quotes, is by the great African-American abolitionist, Harriet Tubman, when she said, “I led a thousand slaves to freedom. I could have led a thousand more — if only they would have known they weren’t free.”
Wow. I love that quote.
To get free of something you first have to name it. So what is it for you? Be specific.
I’m fearful right now of _________________?
Key Number Two: You have to find the root
The second key to dealing with fear is to untangle the knot and find what’s at its root. Here’s what I’ve found. The root of fear almost always has to do with the issue of trust — who or what am I trusting in?
When it comes to trust, we only have three options:
Ourself — we can trust in our own efforts, ingenuity, intellect, and abilities but usually, all of our efforts eventually run out.
Others — we can put our trust in our spouse, our family, a close friend, organizations, institutions, our company, or even our government. But again, all of these sources fall short and eventually let us down.
God — we can trust in the One who knows all things and who is strong enough to help us carry all things.
So as you unravel your cord of fear and follow it down to it’s root, ask yourself:
I’m fearful because I’m trusting in ___________________?
When I am afraid
In the bible, the psalmist David, knew what it was like to feel and face real fear. Fear of enemies. Fear of disease. Fear of a crisis. Fear of death. Yet David dealt with his fear by deciding who he would trust.
He writes, “When I am afraid, I will put my trust in God. (Psalms 56:3)
So if you’re feeling fear during this current crisis, let me encourage you to put your trust in God. He’s the only one who knows what you’re feeling, and He’s the only one strong enough to help you carry it.
Living In Faith and Living On Purpose
Ken L Roberts
P.S. If I can serve you during these unusual times, simply email me at Ken@KenLRoberts.com. I’d be honored to help anyway I can.