Be Not Afraid: Talk about Your Childhood Fears

Editor’s Note: Missioner-in-training Misty Menis-Kyler reflects on the Scripture passage she returns to whenever she feels fear or feels anxious.

Fear is one of the hardest things to overcome. It is the devil’s greatest tool to turn us against God and each other. Our wars and conflicts stem from fear. We are scared that the enemies will strike us if we do not strike first. We worry about our children’s futures and financial futures. We spend so much time worrying and fearing, that we never remember to live in the present and enjoy what God has already given us.

God tells us 365 times in the bible not to fear. One of my favorite excerpts from the bible is this:

“Do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than cloths. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?” (Luke 12:22-26)

For me, as I was growing up, I was always a worry wart. I worried about everything and anything.

When I was just five years old, I can recall going up to my mom and dad often with my worries such as: how would I would buy a house, how do I do taxes, what if I did not learn how to get married in school, would I know how to do it?

As I got older my fears got bigger and bigger. I was always worried I was not good enough, pretty enough, smart enough, I was always behind and never able to catch up.

It was this Scripture quote that allowed me to find peace in my worry. It gave me hope and peace with my anxiety. I can’t say I am cured of my fears and worries, but when I find myself anxious and stressed, I think back to this quote and it helps me.

In light of the upcoming advent season, I challenge everyone to let go of your worries and place them at the feet of Christ. If you find yourself coming back to the things you place at Christ’s feet, just repeat “Lord, forgive me for picking up what I have already placed at your feet.”

There is an inspiring video about fear that you can watch below that asks the question, “What room does fear have?” It allowed me to see that to worry and fear is a waste of precious time and means I lack trust in God.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZIr85Rxln0

This advent season ask yourself, what room does fear have in your life?

Reflection Question: what room does fear have in your life? What Scripture passage calms and comforts you in times of anxiety?