When I am Afraid, I?

Cyndi Pollard

When I am afraid, I become overwhelmed!  Paralyzed!

When I am afraid my mind and body signal me that something is wrong; that there’s a threat.

When I am afraid, I panic, and have real-time symptoms.

When I am afraid a wave envelopes me, I catch my breath, and another wave crashes over me; I feel like I am suffocating.

When I am afraid, sweat drenches my clothing; I tremble uncontrollably; I can’t still myself.

When I am afraid, I experience a rapid heartbeat (tachycardia), it takes over, and I am convinced that at any moment my heart is going to explode; or the pain and tightness persuade me that I am having a heart attack.

When I am afraid, in a panic, I look for a bin; I am so nauseous that at any moment I may….

When I am afraid dizziness, or a feeling like fainting engulfs me.

These symptoms are real, and can lead to confusion or disorientation; fear of losing control; dread, or fear of imminent death.

I encourage you to change the refrain!

When I am afraid, “I put my trust in You. In God whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid” (Psalm 56:3-4a, NIV). 

It is your choice; how will you respond?

In our current climate, the stage is set for panic to replace peace, anxiety to replace assurance, and fear to replace faith.

At the moment that imaginations grip your heart, your mind, and your body, may I encourage you to ask Him who had the power to heal the sick, feed the 5K, raise the widow’s son from the dead, calm the sea, deliver many from the hand of the enemy, and personally rise from the dead, to calm your greatest concern! 

You will find that when you practice this, that a new feeling will overwhelm you, that is, knowledge that you can fully rely on, and trust Jesus to be with you through anything.  “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you" (Deuteronomy 31:6, NIV).