When Fear Meets Faith
"The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
- Psalm 34:18
We all reach breaking points in life—moments when anxiety, fear, or worry become so overwhelming that we can no longer pretend everything is fine. These rock-bottom moments aren't always dramatic catastrophes; sometimes they're the quiet paralysis of a mind that can't stop racing with worst-case scenarios. In these moments, we often believe the lie that our fear indicates spiritual failure. We think strong Christians shouldn't feel afraid, so we hide our struggles and push down our emotions, hoping they'll disappear if we ignore them long enough. But what if these moments of overwhelming fear aren't signs of failure but invitations to experience God in a deeper way? What if God isn't disappointed by our anxiety but is actually drawing near to us because of it? God doesn't expect us to be fearless. Throughout Scripture, we see faithful followers—David, Elijah, Paul—experiencing deep fear. Their fear didn't disqualify them from God's love or purpose. Instead, it created space for God to demonstrate His faithfulness. Today, if you're struggling with fear or anxiety, don't add shame to your burden. Your fear doesn't push God away—it invites Him closer. The very emotions you're trying to hide might be the doorway to experiencing God's presence in a new way.
Reflection Question
What fears or anxieties have you been hiding because you thought they made you spiritually weak? How might acknowledging these fears actually create space for God to work in your life?
Fear isn't a contradiction of faith. It's an invitation into real faith. Faith that chooses to trust when feelings don't line up. When God says, do not fear, for I am with you, he's not commanding you to suppress your humanity. He's calling you to remember his sufficiency in your weakness.
Prayer
Father, thank you that you're not disappointed by my fear but draw near to me in it. Help me to stop hiding my anxiety and instead bring it honestly before you. I'm grateful that you meet me in my brokenness, not just in my strength. Amen.
- Psalm 34:18
We all reach breaking points in life—moments when anxiety, fear, or worry become so overwhelming that we can no longer pretend everything is fine. These rock-bottom moments aren't always dramatic catastrophes; sometimes they're the quiet paralysis of a mind that can't stop racing with worst-case scenarios. In these moments, we often believe the lie that our fear indicates spiritual failure. We think strong Christians shouldn't feel afraid, so we hide our struggles and push down our emotions, hoping they'll disappear if we ignore them long enough. But what if these moments of overwhelming fear aren't signs of failure but invitations to experience God in a deeper way? What if God isn't disappointed by our anxiety but is actually drawing near to us because of it? God doesn't expect us to be fearless. Throughout Scripture, we see faithful followers—David, Elijah, Paul—experiencing deep fear. Their fear didn't disqualify them from God's love or purpose. Instead, it created space for God to demonstrate His faithfulness. Today, if you're struggling with fear or anxiety, don't add shame to your burden. Your fear doesn't push God away—it invites Him closer. The very emotions you're trying to hide might be the doorway to experiencing God's presence in a new way.
Reflection Question
What fears or anxieties have you been hiding because you thought they made you spiritually weak? How might acknowledging these fears actually create space for God to work in your life?
Fear isn't a contradiction of faith. It's an invitation into real faith. Faith that chooses to trust when feelings don't line up. When God says, do not fear, for I am with you, he's not commanding you to suppress your humanity. He's calling you to remember his sufficiency in your weakness.
Prayer
Father, thank you that you're not disappointed by my fear but draw near to me in it. Help me to stop hiding my anxiety and instead bring it honestly before you. I'm grateful that you meet me in my brokenness, not just in my strength. Amen.
Recent
Archive
2025
March
The Way to TruthLiving Water in a Thirsty WorldThe Narrow PathKnown by GodEternal Life Starts NowThe Relentless Pursuit of LoveFaith in ActionGoing Where Others Won’tJesus Changes EverythingOvercoming Fear to ShineMaking Heaven CrowdedReflecting His LightSalt of the EarthLetting Your Light ShineFueling Your LightShining TogetherThe Call to Surrender
April
The Paradox of DiscipleshipFrom Fan to FollowerThe Cross We CarryThe Joy of Full SurrenderThe Fruit of SurrenderThe Perfect PlanThe Root of Our ProblemThe Perfect SacrificeFreedom PurchasedLiving in VictorySent with PurposeThe True Cost of LoveFrom Darkness to LightBreaking Down BarriersVictory, Not VictimhoodLiving in FreedomThe Invitation Still StandsThe Stone Was Already MovedBreaking Free from the GraveyardGrace Before PerformanceMeeting Jesus in the HurtStepping into BeliefFrom Doubt to DeclarationThe Daily InvitationLetting Go of the OldWalking in New Power
May
Breaking Free from the Chains of ShameStepping Boldly into New LifeLiving the Resurrection DailySelf-Reliance to SurrenderDaily Steps of FaithTrading Comfort for ClarityThe Beauty of Faithful ObediencePurpose in the WaitingOur First Response, Not Last ResortThe Heart Behind the PrayerTrusting in the UnknownTrusting Beyond Our UnderstandingThe Generous FatherGod's Will Is a Relationship, Not a PuzzleLiving with Renewed PurposeDaily Bread, Not Emergency MedicineWalking in the LightFrom Hearing to ObeyingThe Word in Our Darkest MomentsHolding Hands with JesusAnchored by Truth in a Drifting WorldThe Purpose in the PauseDiscipled by Speed, Developed by WaitingDivine Redirection, Not RejectionFaith Forged in the FurnaceThe Divine Appointment in DelayStrength for the Stretch
June
When Fear Meets FaithThe Promise of God's PresenceReleasing the Grip of ControlBringing Fear into the LightHeld by Nail-Scarred HandsCourage for the Next StepFinding RestThe Freedom of HonestyWho’s Really Leading Your Life?Rest Looks Like Being With HimRedefining Rest, Redefining WorthLiving From RestDesigned for JoyThe Purpose in PainCollapsing into ChristThe Journey of HealingHope Has a NameGod is Still WritingUnderstanding Holy AngerThe Danger of Lingering AngerFinding Peace in Surrender
No Comments