HOW TO HANDLE FEAR AND STRESSFUL SITUATIONS
Fear is an emotion that serves a needed purpose. It alerts us to danger and can keep us from harm. That fear triggers a response; some of you might have heard it called the “flight or fight” response. I’m a flight person, while my husband is a fight guy.
The problem with fear is that it can trigger the same response to perceived dangers. We can conjure up fear in our minds about a situation that isn’t an actual threat, but our bodies can’t tell the difference. My fear of the unknown has kept me from enjoying activities that others who aren’t fearful get to experience.
Some fearful situations are the ones we can’t predict or know the outcome. Joe is a pessimist in this situation, while I’m an optimist and always think everything will be fine. Most of the time, the situation is neither horrible nor terrific but somewhere in-between. I have a fear of flying, while Joe owns a plane and loves to fly. We could go on lots of short trips and enjoy places that we would never drive to for a short trip, but my fear keeps us from going.
I have gotten better about flying commercially, although I’m still not a huge fan. My sister once shared a thought that made so much sense that it calms me down when I have to fly. She said, “why worry? You are not in control of anything in life.”
She explained that God is the only one who knows the outcome of any situation, and no matter how much I worry or am afraid, the outcome will be the same. Strangely, it calmed me down instead of panicking that I was not in control. If someone has to be in control, I would much rather it be the Lord than me.
Isaiah 41:10
10 So do not fear, for I am with you;
    do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Joshua 1:9
9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Deuteronomy 31:8
8 The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
My sister shared a book (Hind’s Feet on High Places) that she has read several times, so I downloaded it on Audible and listened to it on my way back from my parents. This is an allegory tale about a girl named Much-Afraid. “Follow Much-Afraid on her spiritual journey through difficult places with her two companions, Sorrow and Suffering. Learn how Much-Afraid overcomes her tormenting fears as she passes through many dangers and mounts at last to the High Places. There she gains a new name and then returns to her valley of service, transformed by her union with the loving Shepherd.”
This is a fabulous book on fear and how she learns to trust in the Shepherd and submit her will to His. I LOVED this book, and I’m ready to listen to it again and take notes. One of the lessons I took away from this was about how the Shepherd was always with her, and when she was confused or afraid, all she had to do was call on Him. The Shepherd would appear immediately so that she could explain to Him her issue.
We can also call on Holy Spirit; even though He isn’t going to appear by our side visually, He is still there. We can tell Him our fears, our concerns and ask for direction. He will walk with us and guide us, but we must also do our part. We have to communicate, listen, and watch for Him to give us instructions.
If you’ve ever struggled with fear or the lack of control in a situation, this book is one you might consider reading.
To God Goes The Glory!
Have A Blessed Day!
Tania, today’s post was so well written.
Thank you for sharing your fears. I have a fear of being alone. I pray to God all the time not to take my husband from me. I know so many people that have experienced so much loss. I am going to read the book you suggested.
I needed to hear this so much. Worry has a stranglehold on me that I cannot even sleep. Thank you and I needed to be reminded God is in control.
I can totally relate! I usually do ok with flying (although I never look forward to it) as long as there is no turbulence. Just last weekend, my husband and I were on a four hour flight and three out of the four hours, the pilot told everyone to stay in their seats because of the horrible turbulence. I hate it that I get so fearful; it just makes me feel the pilot has no control. So I pray a lot – and chat it up with those around me to keep me distracted. Also, I have read that book; it’s been awhile, so I’ll have to go back and reread it.
A thought that came to my mind as I was reading this is: Let Go, Let God. I have a fear of being on the road when it’s raining/storming, so I have been working on turning my fear over to Him, and don’t let it stop me from doing something fun, or what needs to be done.
I have a dog-eared copy, my niece gave me. It is so timely, although it was written 45 years ago. I enjoy reading your posts. You’re an encouragement. Thank you.
As always, your Sunday message is a wonderful reminder of His love and protection. I received some concerning news last week at what was supposed to just be a routine annual oncology check-up. While I pray each day, and even more so in the last few days, today’s message was another reminder that God is in control. ❤️
Tania, you are a blessing and a light. Keep shining, sister!
I so look forward to your Sunday posts. I fix my coffee and sit down to read it before heading to church. I read the book you referenced years ago. Truly a classic.
Thank you for sharing your advice on fear of flying. I also have this fear and it is very difficult to enjoy going on holiday because of this.
Always enjoy your Sunday message
I too have a fear of flying and a half dozen other things but flying is the top of the list. I find praying for safety of the flight and plane along with the flight crew and ground crew knowing and doing their job helps me. I do this the day before the flight and as I step onto the plane. It is all about not being in control and trust issues for me. I love your Sunday posts.