Fear is a common human emotion. Fear helps us to avoid dangers and to equip ourselves if we need to face an adverse situation. Having said this, it is important to not allow fear to become the driver of our lives — directing our every thought, feeling, and action. Every fear we have is not rational and often is a fabrication of our own minds. Most fears that we have never come true, some may or may not happen, and only a few show up. Unfortunately, some of us can live in constant fear of one thing or the other, despite it being unrealistic. Living in fear, whether real or imaginary, is sad and vexing. So, when we face fear — oflosing someone, losing a job, rejection by someone, failing in an endeavor, or fear of anything for that matter — what do we do?
Mystics and wise persons are known for their serenity in the face of frightening and adverse situations. Not that they are perfect and do not have fear at all but they know how to understand their fears and deal with them. “They know that it is all okay and will be finally okay, too!”[1] They tell us that we can stop running restless due to fear and to open ourselves to what life brings. Even if something is hard and frightening it does not mean it is bad. Often facing difficult times builds character strength and becomes a means of unique blessings that otherwise would have not been received. When we are afraid, we can remind ourselves that our lives are in the hands of God and that God treasures us in his Heart. One of my friends often says, “If I am in the heart of God, what can trouble me?” St. Teresa of Avila, the Carmelite mystic, offers a profound and time-tested perspective on how we can allow God to keep our hearts at peace. Listen to what she says:
Let nothing disturb you; / Let nothing frighten you. / Everything changes; / God alone is unchanging. / With patience all things are possible. / Whoever has God lacks nothing; / God alone is enough.[2]
One can sense intuitively the truth and power in the above words of Teresa. Mystics like Teresa always bring this message in some form: “Do not be afraid.”[3] When worried or afraid of the storms of life, if we allow our spiritual ears to hear, we can hear the voice of God telling us, “Fear not, it is I” (Jn. 6:20). In such union with God, we can go beyond our fears and experience courage and peace. For, whoever has God, needs to fear nothing.
John Baptist OFM Cap. | Pastoral Clinical Counselor | Pennsylvania, USA
[1] Center for Action and Contemplation, Let Nothing Frighten You
[2] Teresa of Avila, Let Nothing Upset You; Prayer of St. Teresa of Avila
[3] Center for Action and Contemplation, Let Nothing Frighten You
Fear is the mind killer....
ReplyDeleteYes, fear can cripple us.
DeleteThank you! Very insightful and poignant at this time as we transition.
ReplyDeleteTransition is a time of change, uncertainty, and fear. We need something that goes beyond all temporary changes; and, that is God.
DeleteThanks Adele for your honest sharing. Indeed the most strongest fears can be removed only by God.
ReplyDelete- JB
Thank you Fr. John. This is very helpful. Lisa M.
ReplyDeleteFather John, thank you for such an insightful article. I have known fear so many times in my life. Looking back, when I was younger, it took much thought to realize that it was the Lord that helped me and was by my side. I think that life, experience, wisdom, age and especially more knowledge about God held us realize that He is with us. But we still fear certain things in life despite the knowledge that God loves us. And we continue this way. If only we could be less fearful and stronger believers. God bless you for your words of inspiration. Barbara
ReplyDelete