Lessons on Fear and Trust

Fear vs trust – Which of the two should we choose?

After I wrote last week’s post on fear, God decided that it was time for me to learn a thing or two about fear and trust. I guess it was his way of saying, “You have to practice what you share!” I guess I did learn a couple of things on fear and trust this week. Check out what I learnt below!

Fear and trust cannot fit in the same space.

Fear is very opportunistic – it fits into every space in your mind and heart that you give it, no matter how small. This week I got into a matatu that had lots of carpeting inside it and few windows, making it quite stuffy. I am not good with small, unventilated spaces, so when the matatu door was closed to prevent other people from getting in (it had jumped the queue) I began to panic. “How will I breathe? There is no air!” was the first thing that came to mind. These thoughts flooded my mind in a matter of seconds. See how quickly fear crept in?

Proverbs 3:25-26 “You need not be afraid of sudden disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, for the Lord is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.” (NLT)

Trust, on the other hand, is developed over time, and only fits into spaces where it is welcomed. In most instances, we have to consciously decide to trust God rather than give in to fear. I know it may be hard to do so, especially when faced with emergencies, but the place of trusting God is the safest place to be. Moms with little children will tell you that taking a moment to trust God when rushing a baby with high fever to the hospital takes lots of discipline and effort!

The truth is, however, we cannot fear and trust at the same time, because they cannot both fit in the same space at the same time. You either choose to let fear take precedence and control your life or to trust in God and be completely at peace.

Fear and trust do not speak the same language

What language does fear speak? Fear tells us that we are powerless to do anything about the situations that we are in. Fear makes us look inside ourselves for strength to handle difficult and challenging circumstances. In short, fear makes us rely on ourselves, not on God.

Trust, however, speaks the language of total dependence on God. Trust reminds us that though we are weak and heavily laden, there is someone stronger than we are who is willing to take over our burdens. Trust also reminds us that we belong to God and that if we let him, he can take total control of our lives, leaving us with nothing to fear!

I love the way the Psalmist summarizes this thought…

Psalm 27:1 “The Lord is my light and my salvation—Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the refuge and fortress of my life— Whom shall I dread?” (AMP)

Fear tells you that you will never fulfill your purpose in life – trust tells you that God has a perfect plan for your life. Fear tells you that there is no way you will pay your bills at the end of the month – trust tells you that God will provide for your everyday needs. Fear tells you that the situation you are facing will continue to weaken and discourage you – trust tells you that if you depend on God, he will be your strength. Which of the two will you choose today – fear or trust?

Hi, everyone! Thank you for taking a moment to read this week’s article! Were you inspired or challenged by what you read? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below. Lastly, don’t forget to share this article with your friends. Have a great week!