Conquering Fear

“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” II Timothy 1:7

My husband posted this Bible verse above our bedroom door shortly after I was diagnosed. Fear can be the greatest side-effect of having cancer. Most of our fears can be boiled down to one: fear of the future. In our B.C. (Before Cancer) days, we had a happy illusion of a long life and so did not dwell on “what-ifs”. That all changes when a brilliant expert (aka: oncologist) looks you in the eye and tells you that you have an incurable disease. As Christians, we know that we need to trust God for our lives, but we still are not immune to panic attacks.  When I find myself subjected to a wave of fear, the best way to calm my spirit is to read the Psalms. I am reminded that all humans throughout history have been afraid, and that I am not alone. I am also reminded of how faithful God is, and how He always delivers and saves those who trust in Him. The Psalms sometimes bring immediate relief, but not always. Sometimes I have to use other approaches, like journaling about them, or forcing myself to think about the blessings of RIGHT NOW, as I repeat the words from God, “I have not given you a spirit of fear.” In order to live abundantly, we have to rise from our moment of despair and walk in faith, trusting in the One who is able to save. After all, we still have a beautiful day ahead of us to enjoy. And that is all that ANY of us has, cancer patient or not. Nobody is guaranteed thousands of tomorrows (except in eternity!). We only have THIS day. Let us take hold of what God has given us—power, love, and self-control—and cast away the spirit of fear.

Father God, forgive my lack of trust. Forgive me for allowing any spirit that is not from You to drive my emotions and my thoughts. I cast my fears away, Lord, and I ask that You would remove them from me as far as the east is from the west. My fears do nothing to bring You glory. Help me to replace them with thoughts and assurances of Your power, of Your great love for me, and of Your good plan for my life. In the name of Your son, Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.