FEAR

FEAR!  This is my most irrational emotion.  Actually, it may be the most irrational emotion for every living thing.  I completely freak out when I feel fear.  Sometimes things happen that push me towards the beginning feelings of fear, but then I am able to talk myself into more rational thinking.  This isn't something I take lightly or is easy at all.  It has taken me years to be able to do this, and it involves deep breathing, a place to purposefully clear my mind and open up my thoughts to deep thinking about the situation.  It always involves talking to God.  Sometimes fear hits me so fast and furiously that I react before I realize that I am reacting out of fear, and it's usually completely irrationally.  I've worked very hard on myself and been intentional about how to keep this from happening but I am only human.  These last few days I've felt a little fear creeping in, because this world can be a scary place.  One of my mentors and favorite people has talked about memorizing scripture to recall in times of need, praise, desperation, joy, etc.  So I searched my daily devotion on the topic of fear.  This is the one I found, that resonated within me the most.  I memorized Isaiah 41:10 a long time ago and recite it often. 

DO NOT BE AFRAID, for I am with you. Hear Me saying, “Peace, be still,” to your restless heart. No matter what happens, I will never leave you or forsake you. Let this assurance soak into your mind and heart until you overflow with Joy. Though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, you need not fear!

The media relentlessly proclaim bad news: for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A steady diet of their fare will sicken you. Instead of focusing on fickle, ever-changing news broadcasts, tune in to the living Word—the One who is always the same. Let Scripture saturate your mind and heart, and you will walk steadily along the path of Life. Even though you don’t know what will happen tomorrow, you can be absolutely sure of your ultimate destination. I hold you by your right hand, and afterward I will take you into Glory.

Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.
—Mark 4:39 nkjv

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.
—Deuteronomy 31:6

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.
—Psalm 46:2

Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.
—Psalm 73:23–24