Fear not, or Do not be afraid is written in the Bible 365 times.

Frankly, though there are some days that I’m scared. I fear failure, criticism, and car wrecks. I’m scared of snakes, sharks, and the sea. Just to name a few.

Before 8 a.m. this morning, I was feeling overwhelmed, which is a fancy word for fear.

Saying I’m overwhelmed makes me sound busy and sophisticated when what I really want to do is crawl under the covers and hide.

Instead, I sat down in prayer to see why? (After all, there were no snakes or sharks to escape). But what I did find was a pile of sneaky lies slithering around in the shadows of my thoughts. Hissing and making me feel small, helpless, and alone.

I wrote them down. They probably aren’t that much different than your lies- the good old standbys. Your work isn’t good enough. He/she is smarter, better, more productive (fill in the blank) than you. You’re stupid. Etc.

I know they aren’t true, but still, they spew. And fill me up with poison sometimes. Then suddenly, I am very afraid.

So, this morning, I prayed.

Jesus, I’m afraid. Apparently, there is a fear note for each day of the year, but I need one for each minute, please. And since I am a big scaredy-cat, could you please teach me about fear so I don’t feel so dumpy?

This is what I heard,

Fear is a cause to pause. An invitation to stop and seek My way forward.

I thought about the circumstances in scripture when The Lord says, fear not. These are pivotal times when His people have paused to ask for direction and courage. They are taking big risks; facing their giants; going into battle; saying unpopular things; traveling into unchartered territory; and being persecuted for their faith.

Their fear makes them stop and ask, Lord, before we press on, is this really from You? And The Lord says to them 365 times, yes. It’s me. Or more precisely, don’t be afraid, I’m with you.

I suddenly realized the incredible value of fear.

It is not something to be ashamed of, ignored, or condemned. Rather it is a healthy emotion created by God. When we are scared, we slow down, become cautious, and pay attention.

It’s the perfect time to pray. Lord, is this thought true? Is it loving; is it You? Is it helping me or hurting me? Is it saving my skin or stopping me from stepping through my very best life? Is this You or is this the enemy?

Satan depends on our fear. That is precisely what he wants, for us to live in fear.

That’s exactly why we need to seek God vigilantly in our fear to learn where it is coming from.

But what does life look like with no fear at all?

To fear nothing? No cause for a pause to consider what God might be showing us? To never humble our hearts? To never ask God what is going on and where He wants us to go?

It looks like total self-indulgence.

It’s a good thing you and I don’t have to worry about that, right? Because we’re scared sometimes. And that is a good thing- a cause for a pause.