Every day, people are paralyzed by fear. Afraid of the seen and unseen... afraid to live and afraid to die...I have wrestled with fear, as well. It’s a natural human emotion. And in the face of SO MANY reasons to see things to trigger fear... God says... Fear not.
I have heard God says “fear not” 365 times- hmmmm, where have I heard that number before??? But I couldn’t find 365, but, really, shouldn’t God saying it once be enough?!?!? I have included a list of the verses at the end of this article... but my purpose is to focus on health consequences and physical actions to take to not mentally trigger fear.
A fear response triggers your sympathetic nervous system, releasing adrenaline - panic attacks are not just in the mind... they cause a physical response. Fear lowers your immune system... so being afraid of sickness can make you sick! Fear can affect your heart, literally! It can raise your blood pressure and your heart rate. It can take your breath away. Shallow breathing decreases oxygen intake... you are going to need that oxygen. It can affect your bowels- nobody wants a 2 Chronicles 21 type of bowel. Yet when we are overcome with fear... our bowels can just melt. Fear takes our strength, energy, and joy.
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.2 Timothy 1:7
So what CAN I DOOOOO???
The last normal service before the world went off the deep end, Pastor preached a message on fixing (setting, not correcting) your mind. (That may or may not have been the primary point- it’s what I got.) Each fear, each rumor, each “news” release, it has been helpful to say, ok, what does God want my thoughts to be?
Start with your eyes. What are you watching? News? Based on the Smith-Mundt Act, it may be in your best interest to use a sound mind and not let it affect your heart. (Lamentations 3:51) Movies? Are they scary? Do the get your emotions stirred up? TV shows? Not a lot of quality out there. And what if Hollywood and ALL media do not have your best interest at heart? Oh, be careful little eyes what you see!!!
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.Philippians 4:8
What do you hear? Are you able to return good words for evil? Does your music cause you to feel isolated and afraid? I like to sing and hear music- loud!!!!! (this does not mean I have any talent 🙂 ) But singing TRUTH loudly quiets a lot of fears! This ones a sweetie....
“That's my Savior, my Interceder, and He's standing in my place
As He steps before the Father, He speaks one word and it is, 'Grace.' "
Or
“God wants to hear you sing
When the waves are crashing round you
When the fiery darts surround you
When despair is all you see.
God wants to hear your voice
When the wisest man has spoken
And says your circumstance is as hopeless as can be
That's when God wants to hear you sing.”
It was good enough for Paul and Silas, and it’s good enough for me!!!
But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble.Psalm 59:16
GO OUTSIDE! Sunshine, fresh air, and sky are untouchable! They are God designed and NOT under lockdown. I find cycling a wonderful builder of courage (and if you’ve seen me cycle you know it’s not because of my athletic ability). Personally, the first ten minutes, I am full of complaints. The next ten minutes, the Lord pokes me and says...what’s your problem?!? The last ten minutes, is usually filled with confession (I was mean...wrong...selfish...just pure evil) and direction.. (ok, yes, Lord, I will get right, repent, act....) Also, I love the big sky. It reminds me of my place. He is so big, and I am so small. How big is God? Is there place for fear?
We are bombarded with fear. We are inundated with reasons to fear and even TOLD WHAT to fear. Remember when the AIDS was first around. I remember being afraid to hug someone with it- lest I catch the AIDS too...shame on me. Perfect love casteth our fear. I throw no stones. I have had fear stop me from doing what God wants me to do. Sometimes, you have to step back, slow down, be quiet, and remember... Psalm 103- the whole thing, but especially verse 14. God's Word can silence the accuser of the brethren!!!
There are so many things that I have often thought trite, that are so powerful. How about, What Would Jesus Do? Well, what would He do???? Or how about applying what they call the Serenity Prayer: God, give me the serenity to accept the thing I cannot change, the strength and courage to change what I can, and the wisdom to know the difference... not for lightweights! Or how about FDR... "there is nothing to fear but fear itself.”
PLEASE KNOW... EVERYONE gets afraid sometimes. I am no exception. God’s Word says He doesn’t give us that fear, it’s bondage...are we not free in Christ?
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.Isaiah 41:10
What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.Psalm 56:3
Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.Joshua 1:9
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.Philippians 4:6-7
For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.Isaiah 41:13
The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?Psalm 118:6
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.1 John 4:18
The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.Proverbs 29:25
Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.Deuteronomy 31:6
For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.Romans 8:15
Joyfully serving her Saviour in her blessed position of wife and mother, Dr. Michelle Zarrillo has a unique perspective on health related issues. As a working chiropractor and an avid reader, she has many opportunities to practice that which she learns. Educating her children at home and discovering their special needs has further challenged her to examine the connection between the physical, mental and spiritual realms of the human nature. Her passion for healthier living and her quest for the Creator’s ways of healing keep her pressing forward in search of truth.
Read Michelle’s salvation testimony here and her articles here.
Comments 1
Wow Michelle, somehow you addressed this without even knowing how right you are. I also experience fear; even though I know the verses about not being fearful somehow they are hiding when I am most fearful.
I know my focus should be on the Lord and how he takes care of me–in my head that is—-I need to remember to put that above and fear that should come along.
Thanks for this article, God bless