“This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope.” – Lamentations 3:21
I remember one of my fears from childhood that continues to exist for me, diving into the deep end of a pool or being in water that would go over my head. What has helped me to have confidence to put myself into the position to use the swimming skills learned over time is the faith God has cultivated in me over the years. Every time I get ready to jump I have to remind myself that faith is often based on faithfulness having been exhibited from the past.
I found this thought echoed recently in a booklet I was reading entitled “Fear: Breaking Its Grip” by Lou Priolo. Priolo provides some guidelines for conquering crippling fear.
The author suggests:
“Meditate often on past occasions of God’s faithfulness to you in all of your past dangers and distresses, and anticipate God’s faithfulness being demonstrated in your present circumstances.” (p. 24)
Jesus reminds His followers to remember what He has done in the past and to trust Him. We also partake in communion to remember what Jesus did on our behalf. Our response is to believe and trust Christ’s death and resurrection is enough for us to live a free life in Christ, separated from the sin that has entrapped us.
If you are facing a situation that causes you fear, ask yourself:
What have you been through in the past?
What things have been overcome in your past?
Has there been any situation in your past that seemed impossible?
Taking time to reflect on past victories provides a basis to believe in the possibility of future victories. If you are in a “storm” in life or on verge of something unknown I encourage you to take a few minutes to remember how God has been faithful in your life and pray for God to help you trust Him as you “dive” in!
Priolo, Lou, Fear: Breaking Its Grip. (2009). Phillipsburg, PA: P&R Publishing Company.
