When I was a kid I struggled with lots of anxiety issues.  I constantly played the “What if…” game in my mind.  Sleep was a real challenge.  When I hit Jr. High I seemed to outgrow the anxiety.  But I now realize that I merely learned how to distract myself from it through a focus on achievement (control) and a preoccupation with sports (escape).  My recent health issues and accompanying fear have shown me that the anxiety has been there all along, hiding beneath the surface, and robbing me of true joy.  

A wise friend shared some great insight with me this week.  She said that the cultural approach to dealing with fear and anxiety is to disassociate from it.  Learn how to think about something else–your “happy place” if you will.  The problem is that the anxiety is still there and will rear its ugly head when given the opportunity.  Further, focusing on a “happy place” distracts us from giving our full attention to God.  We become preoccupied with other, lesser things. 

God, on the other hand, has a different approach.  He desires to take us by the hand and to face the fear and anxiety head on.  As expressed in the book  Just Courage by Gary Haugen, he takes us to our boundary of fear and wants to set us free.    Biblical examples include Abraham and the Rich Young Ruler.  Abraham had to face the fear of giving up his most prized possession, his son Isaac.  God took him to that boundary of fear and set Abraham free.  The Rich Young Ruler had to face the fear of giving up his most prized possession, financial security.  God took him to that boundary of fear, but in contrast to Abraham’s faith, the Rich Young Ruler walked away, choosing control over freedom.  He would continue to live in fear and anxiety and without the joy of the Lord.

What is causing fear and anxiety in your life?  Are you simply trying to cover it up with happy thoughts or worldly distractions.  God wants to set you free.  But it will require taking the journey to face those fears head on.  At that moment of truth we are given the choice:  will I trust God to lead me through the fear, or will I walk away. 

God has brought me to my boundary of fear.  I am more than anxious about my health and the future.  But He is reaching out His nail scarred hand, offering  to take me through it so that I will be set free.  On the other side is a brand new life of peace, faith, and joy as I learn to trust Him completely.  Please pray for me that I will cling tightly to His hand as I pray the same for you.