Do Not Fear

In recent moments in my life, I realized that fear manifests itself in so many different dimensions. Fear in trusting others, fear in trusting myself, fear in the future, fear in hoping for better while expecting disappointment like before. FEAR, FEAR, FEAR – my fears are speaking louder than my faith and I hate it.

Fear that the life I dreamed of will never manifest.

Fear that I’m not living in the perfect will of God.

Fear that I won’t experience the manifestations of the promises of God.

Fear that I can’t be loved.

Fear that I’m not good enough for ______ whatever that blank is at the moment.

Fear that I’m not pleasing those closest to me.

Fear of losing another relationship, family member, or friendship.

Fear that God isn’t pleased with me.

Fear that I’ll fall into the sin I broke away from one more time.

When did fear become my god? When did it become the loudest voice that my ears are so readily inclined to? When did fear begin to dictate how I show up in the world?

I have a message for fear…

Fear,

Hear me, and hear me well. You aren’t welcome here. I refuse to tremble at the sound of your voice and allow intrusive thoughts to penetrate my holiness. You aren’t welcome in my mind. You aren’t welcome in my relationships. You aren’t welcome in my life. Fear GET OUT! This is your eviction notice. Today is the day you must leave. NOW!

– God’s Daughter

That eviction notice was so easy to write. But the hardest part isn’t getting fear out, it’s KEEPING fear out. Fear likes to sneak up on me.

Fear shows up in my email, along with every “I’m so sorry to inform you –“ or “Thank you for applying but –“ Fear echos every rejection and labeled me rejected.

Fear shows up in my friendships. It resounds in my ears when my friendships are a little rocky saying, “Prepare for the next betrayal” and “Nobody truly understands you, they’re just tolerating you.” Fear labeled me lonely.

Fear shows up in my singleness. It whispers when men I admire walk past showing little interest saying, “You aren’t pretty enough to them” and “Maybe you won’t be found as a wife, they don’t even acknowledge you now.” Fear labeled me as not good enough.

Fear shows up in my self-perception. As I glance in the mirror and I see another breakout or a little bit more bloating than normal. It looks at me slyly saying, “You aren’t beautiful” and “Your body is nowhere near where it needs to be, it’s not at all attractive.” Fear labeled me insecure.

Fear shows up in my workplace. Instead, of mind games and whispers, it uses people to give side eyes, nasty glares, and conniving comments. The many voices speak “You’re doing too much” and “Wait how did you get here?” Fear labeled me unqualified.

Fear shows up in my imagination. It makes dreaming of the future weighty. It screams, “You will never become what you dream of” and “God will never do that for you, who are you?” and “You aren’t good enough.” Fear labeled me inadequate.

Fear will keep showing up … but so will this Man I know who’s never moved. He hasn’t left me, in fact, He whispers too.

He speaks over me praises, blessings, and affirmations. There are so many times that my fears have been confronted not only by my faith but by the Holy Spirit. Sometimes when we are drowning in our fears, I believe God speaks to us as He did to Adam in the Garden of Eden saying “Who told you?” Who told you that you aren’t good enough? Who told you that you aren’t beautiful? Who told you that you aren’t qualified? Who told you that your flaws define your being? Do you know who made you? I’m the one who ordained you. I called you into being, as you are, with the dreams, aspirations, anointing, and beauty you behold. Fear isn’t your God or your maker, I AM!

The fears aren’t louder than my God, and last time I checked, God doesn’t share His throne. FEAR, YOU HAVE TO GO, NOW!

As 2 Timothy 1:7 says, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline."

Today, I refuse to fear. I refuse to align myself with the voices that are screaming for my attention. My purpose deserves it more. God qualified me. I’ve been given the stamp of His approval and that’s enough. I know He has thoughts toward me for hope and a good, bright future. All is well with me. I don’t know it all, but I’m carried and protected by the one who does. It is well! Fear, you have to go, NOW!