This is my title. This is my confession.

Writing this may take me more than one post, especially when dozens of subtitles come to mind. Fear is a big topic—one I am learning more about, and one that has driven my anxiety and many of my decisions. And certainly one that is currently troubling me over my health.

Let me start by telling you about my Bible Study group. We have taken a break from actual Bible study and are going through a video series on the brain: Your Body His Temple Dvd, God’s Plan For Emotional Wholeness by Dr. Caroline Leaf. In this study I have learned we have two emotional responses: fear-based and faith-based. We also have a part of our brains dedicated to free will. There is obviously a lot more information I’m learning, but for me these three things are paramount.

I have come to the conclusion that I can have both fear and faith at the same time. The stumbling block I’m tripping over is which one I listen to and take action on. This is where my free will comes into play.

Last Thursday I had an MRI on my brain and an ultrasound on the arteries in my neck. The results are in my chart and have been since late Thursday. But I haven’t heard from my doctor yet, and all weekend I’ve been dissecting the test results using the internet and fretting over the possibilities even though there were only minor issues reported and no overt diagnosis.

But when I followed the clues and saw symptoms I had been having and the mention of dementia on my internet search, I was swamped by anxiety and depression. My mom died from dementia. It was already a fear of mine.

So, here I am with an understanding that I have a choice. I can allow my fears free reign or I can act with faith, both faith in God’s plan and loving care for me, and faith that the doctors can discover what is happening or may have happened and shine a light on the way forward.

Here was my scripture today:

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.‬‬

Psalm‬ ‭119‬:‭105‬ ‭ESV

That led me to this one:

…to make us holy and pure, cleansing us through the showering of the pure water of the Word of God.‬‬

Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭26‬ ‭TPT

God’s Word plays a major roll in coming to faith, and responding in faith. Look at this next verse.

So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.‬‬

Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭17‬ ‭NKJV

When I listen to what God says my faith will stabilize me.

Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.‬‬

Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭24‬-‭25‬ ‭NIV

When I allow the firm foundation of my faith to settle me, the fear dissipates. Faith in God births trust in God.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; 

in all your ways know him, and he will make your paths straight. 

Don’t be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil. 

This will be healing for your body, and strengthening for your bones.‬‬

Proverbs‬ ‭3‬:‭5‬-‭8‬ ‭CSB

Often, when this passage is quoted, people stop at verse 6. But there is more to grab hold of. There is action to be taken. And even though they use the word fear here, it is action that is based on faith—faith that God is trustworthy.

As I come to the end of this post, I’m surprised God didn’t lead me to one of the 300+ times we are told not to fear in scripture. Maybe that will be my next post.

I pray you will find faith over fear in whatever you are facing. And I hope sharing my own struggles will help you along the way.

Grace & Peace,

Sandy

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