Gear for Fear

At some point in your life, you have faced or you will face fear. It could be now. Perhaps there is a cloud looming on the horizon that you know will one day hover over your head and you are fearful of the potential outcome. Fear can stall our objectives, blur our goals and even immobilize us.

Fear can release those “less than positive” thoughts that race through your mind. “Am I going to be able to run as fast as I did last year.?  “Will my throws measure up against the competition?  “What is this Conference going to be like? “ “Do I still have it?” “These competitors are tough.” “Is that injury going to come back?”

In most cases, fear comes out of a lack of confidence. It can echo out of the dark cave of negative self talk. It can grab us as we imagine the worst from scenarios that aren’t even based in reality. It comes from focusing on ourselves and our own limitations. But, conquering our fear is based elsewhere: It begins with a positive focus outside of ourselves. The first item in our Gear for Fear is to celebrate past performances in our mind.

“I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.”  The people of Israel were encouraged to focus on God’s past provision when facing fearful circumstances and to praise Him for his past deliverance.  So, as we face fear, we remember who God is, what he has done and offer praise to Him.

The second and most important item in our Gear for Fear is to ask, seeking His face. “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.” Fears are conquered when we realize that our deliverance is not manufactured from within ourselves. Yes, it takes an element of faith in one’s self and a positive attitude toward the challenges. But, it is God within us and our faith and trust in Him that conquers those fears.

“Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.” Above verses from Psalm 34:1-5, 7

“Father, we pray through these verses. As we do, lift our eyes beyond the fears. Imbed within our spirit a hope for our future. Give us an infusion of faith that trusts in you alone. We celebrate what you have accomplished in our lives. We know that you are never going to go away from us. We face fear with the knowledge that “greater is He that is in ‘us’ than he who is in the world.” Amen

May His Peace be yours!

Larry

Fellowship of Christian Athletes Meeting Tuesday, September 26th, 7:30 PM With Keith Townsend, Koch Arena, Champions Club