Overcoming Fear and Doubt

I sat reading with my children, the age old classic, What Would Jesus Do? based on Charles M. Sheldon’s classic, In His Steps. I just love this simple tale of learning to live more selflessly by asking yourself what Jesus would do. The children’s version can get a bit corny, like when Claire debates with herself about whether or not she should give away her most cherished jump rope. She fears that she will never have fun again.

Sappy as it sounds, as I read those words, I felt the Spirit pricking my own heart about an issue of obedience that I too, am afraid of. An issue that I know intellectually – even experientially – that God has totally got under control yet I battle with doubt.

Later in the day, during a sibling squabble, I remind an errant child to remember our story from earlier in the day and ask herself what Jesus would do. Again my conscience is drawn to my own fears that I am alternately facing and cowering from.

From where does this doubt continue to rear its ugly head? Why am I so easily prone to believe the lie that I need to be in control? Where is my faith? I know that perfect love casts out all fear, and yet, I fear.

I am sad to say that overcoming fear and doubt is a constant, nearly daily, battle for me. Perhaps that is why Paul used the analogy of putting on the armor of God to resist the temptations that will surely come our way. This, motherhood, this marriage, this living as a daughter of the King, can be a scary business. Wonderful, joyful, deep and real, but also scary.

I take a step of faith to heed my conscience one day. Then, after thinking too long of ‘what ifs’, fear comes flooding in washing away all of my carefully reasoned confidences.

Yet morning comes with her mercies anew and I rise to face the battle once again.

Will I face my day with doubt or confidence? With fear {of man} or trust {in God}?

What do I want the story of my life to be about? What do I want my children to see as I walk with my Lord, the author and finisher of my faith. Surely their eyes look to me for an example of this faith walk.

And so I put on my armor and lift the sturdy, protective shield of faith. But today it is surprisingly light for I know that my Lord is with me bearing my burdens.

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

Everyday that I pick up my cross and lay my burdens at His feet, I discover yet again that His burden is indeed light, His yoke easy.

How far do I really think that I am going to get with my frail, human understanding?

Like a boat sailing off into the horizon that eventually sails out of sight, so it is with my own understanding. I can only see so far. Like the finite coming into contact with the infinite. The possibilities in Christ are endless.

After all, if God was small enough to understand, would He really be worth worshipping?

Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said:

“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.

What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?

If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”

Mark 8:31-38

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13 comments on “Overcoming Fear and Doubt”

Pamela on March 12, 2012 at 6:39 am said:

I love this book! As a teenager I would read it every year just to remind myself to be proactive in serving God. I love this sentence: “Everyday that I pick up my cross and lay my burdens at His feet, I discover yet again that His burden is indeed light, His yoke easy.” Pick up, lay down and discover! Beautiful.

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Marianne on March 12, 2012 at 8:48 am said:

Following the Lord really is a simple thing. Not easy but simple. Thanks for visiting!

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Lisa notes on March 12, 2012 at 8:02 am said:

“She fears that she will never have fun again.”

“An issue that I know intellectually – even experientially – that God has totally got under control yet I battle with doubt.”

Yes! I am in a battle there too. I believe, Lord; help my unbelief.

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Marianne on March 12, 2012 at 8:49 am said:

Somehow writing about this seems to help sort through some of the confusion. Hard to deny the truth when it is in black and white right in front of me. Blessings to you today!

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laura on March 12, 2012 at 8:02 am said:

Would you believe I have never read that book? There is even a board game based on it that I used to play with our tweens when I taught them at our church. But you have piqued my interest and now I am going to have to add it to the list!

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Marianne on March 15, 2012 at 9:10 am said:

Thanks for stopping by Laura. We’re reading Pilgrim’s Progress (for children) now. That is another good one. Do you know it?

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Sunshine on March 12, 2012 at 11:10 am said:

Fear and Trust… It’s definitely a dance that I struggle with.

Your post got me thinking…

I have to learn to trust in the Lord more! I love this life and all that He has provided me with…I just need to learn how to live without fear. Or at least, to not give into my fears and anxieties.

http://myhappilyeverafteragain.blogspot.com/2012/03/i-think-of-you-every-minute-of-every.html

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Amy on March 12, 2012 at 3:20 pm said:

I happened on that book at my public middle school library. It’s still a favorite all these years later–so inspiring. Would be a good idea to read it to my daughters:)

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Lisa on March 13, 2012 at 8:46 am said:

Love this post of yours as it captures so much of what the Lord has been teaching me lately. Thanks for sharing and for stopping by http://www.moretobe.com!

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Marianne on March 15, 2012 at 9:22 am said:

Thanks Lisa – so glad you were encouraged!

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kd sullivan on March 13, 2012 at 2:24 pm said:

I’ve never heard of this book, but I want to find out more about it now! I think all of us have to overcome fear and doubt. Every day. After all, don’t you think that trust is an ongoing process? Wise words. Thank you.

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Marianne on March 15, 2012 at 9:22 am said:

I do think that trust is an ongoing process. A whisper from the enemy, a rearing of self’s ugly head, walking by sight instead of faith – all trip us up. So thankful for God’s amazing grace!

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tanya @ truthinweakness on March 15, 2012 at 6:26 pm said:

thanks so much for the gift of your transparency, marianne. i can well relate to the daily, grueling battle with fear. but praise God He IS greater than our hearts. i just need to remember that His plans are never to harm me, but to offer me a future filled with the glorious hope of Himself.

blessings to you,
tanya

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