God talks a lot about fear in the Scriptures. He knows we struggle with fear in all areas of our lives. Constant fear leads to anxiety. And anxiety leads to trauma in the mind, body and soul.

The most scared I’ve ever been was living in an abusive relationship. I was ashamed that I’d been fooled and fallen in love. Ashamed with how I was coping and scared to death of being rejected by those I loved if I ever spoke the truth of what was going on. I didn’t want to let anybody down. I’d worked so hard to be a good Christian girl and thought the more I worked at it, the more God would love and bless me. Those were very dark days.

Fast forward two years, and everything has changed. God Himself rescued me and set me on a high rock. He took my fear and shame and continues making it into something beautiful and healthy and strong!

F-E-A-R has two meanings: “Forget Everything and Run” or “Face Everything and Rise.”--Zig Ziglar

Heavenly Father, with Your continued help, I choose to face everything and rise. When I took off my ‘everything’s okay’ mask and told the truth, You met me and showed me a better way. I’m learning that Your Perfect Love does cast out fear. I’m learning not to be afraid of what man says or thinks about me. I’m learning that in my brokenness, I am healed. And I’m learning that I am deeply, deeply loved. Amen.

He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out from the bog and the mire, and set my feet on a hard, firm path, and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, of praises to our God. Now many will hear of the glorious things He did for me, and stand in awe before the Lord, and put their trust in Him. Psalm 40:2-3