When Fear Seems Overwhelming

Fear. Anxiety. Worry. It stalks me like an animal, just on the outskirts of my awareness, prowling on the edges of my safe, well-lit mind. Suddenly it rushes in, roaring with ferocity, gripping my heart over what I cannot control, whipping my emotions back and forth, seeking to tear me from the anchor of truth. After battle and wounds, it may retreat to the edges, waiting to attack again when my guard drops.

Bad news, whispered stories, concerns over the future, feelings of inadequacy with new roles, and I hear the rustling again in the periphery. Should I? What’s wise? How do I? What ifs begin to circle back, hunting, snapping, growling their refrain.

And if I stand in the clearing, trembling with the realization that fear surrounds me, if I wait for the onslaught, I assure my defeat.

But there is a tower, a refuge, a Door open, flung wide, where fear cannot enter and peace reigns supreme. The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe. Proverbs 18:10

I must run. It is my choice. This attack, this battle is not something that happens to me without my involvement. I am not passive in slaughter with no hope. You have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy. Let me dwell in your tent forever! Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings! ~Psalm 61:3-4

Confidently I run to the one place free of fear, free of clamor, free of all that wrecks my mind with whirling confusion. I run to the strong tower, set upon the hill, whose walls are secure, and the Door closes. Truly truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep...I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.~John 10:7,9 The entrance I desperately needed Jesus provided, his death swung wide access to the throne room of grace, the hiding place and refuge for my quaking spirit, that I may grow in confidence in Him. The fears hunting my heart, prowling for my soul, must flee.

He hems me in, enclosing me in the safety of who He is and who I have become as His redeemed. Psalms 139:5 promises His hand keeps us from before and behind. Nothing in the future and nothing from my past can threaten me as His child, safely hidden within His tower. He is the Door that guards my mind against worries, and the peace of His presence stills my quavering. The rest and calm He offers despite circling threats changes my mindset, and I long for more of Him.

I call on His name. Remembering who He is in moments when the battle feels overwhelming settles my worries and realigns my anxious thoughts. I choose to stand on His promises. I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.~ Job 42:2 You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word. Psalm 119:114.

To hope in His word, fully assured in His promises and the truth He offers, is the result of a heart hidden in His tower of grace.