Fragile Fear

Fear is loud but fragile. It looks like control. It sounds like, “Don’t ask questions,” “Stay small,” “Earn your place.” I know that voice. For years, fear kept a leash on my decisions, my honesty, and my joy.

Here’s the truth: people who love you don’t use fear to manage and manipulate you. And Jesus never motivates with panic. Perfect love drives out fear—not with shame, but with presence.

Fear-based faith says, “Hide your flaws and try harder.” Jesus-led faith says, “Bring your whole broken heart; I’ll make you new.” Fear polices; love frees. Fear exhausts; love restores.

So what do we do when fear flares? We expose it to love. Name the fear. Breathe. Pray out loud: “Jesus, I choose Your love over fear.” Then take one small, courageous step the fear told you to avoid—send the text, ask the question, rest instead of overworking, tell the truth kindly.

You’re not failing because fear shows up; you’re growing when you refuse to obey it. Courage isn’t the absence of shaking hands; it’s trusting God with shaking hands, lifting them up to the one who can calm your heart and calm your situation.

God has given you power (you are not helpless), love (you are not alone), and a sound mind (you are not confused). That trifecta breaks fear’s fake authority.

Fill in the blank and act on it today: “Because God gives me power, love, and a sound mind, I will __________ instead of letting fear take control.”