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Freedom from Paralyzing Fears

Dec 30, 2008
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"When you lie down, you will not be afraid; yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet."
Proverbs 3:24

We've all heard the phrase "crippling emotions." The truth is, emotions can shackle a person from moving forward in her life, especially fearful emotions.

How much fear have you allowed to build up in you over the yearsperhaps a fear of failure or a fear of rejection? To what degree is fear holding you back from taking the risks to learn . . . to try . . . to do . . . to speak up . . . to step out . . . to move forward?

A woman who truly walks in freedom toward the fulfillment of her dreams and goals is a woman who has discovered a way of overcoming fears with faith.

Sheila Walsh has written this about fear: "Fear is a ravenous beast that can eat away at our faith and paralyze us until we are unable to move."

Have you ever been paralyzed by fear? Recall the experience in a few words or phrases.

How did you find yourself able to "move" again?

Faith is the true opposite of fear. The Bible states repeatedly that trusting in the Lordbelieving that the Lord will impart His presence and helpis the sure-fire way to overcome fear and experience courage.

Note next to each verse or passage below, your insights into what the Bible says about fear:

2 Timothy 1:7
Psalm 31:13-14
Hebrews 13:5b-6

When you think about the goals you'd like to achieve, what fears do you have about the pursuit of those goals?

Now take a look at each fear on your list and ask: "What would God like me to do about this fear?" Write down your response next tot the fear you have listed.

Think about a time when you failed in the past. What were the immediate emotions and consequences of that failure? Did you allow long-term fear to develop?

Why do you think we fear failure so much?

The Bible tells the story of a woman who decided she had had enough of her illness and went to Jesus for healing. She no doubt had fears about what she was planning to do. She had experienced "a flow of blood" for twelve years, very likely a form of endometriosis or some other disorder in her uterus that caused nonstop menstruation or hemorrhage. She was very likely physically weak. She was also desperate. She had spent all the resources she had trying to find a cure. The Bible says she had been to many physicians and had "suffered" at their hands and was not better, but rather, she grew worse. Then she heard about Jesus. Somewhere inside her a flicker of faith was fanned into flame and she said to herself, if only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well." She boldly maneuvered her way through a crowd of people and reached out to touch the hem of Jesus' garment. The Bible says that the flow of blood "dried up" immediately (see Mark 5:25-34).

How do you think you would have responded to your situation if you had been in this woman's position?

Have you ever been so desperate in your circumstances that you knew you had to take action, no matter the consequences to your reputation, your pride, or your social standing? What happened as a result of your desperation?

This woman who was hemorrhaging had more than a physical ailment. She also suffered from rejection and, very likely, loneliness. Her condition made her "unclean" in her community at that time, which meant she was required to refrain from mingling with crowds of people or participating in religious ceremonies. For twelve years, she had been isolated from many of her neighbors and friends, and she was prohibited from taking part in many family celebrations. After she touched the hem of Jesus' garment, Jesus turned and asked, "Who touched My clothes?" The woman, "fearing and trembling," fell down at Jesus' feet and told Him the whole truth. He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction" (see Mark 5:30-34).

What advantages do you see in telling Jesus the "whole truth" about your situation, including your fears?

Why would a person be reluctant to admit the whole truth to anybody about her fears . . . perhaps even refusing to admit the whole truth to herself?

What freedom is gained when you confront your fears?

The psalmist writes: "He calms the storm so that its waves are still" (Psalm 107:29). Have you ever experienced God's peace in a difficult or scary situationa "storm" of life that may have involved a literal storm, a relationship crisis, a financial crisis, or a health crisis? Recall that situation.
The prophet Isaiah praised God for keeping "in perfect peace all who trust in you, whose thoughts are fixed on you!" (Isaiah 26:3 NLT). Respond to the following statements:

These are the practical ways I put my "trust" in God (focus on what you do or way):
This is what it means to me to "fix my thoughts" on God.

Digging Deeper

In what ways does the pursuit of your dreams and purpose involve overcoming fear with faith? How might you "grow in faith" and in your ability to trust God in all things and for all things?

Ponder & Pray

In what ways do you feel challenged to ask God to help you trust Him more about a specific situation you are facing today?